The Best Healthy Foods for Weight Loss

When trying to lose weight, diet is one of the most important aspects. While you don't always have to strictly limit the foods that you eat, you do need to eat healthy foods for weight loss, avoiding most junk foods. You can do this best by shopping mostly in the outside aisles in the supermarket--it's the inside aisles that usually contain unhealthy foods. Eat right for weight loss and you'll see the pounds naturally come off.

Fresh Produce

Fresh fruits and vegetables form the basis of a healthy diet. Vegetables are so low in calories that you can usually eat as many as you want and still lose weight. Fruits often provide a healthy, portable, snacking solution.

Choose dark green lettuce for your salads over iceberg, which has fewer vitamins. Spinach is also a powerhouse of nutrition, giving you lots of iron and vitamin C. Throw a handful into a fruit smoothie for a healthy breakfast; you won't taste the spinach, but you'll enjoy its healthy benefits. Apples, bananas and oranges make for good snacking. Be sure to carry them in your bag wherever you go so you always have something handy when you are hungry.

Lean Proteins

Protein is essential to build muscle, but a lot of the protein from animal sources is also high in fat. Instead, choose chicken or fish and bake it rather than frying.

Vegetarian sources of protein--beans and tofu--are also an excellent choice for lean protein. If you incorporate a few vegetarian meals into your weekly meal plan, you'll save calories and money.

Whole Grains

Refined grains, such as white rice and white bread, have been stripped of their nutrition. Switch to whole grain alternatives, which are healthier. Some dieters may find that it's difficult to get used to the taste of whole grains. If this is the case for you, ease yourself into the transition. Prepare meals made with half whole grains and half refined grains, or alternate between whole and refined grains. As time goes on, you'll be able to increase the amount of whole grains that you eat.

Healthy Snacking

Snacking is important to help you stick to your diet, but you should avoid the traditional snacks such as chips, chocolate and cake. Instead, find healthy and low-calorie alternatives.

If you prefer salty snacks, try eating vegetables and whole wheat pita with hummus or a creamy dip made from cottage cheese, garlic and dill. Those who prefer sweets should stick with fruits. Make a big fruit salad at the beginning of the week so you always have a nice mixture on hand. Yogurt can be another healthy snack for those that enjoy sweet treats, but be sure to purchase the kinds that don't have a lot of sugar. Always check nutrition labels.