Good Foods to Eat to Lose Weight

Eating wholesome food is a cornerstone of any successful diet plan. Good choices include whole grains, fresh produce and lean meats. Foods that are processed or are high in sugar, saturated fats and starches should be avoided when trying to lose weight. A combination of healthful eating and regular exercise will increase your overall energy, which also contributes to weight loss.

Whole Grains

• Whole grains are an important part of a healthy diet and eating several servings a day will aid in weight loss. Whole grains provide nutritious fiber, which helps clean the intestinal tract, removing accumulation of wastes. Small changes that can be made immediately to get more whole grains in your diet include switching from processed white bread to whole wheat or whole grain breads. Eat brown rice instead of white and fix yourself a breakfast of whole grain cold or hot cereal in the morning.

Fruits and Vegetables

• Along with providing plenty of vitamins, minerals and antioxidants, a diet rich in fresh fruits and vegetables also provides fiber. Along with intestinal cleansing properties, fiber contributes to the feeling of fullness. If you need a snack in the middle of the day, try eating a piece of whole fruit or raw vegetables instead of an energy-draining sugary snack.

  Fruits and vegetables do not have saturated fats, but they can yield a high carbohydrate count, which is why some diets tend to limit their consumption. It's important to eat fresh fruits and vegetables for overall health so don't eliminate them. Limit certain vegetables that have a high starch content, such as potatoes, corn and peas, to a smaller role in your diet plan. Eat plenty of leafy greens, beans and legumes. Consume fresh, whole fruits instead of juices, which can contain quite a bit of sugar.

Lean Meat

• When trying to lose weight, it's important to stay away from meats that are high in saturated fats or overly processed. A hamburger that is made with lean meat is OK. A hamburger made with lean meat that is then topped with bacon, two types of cheese and a mayonnaise-based sauce is not. Stick to skinless chicken breasts and lean cuts of beef and pork such as sirloin and tenderloin. Fish can be eaten liberally, but bake or poach the fish instead of frying.

Dairy

• It's easy to switch from whole to low- or non-fat options when it comes to dairy products. Limit your cheese consumption to hard cheeses such as cheddar and low-fat cottage cheeses. Avoid the full-fat soft cheeses such as brie. Low- or non-fat milk and soy yogurts are good options for dairy when on a weight-loss plan.