The National Heart, Lung and Blood Institute recommends people fighting obesity adopt a healthy eating plan that gives them the nutrients they need, providing enough calories to maintain good health but not so many that they gain weight.
Fighting the battle of the bulge also involves minimizing intake of sodium, cholesterol, trans fat, saturated fat, and added sugar, according to the NHLBI.
That organization and other sources identify these as being 10 of the best foods for those seeking to overcome obesity.
SPECIAL: GMO Food: It's Worse Than We Thought . . .
Lean Foods That Are High in Protein
These include fish, lean meat, chicken without skin, peas and beans, according to the NHLBI.
Calorie-Controlled Snacks
Consumers buying roughly 100-calorie snack packs of items such as sweets or chips can still lose weight because the size of the package eliminates the chance for
“mindless overeating,” said WebMD. It quoted author and physician Carolyn O’Neil as saying, "Foods packaged in 100-calorie packs do the work and calorie math for you so you can enjoy snacking on foods that need to be enjoyed in limited amounts."
Vegetables
The NHLBI said to avoid those that are canned with salt, but vegetables are a good weight loss choice if they’re frozen, dried, fresh or canned without salt.
Light Frozen Dinners
Options include low-calorie, low-fat entrees from brands that include Lean Cuisine, Healthy Choice and Kasha, said WebMD.
Lighter Menu Items
WebMD said fast food items with less than 400 calories include Taco Bell’s Fresco-style items; most of Quiznos’ Flatbread Sammies without cheese or dressing; the McDonald’s Southwest salad with grilled chicken and no dressing; and any of Subway’s subs with 6 grams of fat or less.
EDITOR'S NOTE: Are You Eating the Deadliest Foods in America? Watch This Video.
Fruits
The NHLBI said fruits can be dried, fresh, frozen or canned.
Diet-Friendly Sweets
Available options with 150 calories or less include Fudgsicles, Edy’s Slow-Churned ice cream bars and Skinny Cow ice cream cones, according to WebMD.
Low-Fat and Fat-Free Dairy Products
These can include milk, cheese and low-fat yogurt, the NHLBI said.
Whole Grains
These food choices can include pasta, brown rice, oatmeal, cereal, bagels, whole-wheat bread, tortillas and couscous, according to the NHLBI. Most whole grains are a good source of fiber, and fiber helps fill people up, said WebMD.
Wine, Though Only in Moderation
Health magazine reported that resveratrol, the antioxidant found in grape skin, stops fat storage. It added: “Studies show that moderate wine drinkers have narrower waists and less belly fat than liquor drinkers. Downing a glass can boost your calorie burn for a good 90 minutes.”
ALERT: 12 Fruits and Vegetables With High Levels of Pesticides