Eighteen Diet Friendly Foods

No matter what diet program is chosen, most dieters feel that some of their favorite foods are forbidden. Sometimes they are but there are many foods that provide delicious nutrition without adding calories OR fat. These eighteen easy to find, simple to prepare foods range from proteins to provide energy to fruits and even candy!

If you find that your favorite pork chops pack too many calories or that fried catfish has too much fat, look for alternatives. A 3 and 1/2 ounce serving of water packed tuna has less than a gram of fat, just 116 calories but offers 25 grams of protein. Shrimp - unless its' deep fried - has less cholesterol than most shellfish but less fat - just one gram for three ounces of broiled or boiled shrimp. At just 84 calories, shrimp can be a tasty treat. Shrimp also packs heart healthy Omega-3 fatty acids.

If fish fails to hook your appetite, try poultry. Lean, roasted turkey breast without the skin offers less than a gram of fat for a 3 and 1/2 ounce serving. At a scant 135 calories, turkey breast also provides healthy doses of Vitamin B-12, zinc, and iron. A skinless chicken breast when baked, broiled, or microwaved weighs in with three grams of fat and substantial protein.

Spice up that seafood or poultry with condiments. Fat free salsa offers a burst of flavor as a topping. So do spicy mustard and horseradish. Don't limit your flavorful experience to meats - add any of the above to vegetables, baked potatoes, or even an egg white omelet.

Add a side of pasta to your entrée for a healthy serving of carbohydrate with little fat and some protein. Low-fat sauce toppers like marinara add zest. A cup of cooked pasta adds less than a full gram of fat and has just 186 calories. Choose a whole-wheat or vegetable base pasta for more fiber and less fat.

Tuck your tuna or turkey breast into a whole wheat pita bread pocket for a delightful sandwich with low calories, low fat, and great taste. Start your meal with a cup of tomato soup with only 85 calories (made with water, not milk) and two grams of fat. It will help to fill your tummy in a delicious, low fat fashion.