We have all heard that you become what you eat. Everything you put into your mouth has an effect. The effect could be weight gain or quick weight loss; clear or fuzzy thinking; clear or acne-prone skin; hormone health or disease; high energy or fatigue – you get the picture.

In fact, when it comes to quick weight loss, the number of calories you eat is not as important as the quality of the foods you eat. Processed foods, sugar, and salt, all tend to cause fat to stay on your body. When you give your body the nutritious food it craves, the fat will come off much more easily.

Most people love to eat, and want to eat in a healthy way. The trouble is that certain foods are delicious and addictive – think of your favorite chocolate chip cookie or that buttered popcorn at the theatre. It’s hard to stop! The answer to this addiction is a deliberate decision to eat more and more of the foods that will enhance your health. If you keep it up, you will notice positive changes in your health. You will feel better physically and mentally, your cravings will lessen, and you will shed pounds more easily!

Here is a rundown of the best foods for weight loss and for glowing health.

Whole Grains

It is best to eat 6 ounces of grains each day. Use whole grains and avoid white flour products. Eat whole-grain breads, cereals, crackers, and pasta and brown rice. Once you start you will love these whole grains.

Vegetables

Try for 2 ½ cups of veggies every day. Dark vegetables are especially high in beneficial nutrients, as are the red ones.

Also try to eat more ‘dry’ beans like kidney beans, pinto beans, and peas.

Fruits

Have 2 cups of fruit daily, and try to eat a variety to get all the nutrients available. Fruit juices are good but tend to be high in calories.

Dairy Products

Milk and other dairy products are great for delivering important calcium to your system. The milk goal for adults is 3 cups, and 2 to 8 cups for children. Fat-free or low-fat dairy products are desirable. If you can’t tolerate dairy, use the lactose-free items.

Meat and Protein Foods

Five ounces of lean protein each day is the ideal goal. If you broil or bake your meat you will lessen your consumption of animal fat, which can cause health problems. Stay away from fried food and trim the fat from meat cuts before you cook it.

Eat a variety of meats and also include plenty of other protein-rich foods like fish, beans, and nuts in your diet.

More Tips

When preparing your food, avoid using solid fats like butter, lard, and margarine. Use olive oil, canola oil, or cooking sprays whenever you can.

Watch your sodium intake. Use less and less table salt, and use less salt in your cooking recipes. Eventually you may find you don’t need it, especially if you substitute herbs when seasoning your foods.

Try to avoid prepared and convenience foods, but if you do buy them, take the responsibility to check the nutrient labels, and especially check for sodium, trans fats, and cholesterol.

When you make the effort to choose your foods wisely and to eat only as much as you need, you will take an important step toward being in charge of your health and vitality, and your weight! And if you are looking for a quick weight loss plan with the best results, choose one that adheres to a balanced and nutritious list of foods.