Meats, fruits & Vegeatables to Make you Lose Weight

Excessive weight is a major U.S. public health issue. Obesity has been linked to many medical conditions, including diabetes and cardiovascular diseases. The first step toward weight loss and better health can be as simple as a dietary change.

Significance

• A 2009 study published in the Journal of Medicinal Food indicates that low-calorie diets with high protein content or containing legumes are more effective for weight loss than normal low-calorie diets.

Benefits

• Meats provide protein and iron; fruits and vegetables provide vitamins and minerals, and assist weight loss by making you feel full with fewer calories than similar volumes of other foods.

Meats

• The best meats for weight loss are low in fat (at least 80 percent lean), low in calories and low in cholesterol, but high in protein and iron. Fish, game and white meats usually are preferable

Fruits

• Plain fruits can replace higher-calorie options in every meal, including snacks. Whole fruit is usually better than juice or juice drinks, because the fiber it contains helps you feel full.

Vegetables

• Vegetables are most beneficial prepared with fat-free or low-fat cooking techniques, and without high-calorie or high-fat accompaniments

Important Considerations

• The key to weight loss is substitution. Eat lean meats, fruits and vegetables instead of other high-calorie foods--not in addition to it