There are many diets available that help people to lose weight provided they follow the diet exactly as it was designed. However, this does not mean each food item that goes into a diet has to be healthy. Rather, people have to change their eating patterns to fit into the rules of the diet.

However, there is an easy way out where you do not have to worry about a diet. Instead, if you know what foods are healthy, you can incorporate them daily into your meals and reap the benefits without having to follow a fad diet.

Processed foods may be easy to prepare and eat but they are not at all healthy. Instead eat foods that are fresh and if possible organic. Fresh fruits and vegetables are excellent source of minerals and vitamins. Eat fruits like berries to satisfy sugar craving. Eating steamed vegetables ensure that the nutritional value of the vegetables is retained. If you are a pasta lover, ensure that the pasta you eat is made from whole grain. The same goes for baked food items. As far as possible avoid junk food, pastries and other sugary food items. Yes, an apple a day keeps the doctor away but an apple pie does not!

When it comes to eating meats, stay away from luncheon meats, bacon and sausages. They are replete with saturated fats and nitrates, which are harmful for your body. Choose lean meat and fish instead. Ocean fish is a good source of omega-3 and you can eat it three to four times a week. Avoid frying your meats. Try to bake them as much as possible.

Finally, avoid sodas and canned juices. Stick to drinking water, milk, or fresh fruit or vegetable juice. If drinking plain water is boring, you can add a slice of lime or lemon to enhance the flavor. Where kids are concerned, you can use carbonated water to make fresh fruit juice which will give them an illusion of drinking a soda. It will have all the fun of soda sans the harmful effects.