Best Diet Foods

A short list of the best foods for getting fit and healthy... and losing weight in the process!

The following foods are the best diet foods known to man. Well, at least we think they are! They're great because they don't just help you lose weight and get fit -- they also help to improve your overall health. Each of the foods listed below helps to do one or more of the following:

• build muscle
• burn fat
• fight disease
• strengthen bones
• lower blood pressure
• boost immune function

So what are these super-healthy "power" foods? Here you go...

The 12 Best Diet Foods

1. Nuts & Seeds: Packed with protein, healthy fats, fiber, and important vitamins and minerals. Tip: Avoid nuts with added salt and oil.

2. Green Vegetables: Probably the single healthiest food you can eat. Tons of fiber and antioxidants.

3. Beans & Legumes: Super-healthy source of fiber, protein, iron and folate. Also a great way to fill up and reduce food cravings.

4. Oatmeal: One of the best sources for complex-carbohydrates and fiber. A great breakfast option!

5. Low-fat Dairy Products: Important source of calcium and high-quality protein.

6. Lean meats: Lean chicken, turkey, beef and fish are some of the best sources of protein you'll find.

7. Eggs: Protein-rich, vitamin-packed, and very easy to prepare.

8. Peanut Butter: A highly-underestimated snack food that can help you overcome hunger and food cravings -- anytime and anywhere! Like plain peanuts, it's filled with protein, monounsaturated fats, vitamins and minerals. Tip: Choose the natural, sugar-free, no-oil-added variety.

9. Whole-Grain Breads and Cereals: A few servings per day will provide you with complex carbs and a ton of healthy fiber.

10. Olive & Sesame Oil: Simply the best sources for ultra-healthy monounsaturated fat.

11. Berries: Proven to be the healthiest of the fruits. They provide huge doses of antioxidants and fiber without a lot of fructose (natural fruit sugar). Tip: Apples, oranges, grapefruit, etc. are still great food choices!

12. Whey Protein Powder: The undisputed king of protein supplements. Provides more high-quality protein per calorie than just about any other food. Also proven to help boost immune function and fight disease!