Diet programs that help control weight include a variety of healthy foods. Add a variety of colors to your plate and think of it as eating a rainbow. Dark leafy green vegetables, oranges and tomatoes - even fresh herbs - are rich in vitamins, fiber and minerals. Adding frozen peppers, broccoli or onions to stews and omelets can quickly and easily add color and nutrients.
According to the dietary guidelines for Americans 2020-2025, the food and nutrition in Europe diet plan:
Focus on fruits, vegetables, whole grains, skimmed or low-fat milk and dairy products
They include lean meat, poultry, fish, beans, eggs and nuts
The contents of saturated fat, trans fat, cholesterol, salt (sodium) and added sugar were low
Stay within your daily caloric requirements
The USDA's "my plate program" external icon can help you determine the food type and intake of different food groups while maintaining the recommended calorie limit. You can also download my food diary PDF icon to help record your diet.
Fruits
Fresh, frozen or canned fruit is a good choice. Besides apples and bananas, you can also try other fruits, such as mango, pineapple or kiwi fruit. When fresh fruit is out of season, try frozen, canned or dried fruit. Note that dried and canned fruits may contain added sugar or syrup. Choose canned water or fruit juice.
Prepare meals in containers containing cauliflower, carrots, rice or buckwheat noodles
Vegetables
Add herbs, such as rosemary, to baked or steamed vegetables. You can also saut é (panfry) vegetables in non stick pots with a small amount of cooking spray. You can also try frozen or canned vegetables as a side dish - you can eat them by microwave. Look for canned vegetables without salt, butter or cream sauce. To diversify, try a new vegetable every week.
Food rich in calcium
In addition to fat free and low-fat milk, consider low-fat and fat free yoghurt without sugar. They have a variety of flavors and are a good substitute for desserts.
meat
If your favorite recipe requires fried fish or crumbled chicken, try baking or barbecue to try a healthier change. You can even try dried beans instead of meat. Ask your friends and search the Internet and magazines for low calorie recipes - you may be surprised to find that you have a new favorite dish!
Comfortable food
Two images of macaroni and cheese, one with 540 calories and the other with 315 calories
A healthy diet is balance. You can enjoy your favorite foods, even if they are high in calories, fat or added sugar. The key is to eat every once in a while and balance it with healthy food and more physical activity.
Some general advice on comfort food:
Eat less. If you usually eat these foods every day, reduce them to once a week or once a month.
Take a small amount. If your favorite high calorie food is a chocolate bar, eat less, or just half a piece.
Try the low calorie version. Use low calorie ingredients or prepare food in different ways. For example, if your macaroni and cheese recipe includes whole milk, butter, and whole cheese, try remaking it with skimmed milk, less butter, low-fat cheese, fresh spinach, and tomatoes. Just remember not to increase your weight.