What food will help me lose weight?

A client recently asked me this, and it is definitely not the first time I have heard this question.  People always want a miracle food or diet to help them lose weight.  While not possessing magical weight loss powers, I usually tell people to focus on eating more fruits and vegetables.  Fruits and veggies are high in fiber which can help us feel full without overloading us with calories.

Does our emphasis on fruits and vegetables work?  A recent study showed that Americans eat 25-30 pounds more of fruits and vegetables per year now than they did in the 1970s.  This seems like a healthier diet, and yet obesity has been increasing at an alarming rate in that same time period.  How is that possible?

The study also found that Americans are eating at least 400 more calories each day than in the 1970s.  We have embraced eating more salad.  But that salad has become an addition to our meal, rather than a replacement for a higher calorie food.  Even too many fruits and vegetables are just extra calories that can lead to weight gain.

Once again, we see that there is no miracle food or diet.  Decreasing calories in and increasing calories out is the only way to successfully lose weight.  Eating fruits and vegetables as a replacement for higher calorie foods can be helpful.  But even too much of a good thing is bad.

Read more about the study here.

Have any nutrition questions? Need help with meal planning or a special dietary need? Send your questions to me at kimberlykmarsh(at)gmail(dot)com, and I will answer them in upcoming posts!