Eggs
Eating
 eggs can help you feel fuller longer and provide energy for your busy 
life. One egg has about 70 calories and 13 essential nutrients, 
including vitamin D, that can help manage weight, strengthen muscle, 
promote healthy pregnancy, support brain function, and increase eye 
health. Vitamin D plays an important role in calcium absorption, helping
 to form and maintain strong bones.
The 6 grams of protein in a 
large egg is the highest quality available. One egg provides about 12% 
of the Recommended Daily Value of protein and all the essential amino 
acids the body needs. For muscle strength, repair and preservation, try 
eating eggs after exercising.
What about the effect of eggs on 
blood cholesterol? Recent studies about Total HDL (the ratio between 
good HDL cholesterol versus bad LDL cholesterol in the blood) reveal 
that eggs have little impact on blood cholesterol. The amount of 
cholesterol in a single large egg is about 186 mg and all is in the 
yolk. One egg a day fits within dietary guidance, which recommends 
limiting cholesterol consumption to 300 mg per day. The Mediterranean 
diet recommends three to four eggs per week.
Today you can buy 
eggs that contain omega-3 essential fatty acids, which cannot be 
produced by the body. Omega-3 fatty acids are believed to reduce the 
risk of heart disease. Enriched eggs provide the same amount of 
heart-healthy omega-3 fatty acids as 3 ounces of oily fish, such as 
salmon.
Nuts
Nuts and seeds can help with 
long term weight loss and control of glycemic and lipid levels in the 
blood. They are full of heart-healthy fats, fiber, protein, 
antioxidants, and lots of vitamins and minerals that are difficult to 
get elsewhere. Nuts are naturally cholesterol-free and have only traces 
of sodium. They make great snacks and salad toppings. Their high fat 
content indicates you should choose the type and amount of nuts you eat 
carefully. When it comes to nuts, a little goes a long way, so a handful
 is plenty to get the fullness and nutrition your body needs.
Which
 nuts are best? The healthiest nuts are almonds, filberts (hazelnuts), 
chestnuts, peanuts, pistachios, walnuts, cashews, pecans, macadamias, 
and soybean nuts are excellent health choices. Almonds and soy nuts rate
 highest for nutrient density. Walnuts and Brazil nuts are rich in 
omega-3 fatty acids, which defend against heart disease. Peanuts and 
peanut butter are super sources of niacin. Almonds and filberts contain 
significant amounts of vitamin E. Filberts contain a high amount of the 
amino acid tryptophan, which is a sleep aid. Seeds are a good source of 
folic acid. Soybean nuts and peanuts are actually legumes, not nuts. 
They come from plants rather than trees. Both are very nutritious. 
Soybean nuts are the most nutritious nut and are quite tasty when 
roasted and lightly seasoned.
How nuts and seeds are prepared 
makes a big difference in their nutritional quality. Fresh nuts are best
 and are available in fall and winter. Choose raw or dehydrated nuts 
when possible. For weight loss, avoid nuts that are salted, sweetened, 
or overly processed. Roasting and toasting nuts destroys delicate 
nutrients, but dry roasting is least destructive. You can lightly salt 
or season nuts yourself. With all processed nuts and seeds, check the 
labels for added fats, sugars, and preservatives.
Try replacing a high carbohydrate snack with one or 2 ounces of nuts!
Apples
It's
 no secret that apples are one of the healthiest and most versatile 
foods around. But, did you know they are also great for losing weight? 
Whether red, yellow, or green, apples are low in calories and sodium, 
and they are fat-free. Apples are full of vitamins, minerals, fiber, and
 natural sweetness. For weight loss, the pectin in apples releases body 
fat and suppresses appetite. They help maintain blood sugar levels and 
stave off hunger.
Fresh, unpeeled apples are best for weight loss.
 The antioxidants in the apple skin are quercetin, epicatechin and 
procyanidin B2. A large apple has five grams of fiber, and it is almost 
85 percent water. Apples are also a very good source vitamin C. As a 
super food, apples keep you fuller longer. Apples are also known to 
prevent certain types of cancers: lung, breast, colon and liver.
