Eat protein, vegetables, and fat
Aim to include a variety of foods at each meal. To balance your plate and help you lose weight your meals should include a protein source, fat source, and vegetables.*ProteinEating a recommended amount of protein is essential to help preserve your health and muscle mass while losing weight. Generally, an average male needs about57-92grams per day, and the average female needs47-79grams per day, but many factors influence protein needs.Here are guidelines to help you figure out how much protein to eat without eating too much:
9g/kgof body weight
11.3g/kgof body weight for people 60 and older
52g/kgbody weight for athletes
*Vegetables
Don’t be afraid to fill your plate with leafy green vegetables. They are packed with nutrients and you can eat very large amounts without taking on too many calories and carbohydrates. All vegetables are nutrient-dense and healthy foods to add to your diet, but some vegetables like potatoes, sweet potatoes, winter squash, and corn are higher in carbohydrates. These vegetables are considered complex carbohydrates because they contain fiber, but you should keep portion size in mind when adding these vegetables to your plate.
*Healthy Fats
Your body still needs healthy fats no matter what eating plan you choose. Olive oil and avocado oil are great options to add to your diet. Nuts, seeds, olives, and avocados are also delicious and healthy additions. Other fats like butter and coconut oil should be used sparingly due to their higher saturated fat content.