Good Weight Loss Diet Plans

We all know that a diet for weight loss should include plenty of fruits and vegetables. Such foods are low in calories and rich in antioxidants and vitamins. However, this is just one small part of an overall diet for healthy weight control. There are several food groups that contribute to that growing belly so many of us have. Avoiding certain items while replacing them with healthy substitutes is a simple and effective way to lose weight as part of a balanced diet with regular exercise.

Low-Fat

• Foods that are high in fat are generally high in calories. Eat low-fat foods to slim down. Ultimately, the number of calories you consume in relation to the number of calories you burn each day will determine how much weight you lose or gain. Skip the hamburgers, bacon, whole milk and cheese. Try low-fat alternatives like turkey burgers, tofu, skim milk and reduced-fat cheese.

Low-Carbohydrate

• Simple carbohydrates convert immediately to sugar in the body, and these sugar molecules are then stored as a fat deposit if not burned off during daily activities. Eating too many simple carbohydrates are the main cause for flabby stomachs and weight gain. Avoid pasta, potato chips, french-fries, white bread and sugary cereals. These foods give you a short energy boost before the sugar molecules get converted into fat. Once this happens, you are likely to feel sluggish and hungry once again. Watch what you drink as well. Sweet beverages like soda, juice, special coffee combinations and milkshakes all have excess sugar which is soon converted into excess fat in the body. Drink as much water as possible instead. Consuming plenty of water facilitates weight-loss.

Healthy Fats and Carbohydrates

• It goes without saying that you should not eat fatty foods high in carbohydrates like cake, hot-dogs and cookies. However, not all fats and carbohydrates are bad for you. For instance, Omega 3 Fatty Acids are an important nutrient. Eat salmon and tuna as healthy sources of Omega 3 Fatty Acids. Nuts like cashews and almonds are also a good snack. They are high in fat, but rich in protein which provides sustained energy and muscle-building amino acids. You can also consume complex carbohydrates as your primary source of energy. Complex carbohydrates do not convert as rapidly into fat deposits. They take longer to break down, giving you more energy and allowing your body the necessary time to burn off the calories. Eat brown rice, whole-grain bread and pasta, and oatmeal. These foods will fill you up without packing on extra pounds.