Best foods

How to Eat the Best Foods for Weight Loss

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In order to attain the best fat loss (and health) results, it’s best to stick to foods that are as close to their natural state as possible. The problem with fast food or packaged meals and snacks is that they are highly processed and contain chemicals, preservatives, excess sodium and are often packed with saturated fat and sugar. When the goal is to lose fat, sometimes people focus on the quantity of what they are eating more than on the quality and types of food they are putting in our mouths. In all reality, up to 80% of successful results in weight loss depends on diet alone. While food quantity is definitely important, fat loss results will almost certainly plateau if the wrong foods are being consumed.

Steps

1. Choose the right CARBOHYDRATES. Whole grain and whole wheat pasta, brown rice, rolled oats, potatoes and sweet potatoes, cream of wheat, 100% whole wheat bread, beans and legumes, fruits such as berries, apples, and melons, and veggies are all carbs that are unprocessed and retain all of their natural nutrients and fiber. They won’t spike blood sugar and will be used more efficiently for energy instead of fat storage!
2. Choose the right PROTEINS. As with carbs, protein that is unprocessed is always best. Also, some protein can be high in saturated animal fats which should be highly avoided. Lean protein that is close to its natural state includes skinless chicken breast, skinless turkey breast, pork tenderloin, white fish and salmon, shellfish, lean beef (loin or round), egg whites, and low fat cottage cheese. Whey protein powder is also a great way to consume lean protein.
3. Choose the right FATS. Anything natural and unsaturated is the way to go. It’s best to stick to Monounsaturated and Polyunsaturated fats such as olive oil, flax seed oil, avocado, nuts and seeds, and natural nut butters.
4. Drink a lot of WATER and avoid calorie and sugar loaded drinks like soda and juice. Drinking COLD water will actually increase your metabolism more than water kept at room temperature
5. When consuming DAIRY products, make sure they are LOW SUGAR, LOW FAT or FAT FREE such as skim milk, low fat cheeses, low sugar yogurts (try Greek Yogurt), and low fat butter (try spray butters)
6. Go easy on SUGAR. Try not to add table sugar to any of your food, try natural sweeteners like Stevia, Truvia, all natural honey, small amounts of all natural maple syrup
7. Go light on SALT. Try not to add salt to your food, avoid processed and fried foods
8. Use SPICES to flavor your food. Spices such as chili powder, cinnamon, garlic, ginger, and parsley have all natural fat burning effects

Tips

• Prepare food ahead of time so you always have something healthy available if you are in a hurry
• If you are craving something like pancakes or pie, try to make a healthy version.
• Try to eat 4 to 5 small meals per day to keep metabolism running strong
• Keep healthy snacks at your desk at work

Related wikiHows

• How to Dieting for Weight Loss

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