It might sound strange but one of the best places to lose weight and get in shape is right at your local grocery store. That’s right. Buy the best diet foods and put them in your menu throughout the week and you’re on your way to a lean, healthy body. This list can help:
1. Almonds; This all purpose nut is a great addition to anyone’s diet. It offers many health benefits such as Vitamin E, high in monounsaturated fat which can help lower your LDL cholesterol levels, it’s gluten free so it can be used in baking by anyone who is sensitive to gluten. Many people have also found that it helps with their complexion as well as help your digestive track and even the prevention of certain types of cancers.
2. Oatmeal; Turns out Grandma was right, oatmeal is good for you. It is a great source of complex carbohydrates and fiber which have been shown to help lower your cholesterol levels. As a matter of fact, the FDA has even allowed packaging that contains a notice that says oatmeal when combined with a low fat diet can help reduce your risk of coronary disease. Oatmeal also has higher levels of vitamin B than other kinds of porridge.
3. Low Fat and Fat Free Dairy Products; Everyone knows that too much fat in your diet isn’t good for you. But you still need dairy products. So try the low fat or fat free versions of your favorite dairy products such as: cheese, sour cream, milk, cream cheese and yogurt; they still taste great and they’re better for you. By lowering your fat intake you can help lowers your LDL cholesterol levels and help prevent or reduce the risk of: heart disease, high blood pressure, obesity, thyroid disease, prevent bone loss during menopause, prevent migraines to name just a few.
4. Lean Meat; Lean meat is defined by the USDA as: a three oz portion that has less than 10 grams total fat, 4.5 grams of saturated fat, and 95 milligrams cholesterol. Lean meat is a great source of protein and B vitamins. Look for skinless chicken breast, turkey, and beef cuts that have the names “loin” or “round” in them. Also pork products with “loin” or “leg” in the name. Cook your lean meat by baking, grilling, broiling or roasting.
5. Egg; Don’t listen to those that would tell you not to eat eggs because of the cholesterol. Eggs are loaded with vitamins and protein. Some of the vitamins you’ll get from eggs: vitamin A, vitamin D, vitamin E, vitamin B6, vitamin B12 as well as riboflavin, folic acid, iron, calcium, phosphorous and potassium. Vitamins A, D and E are found in the yolk so forget about only eating the whites. I would recommend, however, that you buy only eggs from organic, free range chickens. The reason is that chickens that aren’t free range are fed a ton of chemicals to help them lay more eggs, every time you eat an egg you’ll be eating the chemicals too. Yuck!
6. Fruits; Fruits are generally high in fiber, water and vitamin C as well as satisfy your sweet tooth. You could eat it plain or with cereal, yogurt, or waffles. Just remember to eat fruit instead of fruit juice, which contain sugar and part of its nutrient lost in the process. A simple and easy to get example is apple which is high in antioxidant, and reduce the risk of colon cancer, prostate cancer and lung cancer. Another example would be banana, which is high in potassium to sodium content and may prevent high blood pressure and its complications.
7. Olive Oil; Olive Oil is used for primarily for cooking while extra virgin Olive Oil is used more for salad dressings and cold food. Olive oil has a high amount of monounsaturated fat which is proven to help lower your risk of heart disease. Olive oil has been shown to also have anti-inflammatory properties and also help with high blood pressure.
8. Vinegar; Vinegar is an acidic liquid processed from the fermentation of ethanol in a process that yields its key ingredient, acetic acid. There are many types of vinegar which is includes malt, wine, apple, rice, coconut, etc. Multiple trials indicate that taking vinegar with food increases satiety (the feeling of fullness) and so, reduces the amount of food consumed. Use them in place of oil, mayonnaise, or butter in recipes.
9. Ginger Ale; This ginger flavored carbonated drink has the lactose and probiotics, similar to what you’d find in yogurt. These properties can help regulates your digestive system to keep you regular and avoid constipation. It’s also been used to alleviate upset stomachs, motion sickness, sore throats, and coughs.
10. Sprouted Grain Breads; Letting the grains soak until they sprout allows the enzymes in the grain to convert some carbohydrates and fats into vitamins, amino acids, and minerals. Because of this sprouted grain breads have higher levels of these vitamins and minerals than ordinary bread. Since it isn’t as refined as other breads, including stone ground wheat bread, it doesn’t have as big of an impact on blood sugar levels.
By implementing some of these diet foods into your menu on daily basis and following a smart diet plan you can have a lean, healthy body in no time at all.
