What are your favorite healthy foods to eat? Everyone knows a  healthy diet consists of the proper balance of vitamins, minerals and nutrients. Our diet consists of 4 main components: Water, Protein, Fats, and Carbohydrates. When you eat food it breaks down into nutrients that release energy into the bloodstream. Consuming unhealthy, or improperly combined foods, contributes to weight gain. The best way to lose weight is to eat a good size breakfast, larger lunch and a smaller supper, and by including regular low calorie snacks in-between meals.

It's not just about what you eat, it's how much! Always measure serving sizes and follow exact measurements in recipes. Holistic Nutritionists say, "When you portion control, you're in control." Planning your meals a day ahead also contributes to a shrinking waist line. It can also hpre-determine grocery lists and reduce food waste in your household. Eating at the same time every day can help your weight loss results as well.

The Best Foods To Eat For Weight Loss:

According to Rachelle Wood, Registered Holistic Nutritionist,  these are the most health building foods to include in your diet. Consume these foods often and organic whenever possible and as much as you can.

• Broccoli- This healthy green vegetable is an antioxidant which can help to increase the immune system. Broccoli is a good source of calcium and high in fiber making it a very filling food. Add broccoli to stir fry and soups or enjoy raw with low calorie dip!
• Strawberries- Red fruits are a good source of fiber and vitamin C. Try to buy organic ones as much as possible. Slice up some strawberries and eat with low fat plain yogurt as a snack for morning or afternoon.
• Millet- This gluten free grain is low allergenic and a source of protein. It is highly alkaline, rich in fiber and full of magnesium and B vitamins. Cook millet and serve as a side dish for protein and vegetables. Cold millet can be added to salads for a starch serving.
• Wild Pacific Salmon- Eating salmon can improve heart health and reduce inflammation. Salmon tastes delicious on the grill, poached or baked. Salmon is high in essential fatty acids which assist in weight loss. Salmon is a good source of protein, calcium and good fatty acids. Enjoy weekly!
• Apples- This sweet juicy treat is a good source of water and fiber. Apples are high in vitamin C which can help to increase the immune system. An apple a day really can keep the doctor away!
• Cabbage- Including more cabbage in your diet will help you lose weight. A high source of fiber, cabbage helps to fill you up and regulate the bowels. Cabbage tastes great in soup, salads or stir fry. Cabbage is a good source of many vitamin and minerals.
• Melons- Are full of water and help to re-hydrate the body. They are a good source of vitamin C and potassium. Enjoy melons diced in a fruit salad or as a morning snack. Melons are a fibre filling food.
• Almonds- Although high in fat, almonds are a good source of protein, calcium and magnesium. Limit consumption of almonds for maximum weight loss. You may occasionally enjoy 10 raw almonds as a snack in the afternoon.
• Kidney Beans- Beans are a good source of protein, fiber and good fatty acids. Packed full of most vitamins and minerals, beans are a perfect food. Enjoy beans on a salad, in soups or stews, and chilli.
• Brown Rice- This gluten free grain is high in complex carbohydrates, low allergenic and full of fiber. Brown rice is high in B vitamins which helps calm down the nervous system. Enjoy rice as a side dish or as a starch for soups and stews. Remember to measure the serving size before serving.

Here is a recipe that includes 2 of the super weight loss foods, brown rice and kidney beans. This recipe re-heats well, and is so quick to prepare. Rachelle loves this recipe, especially for eating a t lunch time with a salad.

Do you have a recipe you'd like to share with other blog readers? Email your recipes to, rachelle@rachellewood.ca , for review. If your recipe is choses, it will appear in an upcoming blog post.