Food to Eat to Lose Weight

Whether it is for a New Year's Resolution, in preparation for the summer swimsuit season, or because of a doctor's recommendation, people everywhere are struggling to do their part to take off pounds.

When trying to lose weight, you normally concentrate on what you can not eat, rather than on what you should eat. Although dieting and watching caloric intake is a big part of losing weight, it is also important to remember that there eating some foods that can actually assist you in your weight loss efforts.

Fruit

Most people are aware that fruit is an excellent food to eat while dieting, but some are better than others. For instance, fresh fruit is always a better choice than canned fruit in light or heavy syrup. Top fruits for weight loss include grapefruit, melons, berries and peaches.

Sometimes fruit does not sound quite as appealing as an ice cream cone, but there are several tricks to make it more appealing. Mix berries with low-fat yogurt for a smoothie in the morning. Freeze grapes for a late-night frozen snack. Slice apples for easy snacking at work.

Vegetables

Vegetables not only are helpful for weight loss, but they are beneficial to your overall health. They are low in fat and calories and provide extra energy and fiber. As of 2007, only 11% of Americans were meeting the dietary guidelines for adequate vegetable intake.

Sneak vegetables into items you already enjoy eating. Try topping your pizza with mushrooms, peppers and onions, rather than fatty meats. Substitute lettuce for cheese on your sandwich at lunch. Eat a salad before dinner--it will actually cause you to consume a smaller portion of higher calorie foods.

Eggs

Surprisingly, eating eggs for breakfast was proven in a study by the Rochester Centre for Obesity in America to help limit caloric intake throughout the rest of the day. Eating eggs to start your day will help you to feel less hungry by lunchtime and eat a smaller amount for lunch. Do not fry eggs, and combine them with fruit or whole-grain toast for best results. As a bonus, eggs are high in healthy nutrients and Vitamins A, D and E.