How
 do you select an apple? Choose an apple that is firm to the touch and 
has smooth skin with no wrinkles or bruises. Fresh apples have brighter 
color than those that are not fresh. Store your apples in the 
refrigerator to keep them fresh.
Are organic apples healthier? Research shows that 
conventionally-grown apples are higher in residual pesticides than 
organic apples. Since we don't know the complete effects of pesticides 
on humans, it is a good reason to buy organic. Pound for pound, organic 
apples cost little more than non-organic; sometimes they cost less. By 
purchasing organic apples, you support the future of organic farming in 
America. Apples can be grown in all 50 states. The variety is endless. 
Finally, organic apples taste better and fresher.
An
 apple is easy to pack for lunch or snack. Get in the habit of taking an
 apple with you to the office or on the road. You can eat up to three 
apples a day for good health and weight loss.
Oatmeal
We
 can't talk about healthy weight loss without talking about breakfast, 
which can raise your metabolism by 10%. Nutritionists agree that oatmeal
 should be a staple food in our diets. Oatmeal has lots of fiber to make
 you feel fuller longer and decrease your appetite. At the same time, 
oatmeal keeps your energy levels higher longer.
Oatmeal is high in
 protein and low in calories. At 30 grams per half cup, the 
carbohydrates in oatmeal provide a slow burning fuel for your body. 
Oatmeal is also a significant source of magnesium, phosphorous, 
selenium, copper and manganese. Some fitness coaches recommend eating 
oatmeal 1 to 2 hours before doing your weight loss workout. This gives 
you a longer lasting blast of energy for a longer workout that speeds up
 weight loss.
The primary health compound in oatmeal is 
beta-glucan, which has been shown to benefit the treatment of diabetes 
and its associated complications. Beta-glucans also promote wound 
healing and alleviate ischemic heart injury. Many scientists have 
researched and documented the effects of beta-glucans.
What is the
 best type of oatmeal? All types of unflavored oatmeal are similar in 
nutrition and fiber. All promote a healthy diet. They differ in texture 
and the time and tools required for preparation. Steel cut oats are 
chewy and take the longest time to cook (about 30 minutes). Steel cut 
oatmeal can be prepared ahead of time and reheated as needed. Rolled 
oats (old-fashioned oats) are less chewy and take about 10 minutes to 
cook. Instant, or quick-cooking oatmeal, is creamy and takes about 5 
minutes to cook. Microwaveable oatmeal is popular for its simplicity and
 availability.
The healthiest packaged oatmeal is unflavored and 
unsweetened. Check the labels for added sugar and other calorie-laden 
ingredients. It's best to sweeten your oatmeal yourself with berries, 
bananas, raisins or a little raw honey. Milk, nuts and cinnamon are also
 healthy additions for enhancing your bowl of oatmeal.
Of course, 
you can eat oatmeal any time of day that suits you. Oatmeal before 
bedtime triggers a rise in blood sugar, which in turn triggers insulin 
production. This releases sleep-inducing brain chemicals, such as 
melatonin, which is a common sleep aid.
Salmon
Though
 known as a fatty fish with relatively high fat content, salmon can be 
an effective tool in a weight loss diet. In fact, the fat composition 
and omega-3 essential fatty acids in salmon make it an ideal food for 
weight loss. Salmon is low in calories and saturated fat. The fat 
composition of salmon can help the cardiovascular system, control high 
blood pressure, prevent certain types of cancer, prevent sunburn and 
promote healthy brain activity.
What is the healthiest way to 
prepare salmon? Grilled, broiled or baked salmon serves as a delicious 
and healthful main course. Salmon is a key protein in many healthy diet 
systems, including the popular Mediterranean diet. It can be cooked in a
 variety of ways with a variety of seasonings. Raw salmon, as in sushi, 
is an excellent source of nutrition for weight loss diets. Choose simple
 seasonings, such as lemon, lemon juice, dill weed, garlic, onion 
powder, mustard, white wine, salsa, vinaigrette and extra virgin olive 
oil. Avoid rich, fatty sauces and overcooking the fish.