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What should I eat when I'm on a weight-loss plan?

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  1. Dr. Michael Roizen
     
    Dr. Michael Roizen answered:
    You want to eat foods with fiber, healthy fats (monounsaturated and polyunsaturated), whole-grain carbohydrates, protein, as well as fruits and vegetables. Eat a little healthy fat before you meal (like one handful of nuts) to allow the satiety signal to go from your brain to your stomach, so you don't overeat during your meal.

    Eat fiber in the morning to help control afternoon cravings. Staying hydrated is important, and remember to drink a glass or two of water before you eat. Your perception of hunger signals may actually be thirst signals.

    Finally, eat anti-inflammatory foods to help counteract the effects of obesity, like green tea, omega-3 fatty acids (found in fish and walnuts), coffee, vegetables, and fruit.
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    More Related Answers from Dr. Michael Roizen
    You want to eat foods with fiber, healthy fats (monounsaturated and polyunsaturated), whole-grain carbohydrates, protein, as well as fruits and vegetables. Eat a little healthy fat before you meal (like one handful of nuts) to allow the satiety... More
  2. UnitedHealthcare
     
    UnitedHealthcare answered:

    When choosing food for weight loss, select ones that are controlled in calories, contain protein, fiber and a little healthy fat so it fill you up and keep you satisfied until your next meal.

    When you are eating, take a few minutes to enjoy what you are eating, eat it slowly and mindfully. Take snacks out of large containers, place them on small plates and pay attention to the taste and flavors to maximize your eating enjoyment.

    For a list of healthy recipes that will get you through from morning until night, go to http://www.uhc.com/source4women/healthy_recipes.htm.

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    More Related Answers from UnitedHealthcare
    When choosing food for weight loss, select ones that are controlled in calories, contain protein, fiber and a little healthy fat so it fill you up and keep you satisfied until your next meal. When you are eating, take a few minutes to enjoy what you... More
  3. Ruth Frechman
     

    Simply said: Less than you are eating now. Eating less food will help you lose weight, but you also want to be healthy. For healthy weight loss, eat plenty of fruits and vegetables. They are low in calories, high in nutrients, and filling. Follow the MyPlate guidelines. Eat a little protein. Eat a small amount of carbohydrate. Include a source of calcium and make half your plate fruits and vegetables. Eating the MyPlate way is a natural way to lose weight and be healthy.

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    More Related Answers from Academy of Nutrition and Dietetics
    Simply said: Less than you are eating now. Eating less food will help you lose weight, but you also want to be healthy. For healthy weight loss, eat plenty of fruits and vegetables. They are low in calories, high in nutrients, and filling. Follow... More
  4. Susan Retzlaff - NASM Elite Trainer
     

    What you eat should be what you like if you stay within the healthy food guidelines such as eating whole grains instead of processed flours, lean meats like chicken, fish, and reducing the fattier red meats. You want  to increase your intake of fruits and vegetables and cut back on fats and sugars. Your body needs a certain amount of fat, but stay away from trans fats in chips, crackers, etc. and use olive oil ( a healthy fat high in OMEGA 3). Making small changes in food choices can make big differences…for example, one can of soda is approximately 150-160 calories, cutting back or substituting flavored water can make a big difference  in your caloric intake. Diluting your fruit juices with water also reduces calories.

    But, equally as important as what you eat is portion size. When you portion out your plate, half should be vegetables, one quarter proteins, and the last quarter whole grain starches. (Whole grains will keep you fuller longer)  So, try to pick healthy foods, cut back on portion size, eat slowly (for better digestion) and enjoy your food!

     

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    More Related Answers from Susan Retzlaff - NASM Elite Trainer
    What you eat should be what you like if you stay within the healthy food guidelines such as eating whole grains instead of processed flours, lean meats like chicken, fish, and reducing the fattier red meats. You want  to increase your intake of... More