Sweet basil seeds have played a role in the traditional medicine practices of India and Iran for centuries to treat conditions including depression, high blood pressure, high cholesterol and metabolic imbalances.

If you’re on a diet, you may be tempted to steer clear of almonds because they’re so high in calories.

Bread was once thought to be a bad word in diets and definitely was not recommended. Now, however according to Dr. Joey Shulman in "Canadian Living," it is accepted that the right kinds of bread are allowed and even recommended for weight loss and weight maintenance.

Getting three to five servings of vegetables every day is recommended to manage weight, protect against heart disease, diabetes and some forms of cancer. While eating frozen and canned vegetables can help to meet the daily requirement, the best bet is to eat fresh as much as possible.

Black eyed peas are a healthy vegetarian option for those who want to increase their fiber and protein intake without adding a bunch of calories. The peas complement a variety of dishes, such as soups and salads.

A person with a pear-shaped body tends to gain weight in the hips and thighs, which is physiologically healthy but aesthetically frustrating. Eating too much of any food is an obvious cause of weight gain -- but too many fat calories are a sure way to store unwanted fat quickly for a pear-shaped body.

Don't let hunger sidetrack your efforts to lose weight. Choose foods that can control your appetite to make dieting easier and increase your chances for success. The best foods to eat for weight loss keep you feeling full longer, provide you with good nutrition and help you maintain your weight when your diet is over.

Prunes are an excellent source of dietary fiber, which can prevent constipation and help reduce high blood cholesterol. Because prunes are high in calories, though, they are not ideal for weight loss.

In the past, it was nearly impossible to find anything on a fast-food menu that fit within a low-carbohydrate meal plan. Nowadays, restaurants are understanding the need for low-carb items and adding them to their menus.

Achieving your goal weight may be as easy as eating more fruits and vegetables, according to the official V8 website. By drinking V8 juice and eating fruits and vegetables throughout the day, you may feel fuller and be less likely to binge on junk food.

One of the tried-and-true methods for weight loss entails cutting out sweets. The amount of weight you lose on a reduced-sugar or sugar-free diet plan will depend upon the amount of sugar you currently eat.

The health risks of fast food are well-documented, and, while eating it occasionally is unlikely to cause problems, the same isn't true for regular consumption.