The calorie content of your diet is the most important factor as to whether you lose, gain or maintain weight. An excess of calories results in weight gain; a deficit leads to a loss, while balancing your calories causes you to maintain weight.

The Philippines is a tropical country that uses a variety of vegetables in its cuisine. Most of the vegetables are unique to tropical climates. You will see a variety of Filipino vegetables used in soups as well as fish, chicken, pork, beef and even goat entrees.

Amino acids provide the building blocks for protein, and creatine is one such amino acid. It's found in meat, fish and endogenously in the human body. Your body converts creatine to creatine phosphate or phosphocreatine and stores it in muscle tissues, where it serves as a fuel.

Quinoa is packed with healthy protein, vitamins and minerals, and a batch takes about 15 to 20 minutes to cook. For convenient and fast meals, cook up an extra batch, store it in the refrigerator for as long as four days and reheat it in the microwave as needed.

Freezing marinated chicken enables you to prepare tasty meals without a lot of effort. Marinades help to keep chicken tender and moist, while adding flavor, whether you opt for Italian seasonings, honey mustard or Asian flavors.

If you want to lose weight, a vegetarian diet can help you avoid high-calorie, unhealthy foods such as red meat. But there are still plenty of tempting unhealthy foods that are vegetarian, which can lead you to pack on pounds. It is important to maintain a balanced diet, and careful meal planning will help.

The teen years are a period of rapid growth and development. In fact, teenagers need more calories during this period than they will ever need again in their lives, according to the American Academy of Pediatrics.

Though you might think of it as a childhood "junk" food, chocolate milk can actually fit into an active, healthy lifestyle. It's higher in calories than plain milks, giving it a nutritional advantage when you're trying to gain weight.

Cheese and crackers eaten in moderation can be a healthy snack, especially if you choose the right types. Whole-grain crackers, for example, provide beneficial fiber, while cheese can help you get the recommended amounts of calcium and phosphorus in your diet.

Esophagitis is characterized by inflammation or irritation of the lining of the esophagus. If you are diagnosed with esophagitis, consume soft foods that are easier to swallow, notes The Cleveland Clinic. Paying attention to the foods you eat can help ease pain or discomfort associated with esophagitis.

Weight Watchers is a popular weight loss plan that works on a points system. All foods are assigned a point value based on their fat, calorie, fiber, protein and carbohydrate content. Members are assigned an allowed number of daily points based on current weight, age, gender and level of physical activity.

Eat your vegetables -- it's a rule you've likely heard since you were a child, but still may not be following through on as an adult.