Nutrition for weight loss how does it work
Diet for weight loss usually involves a combination of healthy and balanced meals, where you consume fewer calories than you burn. Here are some general nutrition guidelines for weight loss:
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Calorie intake: To lose weight, you must burn more calories than you consume. This can be achieved by reducing your calorie intake. It's important to maintain a healthy calorie deficit, usually around 500 to 1,000 calories per day, depending on your needs and goals.
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Healthy foods: Choose foods that are rich in nutrients and fiber, while containing fewer calories. Focus on lean proteins (such as chicken, fish, lean meat, eggs), whole grains, vegetables, fruits, legumes and low-fat dairy products.
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Portion control: Control your portion sizes. Even healthy foods can lead to weight gain if you eat too many of them. For example, use smaller plates and bowls to help you eat less.
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Avoid processed foods: Limit your intake of processed foods, such as snacks, soda, fast food and refined grains. These often contain a lot of added sugars, saturated fats and empty calories.
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Drink enough water: Drinking water can help reduce your hunger and stimulate your metabolism. It is recommended to drink at least 8 glasses of water daily.
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Limit sugar and refined carbohydrates: Reduce your intake of sugary foods, such as sweets, pastries, soft drinks and fruit juices. Also limit refined carbohydrates, such as white bread, white rice and pasta.
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Regular meals: Eat regularly and do not skip meals. Skipping meals can lead to excessive hunger and snacking.
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Conscious eating: Eat slowly and enjoy your meals. This helps you become aware of your feeling of satiety and prevents overeating.
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Combine diet with exercise: A combination of healthy diet and regular exercise is most effective for weight loss and overall health.
Examples of food for weight loss
Here are some examples of foods you can include in a weight loss diet:
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Lean proteins: Chicken breast, turkey breast, lean beef, lean fish (such as salmon, tuna, trout), eggs, low-fat dairy products (such as Greek yogurt, low-fat milk, cottage cheese).
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Vegetables: Broccoli, spinach, kale, peppers, carrots, cauliflower, zucchini, tomatoes, cucumber, lettuce, green beans.
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Fruit: Apples, berries (such as strawberries, blueberries, raspberries), citrus fruits (such as oranges, grapefruits), peaches, pears.
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Whole grains: Oatmeal, quinoa, brown rice, whole wheat bread, whole wheat pasta, barley.
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Legumes: Lentils, black beans, chickpeas, kidney beans.
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Healthy fats: Avocado, olive oil, nuts (such as almonds, walnuts), seeds (such as chia seeds, flax seeds), oily fish (such as salmon, mackerel).
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Dairy substitutes: Unsweetened almond milk, soy milk.
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Herbs and spices: Garlic, ginger, turmeric, cinnamon, pepper, chili powder.
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Drinks: Water, green tea, unsweetened herbal tea.
It's important to create a balanced meal with a combination of these foods, taking into account your calorie needs and nutritional goals. It can also be helpful to manage portion sizes and meal prep to make healthy choices easier.