When you want to lose weight, you should always do it in the healthiest and safest way. Fad diet pills and crash diets are often not safe because they often require you to eliminate entire food groups. When you want to lose weight, you still need to nourish your body with nutritious foods. That means eating a properly balanced diet. You need to develop a good weight loss meal plan for yourself.
First of all, you meal plan should be low in fat, sugar and salt. It should not include any processed foods in it because those are notorious for their high fat and salt content. It should contain foods from the four main food groups, but in various proportions.
“The Dietary Guidelines are designed to help Americans choose diets that will meet nutrient requirements, promote health, support active lives, and reduce chronic disease risks.” – http://www.health.gov/dietaryguidelines/dga95/9dietgui.htm
Vegetables and fruits should make up the biggest part of your meal plan. They are naturally low in calories and are extremely low in fat, so you can usually eat your fill without worrying about calories. They contain many micronutrients and antioxidants that help nourish the cells in your body in building up their immunity against diseases. In a typical meal, you should at least half of your plate with leafy green vegetables. If you eat salads, make sure that you do not drench it in a high-calorie salad dressing because that would defeat the purpose of your weight loss meal plan.
Your typical meal should also contain a few ounces of lean meats. Your body still requires protein to grow. Lean meats such as fish and poultry are a great source of protein without a high level of saturated fats. Fish like salmon, in particular, are also high in omega-3 essential fatty acids. That has benefits to your cardiovascular system and can lower the level of your bad cholesterol.
You need some carbohydrates in your diet, but those carbs need to be complex carbs. Whole grains are the best choice to make. Avoid processed grains that have the good part of the grain stripped out. White bread and pasta are not as nutritious as whole grain breads and pasta. Therefore, make the switch to whole grains to add healthy carbs to your diet.
Dairy products should also be included because you need a rich source of calcium. Switch to low-fat milk and yogurts.
“Foods made from milk that retain their calcium content are part of the group. Foods made from milk that have little to no calcium, such as cream cheese, cream, and butter, are not.” – http://www.choosemyplate.gov/food-groups/dairy.html
It is advisable that you consult with your doctor or a nutritionist to develop a weight loss meal plan that is ideal for your weight loss goal. You should get a comprehensive physical exam before you go on any type of diet or exercise program that leads to a change in your lifestyle. The bottom line is that you want the safest and healthiest approach possible when you want to lose weight.
A well-designed meal plan can include many of your favorite foods. Just make sure that you eat them in moderation. You can even have the occasional decadent dessert if you limit your consumption to just a small portion. You don’t have to deny yourself of your favorite foods; just consume them in moderation.