Hydrate: Drink lots of water

Water is the central component of your diet and staying hydrated is the key to achieving a healthy mind and body. It helps flush out toxins and other body wastes; even helps you in making smart food choices. Drink at least 50 – 80 oz (roughly about 2 liters) of water every day.

Healthy Proteins

Diet or no diet, vegetarian or non-vegetarian, proteins are a set of highly essential nutrients for the body. They are the basic building blocks for the body and the source of energy for the body to keep going. Food items like beans, nuts, tofu, peas, seeds and soy products are healthy sources of proteins.

Black beans, kidney beans, garbanzos, lentils and navy beans are good options for proteins.

Water is the central component of your diet and staying hydrated is the key to achieving a healthy mind and body. It helps flush out toxins and other body wastes; even helps you in making smart food choices. Drink at least 50 – 80 oz (roughly about 2 liters) of water every day.

Nuts: Almost all nuts are good sources of proteins. However, consuming walnuts, almonds, pistachios and pecans are commendable.

Soy Products: Soymilk, tofu, tempeh and veggie burgers are some other good sources.

Healthy Snacking

Healthy eating is not just about having a balanced diet at a pre-designated hour; it is also about having the right foods in-between meals. Include snacks like wholesome cereal bars, fresh or dried fruits, low-fat yogurts, whole meal pita or hummus and rice cakes in your day-to-day diet plans.

Cheat Meals

Being on a diet does not necessarily mean that you need to skip all your favorite foods. In fact, consuming a well-structured cheat meal can even help you trudge up that slope of weight loss. Compose a smart cheat meal that is well balanced with higher levels of calories and carbs than your regular meal.

Fresh vs. Packaged Foods

Pass that section of canned and packaged foods sections in the supermarket and move towards the periphery of the store to get your daily dose of fresh vegetables. The fresh produce is natural, minus the extra serving of preservatives, salt or sugar while packaged foods invariably contain all of these.

Eating the “Right” Amount of “More”

You can keep a check on your diet as well as your weight loss plans even if you eat more! Confused? Including the right type of more is the key here. Consume whole-grain foods, foods rich in water content and low-fat foods while limiting on the amount of sugar and its derivatives.

Vegetables

Include lots of greens, colorful vegetables and fruits in your diet. They are low in calories and rich in nutrients like vitamins, minerals, fiber and antioxidants.

Carbs and Whole Grains

Healthy fiber and carbohydrate sources, particularly whole grains, beans, fruits and vegetables, provide you with long-lasting energy. The whole grains are rich in antioxidants and phytochemicals, offering protection against diabetes and heart diseases.

Portion Control and Timing

Diet control plans for most people often means an all or none proposition, however the key to any healthy diet is moderation. Do not classify your indulgences as off-limits (doing that fuels your cravings) and limit your portion sizes as a start. Timing is another key to achieving a healthy diet regime – eat the right foods in the right quantity at the right time!

Necessary and Healthy Fats

Although most often perceived as weight inducing elements rather than weight-reducing ones, fats are necessary to nourish your heart, mind and cells. Include good fats like monounsaturated and polyunsaturated fats (omega-3 and omega-6 fatty acids) in your diet, while cutting down on the consumption of saturated and trans fats. Some natural sources of fat include plant oils (peanut, olive, canola), nuts, avocados, fish, corn and soyabean.