People sometimes eat skinless chicken breasts when trying to lose weight because they're relatively high in protein and low in fat. Simply adding chicken breasts to what you already eat won't result in weight loss, however.

Although dates aren't exactly a low-calorie food, they can be part of a low-calorie diet without causing weight gain as long as you eat them in moderation.

A balanced diet draws from all basic food groups to provide the body with the right types and amounts of nutrients for both nutrition and energy. To do this, most medical professionals recommend eating at least four servings of fruits, four servings of vegetables and six servings of grains each day.

What and how much you eat is an important part of the treatment plan for type-2 diabetes. A 1,200-calorie diet can help both men and women lose weight. When you have diabetes, getting to and maintaining a healthy weight makes it easier for you to manage blood sugar, but it does not cure your diabetes.

The simplest fruit smoothies require just a blender, a splash of liquid and some fruit. To drink a smoothie in place of a meal, you'll need to add some protein and fat. Whether a smoothie is good for you depends on the ingredients it contains and the portion your serve yourself.

An unhealthy diet fails to provide your body with the correct amounts and types of nutrients for maximum health. The average American diet contains too many calories and not enough fruits and vegetables. In addition, certain types of foods are more likely to cause medical problems than others.

Quinoa alone will not make you gain weight. In fact, it offers several qualities that make it a good choice for a weight-loss diet. A serving of quinoa provides at least 10 percent of your daily value of nine vitamins and minerals.

Sunflower seeds can be part of a weight-loss diet. They’re packed with protein and essential vitamins and minerals such as folate, vitamin E and copper. These tasty seeds also contain fiber, which is known to help you lose weight, and they have other components that support metabolism and weight loss.

Building muscle has just as much to do with your diet as it does with your training. You can train as hard and heavy as you want, but if you're not eating right, you won't grow. When constructing your muscle-building meal plan, the foods you eat play a pivotal role and there are certain ones you want to avoid.

Whether you know it or not, you’re surrounded by aluminum. As the most-abundant element on Earth, aluminum is found in the soil, in water and in the air, but most people take in very little from the environment. You also can’t avoid getting it through your diet.

The rich flavor of coconut conjures up visions of tropical islands and warm weather. While coconut can have a number of health benefits, eating too much can be bad for your health.

It’s never too early -- or too late -- to make sure you get enough calcium to prevent osteoporosis or delay progression of the disease if you already have it, according to the National Institutes of Health. And while you're at it, don’t neglect vitamin D.