What are the best foods to eat to lose weight?

• If you gain you are having more calories than you burn in a day and more carbohydrates than you need. When we look at food as filler or a snack, we tend to eat more than we need. However, if we look at food as energy or fuel (which is what it is), we can learn to eat only the amount we need. 

• Refined processed carbohydrates should be eliminated or strictly limited (apart from the occasional treat) if you are serious about wanting to lose weight. Refined processed carbohydrates are a major cause of unwanted weight gain, insulin resistance, obesity, and many other diet related diseases. Replace refined processed carbohydrates with 'fat burning foods and take full advantage of the thermic effect of fat burning foods. If you are unsure what these foods are, you will find a list of fat burning foods, a list of refined processed carbohydrates, and more about the thermic effect of foods, further down this page, listed under Related Questions. 

• Proteins: Everyone needs protein of some sort. Although meat is the most common form of protein, even vegetarians and vegans need protein. Beef is a great protein, but it should only be eaten in moderation if you are trying to lose pounds. This is because it tends to be higher in fat than other meats. Poultry and fish are both excellent foods to eat when you want to lose weight. 

• Nuts also provide protein, in a tasty package. They are actually good for you and can give you the healthy fats that you will still need to consume. Eggs and beans are also full of protein. 

• Fiber: This helps your colon remain clean and keeps food moving along. If you are seriously looking for foods to eat in order to lose weight, here are some crucial suggestions. Vegetables are often high in fiber; broccoli, cauliflower, zucchini, celery, and many other veggies are prime examples. If you get bored with the same vegetables every night, shake things up by making them into a casserole or stuffing peppers. 

• Do not bother with processed grains or white rice; these have next to zero nutritional value. Instead, go for whole grain foods (but not if you are counting carbohydrates). A sprinkling of bran would add an extra boost of fiber to those veggie muffins, as well. 

• Fruits can also provide fiber. Strawberries, apples, and oranges are well known for being rich in fiber. Fruits are some of the easiest foods to eat to lose weight - they are luscious and there are plenty of choices. If you choose to eat oranges, don't peel off all that white membrane surrounding the fruit. That part has the highest fiber content of all. If you are counting carbohydrates, go for low carbohydrate fruits such as berries.

• If you make the changes suggested on this page, you will find that your menu is always exciting. The best part will be losing weight as you enjoy these healthy foods. 

• Protein - it is a thermic food and it can actually help you get in shape quickly. Fiber/veggies - fibers are a very good food choice as they give minimal calories for good quantity of food. Therefore, you will have a filled feeling with fewer calories. Having some good carbs like wheat, oats in breakfast and after workout can help you replenish glycogen in muscle and keep you energetic for the workout and in turn you can burn more calories. But don't take much carbohydrate in non-active hours. 

• In summary, eliminate refined processed carbohydrates. Replace those foods with 'fat burning' foods. Eat a meal about every three waking hours (5 or 6 meals per day). You will not be eating more food; you will simply be spreading it throughout the day. Each of those five or six small feedings should contain at least 15 grams of an unprocessed fat burning food for a female or at least 20 grams an unprocessed fat burning food per feeding for a male. This will speed up your metabolism and help to curb any food cravings.

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