What are the best foods to eat when you want to lose weight?

While there's no magic "best" list for everyone, here are 10 dietary principles to consider when aiming for weight loss:

1. Focus on whole, unprocessed foods: Opt for fruits, vegetables, whole grains, lean protein, and healthy fats over refined carbohydrates, sugary drinks, and processed snacks. These whole foods offer more nutrients and fiber, keeping you fuller for longer.

2. Prioritize protein: Lean protein sources like fish, poultry, legumes, and tofu help build and maintain muscle, which boosts metabolism and increases satiety.

3. Embrace fiber: Fiber-rich foods like fruits, vegetables, whole grains, and legumes slow down digestion, keeping you feeling full and reducing cravings.

4. Don't fear healthy fats: Include healthy fats from sources like avocados, nuts, seeds, and olive oil. These fats promote satiety, cell function, and nutrient absorption.

5 Hydrate with water: Drinking plenty of water throughout the day keeps you feeling full, flushes toxins, and aids digestion. Aim for 8 glasses or more daily.

6. Mindful portions: Use smaller plates and bowls to control portion sizes. Pay attention to your body's hunger and fullness cues to avoid overeating.

7. Limit sugary drinks: Sugary drinks like soda and juice are calorie-dense and offer little nutritional value. Swap them for water, unsweetened tea, or black coffee.

8. Read food labels: Pay attention to calorie and serving sizes to be mindful of your intake.

9. Cook more at home: Preparing your meals allows you to control ingredients and portion sizes more effectively than relying on restaurants or processed foods.

10. Make sustainable changes: Focus on building healthy habits you can maintain long-term, rather than crash diets or quick fixes. Consistency is key!