When you’re looking to increase your protein consumption, you want to focus on lean sources of protein. This includes things such as chicken breast and lean beef. Lean protein sources exclude items such as beef or pork, which have more saturated fat.In addition to helping you build muscle, protein is actually harder for our body to digest, meaning that we burn more calories in trying to do so. This is referred to as the “thermic effect of food.” Since our body has to work harder to digest lean protein, we end up storing fewer usable calories than if we eat carbohydrates or fat.

Lean Protein

Fish, like chicken breast or lean beef, is a high-protein food that is overall low in fat. While certain fishes, such as salmon, are fattier, these contain healthful fats similar to those found in nuts. The fat in fish also provides other nutrients to the body, such as Omega-3 fatty acids. These fatty acids may help reduce the risk of cardiovascular disease, glaucoma, and various mental health disorders, such as depression and dementia.Fish can also be a great protein source for individuals who follow a plant-forward, Mediterranean, or pescatarian diet.

Fish

Nuts have plenty of healthy fats called polyunsaturated and monounsaturated fats and fiber. These nutrients help to provide satiety after a meal and keep dieters full longer.In addition to keeping you full, nuts have also been shown to help improve your health. One study found that nuts helped improve blood glucose control, weight control, and heart health.It’s important that when you are eating nuts, you do so in moderation. The American Heart Association recommends that you consume about four servings of unsalted nuts per week.

Nuts 

Whole grain products are less refined than their counterparts, meaning that they have more nutrients in them. Whole grains provide the body with fiber, which helps keep you feeling full longer and promotes satiety. Fiber can also help lower cholesterol and prevent blood clot formation.These foods also help the body to maintain a steady blood glucose level, which is important for all dieters but especially crucial for those with pre-diabetes or diabetes. These foods also supply the body with various vitamins and minerals, such as iron, Vitamin B, magnesium, zinc, copper, and antioxidants.

Whole Grains

Legumes are a category of vegetable and include items such as green peas, beans, chickpeas, and lentils.According to the American Diabetes Association, regular intake of legumes can lower your risk of type 2 diabetes and improve blood glucose control for those who have already developed this disease. They have also been shown to improve heart health, and research shows that they may improve weight control, which is key for dieters.Some legumes, such as chickpeas and beans, can also serve as a great source of lean protein who are looking to follow a more plant-based, vegetarian, or vegan diet.

Legumes

Greek yogurt has twice as much protein as regular yogurt, which we’ve already seen is very helpful for those individuals who are dieting. Additionally, greek yogurt has fewer carbohydrates than its regular counterpart.Greek yogurt also provides your body with probiotics, which can help to improve gut health and reduce bloating.When looking for greek yogurt, be sure to choose one that is lower in sugar to prevent the intake of unnecessary calories. Go for an unsweetened yogurt if possible, and add your own toppings such as berries or nuts to give it more flavor.

Greek Yogurt

As we have noted, fiber is an extremely important nutrient for dieters. It can help improve blood glucose stability and improve heart health, all while keeping you full and satisfied after meals. Berries, like nuts and whole grains, are high in fiber. In addition, berries provide our bodies with antioxidants, which are substances that can help prevent cell damage.It is best to consume antioxidants in whole foods rather than supplements, so go ahead and add some berries into your day!If you are still not convinced, check out these other benefits that fresh or frozen berries can provide.

Berries

When looking to start a healthy diet, it can be a bit overwhelming. There are so many diet foods to choose from, and the media gives us mixed messages about which foods are healthy constantly. Luckily, a registered dietitian is here to quickly break down the best diet foods for dieters looking to lead a healthy lifestyle. Moreover, I’ll also provide some ideas on how to simply and easily incorporate these foods into your diet.

Healthy Diet 

Kale and spinach are high in Vitamins A, E, C, and K. Other dark leafy greens such as broccoli and mustard greens are high in many of the B-vitamins.Dark leafy greens also provide a high level of antioxidants, which, help prevent cell damage. Antioxidants have been known to help prevent osteoporosis and inflammatory diseases. These greens are also low in calories and carbohydrates, which is helpful for those looking to slim down.

Dark Leafy Greens

There are so many healthful foods that many of us are already eating in our daily lives. If you are not eating some of these foods, it is so easy to start!If you’re looking for something a bit simpler, don’t be afraid to grab a handful of nuts as a snack or make some oatmeal for breakfast in the morning. These foods will help keep you full and provide your body with many of the nutrients it needs to help your diet on track.

Conclusion 

If you are looking to start a diet while maintaining a healthy lifestyle, it’s not difficult. 

Which diet foods are the best for you? In this article, a registered dietitian will break down the 8 best diet foods for a healthier body.

Dark Leafy Greens

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