A plant-derived sweetener, stevia is used as a no-calorie sugar substitute in foods and drinks. Made from the Stevia rebaudiana plant, it is originally from South America, although it is now widely available in grocery stores and health food stores.

In the early 2000s, Dannon developed Activia, a line of yogurt and smoothie products that contain a probiotic, or beneficial bacteria, created by the company and named Bifidus regularis. Eating Activia regularly promotes digestive system health, claims Dannon.

If you've ever turned to a diet in an effort to lose a few pounds, you've likely encountered the cabbage soup diet. "The Huffington Post"

Allergies and food intolerances can be the cause of your chronic urticaria, which is characterized by the presence of reddish and itchy welts on your skin. Working with a registered dietitian experienced with food intolerances can help you identify what compounds in food trigger your chronic urticaria symptoms.

Juicing may not be the way to go to lose the belly fat. Fresh juice is high in sugar and low in fiber, and that combination may actually cause fat gain, according to Rush University Medical Center.

Long considered a health food, especially if it is low-fat, cottage cheese is a rich source of essential nutrients, including calcium and protein. Because your body digests cottage cheese slowly, it is prized by athletes, fitness buffs or anyone who wants to stay well-nourished throughout a long day.

According to the American Diabetes Association, the myth that people with diabetes need to avoid all fruits is a persistent one. Although naturally sweet fruits do contain more carbohydrates than non-starchy vegetables, fruits also provide the fiber, minerals and vitamins you need to stay healthy.

People store fat in different places all over their body, including the face. Unfortunately, you can't pick and choose where you lose fat, which is a concept known as spot reducing, notes exercise physiologist and trainer Tom Kelso.

According to the United States Department of Agriculture, or USDA, bread falls into the grain group. This group includes all foods based on wheat, barley, oats or any other cereal grain. Other grain foods, such as pasta or oatmeal, count as bread substitutes at a one-to-one ratio.

Though many smoothies contain ice cream, sherbet, chocolate and other fatty and sugary ingredients, the refreshing treat doesn't need to be a calorie bomb that supplies little in the way of nutrition. Instead, use a smoothie as a way to boost your intake of protein, fiber and essential vitamins and minerals.

If you need help with a healthy diet, whether you’re overweight, underweight or just need more nutritious food, visit a registered dietitian. Before making an appointment, make sure the professional you have chosen is a registered dietitian, not a nutritionist. Anyone can call himself a nutritionist, but R.D.

Most fad diets that promise fast weight loss violate the basic principle of healthy eating -- eating a variety of nutritious foods. The Marine commando diet, also known as the Royal Marine commando diet, is a fad diet. It limits your intake to specific foods and promises a 1- to 2-pound daily weight loss.