People often get a significant proportion of their daily calories from beverages. Although caloric beverages, such as juices and sodas, have been associated with weight gain, medical researchers don't all agree on the reasons for this.

Beans and rice, also called arroz con habichuelas or arroz con frijoles in Spanish, are staple foods in many countries, including the United States. A combination of cost-effectiveness, nutritional value, availability and taste makes these two items a popular meal at any time of the day.

Nuts can't burn fat -- no food can. Your body uses fat for energy only when the number of calories you consume is less than the amount you need to burn. However, nuts contain nutrients that may promote weight loss by helping you feel fuller longer.

Tamales are traditional Mexican foods often served at New Year’s Eve or Christmas Eve dinners. They are steamed bundles of corn dough stuffed with tasty fillings that range from spinach and mushrooms or cheese and green chiles to beef, pork or chicken.

You've taken the first step to improve your health and lose weight by making exercise a regular part of your life. Now it's time to work on the diet. Making the right food choices can keep you energized without making you go hungry.

Your body, especially your digestive system, can react negatively or positively to the food you eat. While certain foods may worsen the symptoms associated with diarrhea, vegetables are not typically one of them. In fact, vegetables may even help to reduce the pain, bloating and loose bowels that come from diarrhea.

Sorrel, an herb sometimes used as a vegetable, imparts a sour, lemon taste suitable for culinary use. This is just one benefit, because sorrel provides high quantities of vitamins and minerals.

Starches are one of the three main types of carbohydrates. They fall under the category of complex carbohydrates, along with fiber, and are differentiated from the carbs known as "simple sugars" by their structural composition. Good starches are a healthy part of your diet and can be enjoyed by just about everyone.

Obesity is an epidemic in America, with nearly 60 percent of men and women diagnosed as overweight or obese. This is one of many nutrition related conditions that can result in cardiovascular disease. Fortunately, people realize the need for healthy lifestyle is significant.

Fried green tomatoes is a traditional Southern dish that uses not-quite-ripe tomatoes to create a flavorful side dish. While not as nutritious as vine-ripened red tomatoes, green tomatoes do have many nutritional benefits.

Perhaps you overlook the radish in the grocer's produce bin or have never considered it a snack option. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention reports, however, that radishes were once so valued in Greece, that gold statues were fashioned in their image.

Adolescence is a time of growth for children, for both physical and mental development. A healthy diet is essential for teenagers because of their heightened nutritional needs, but also because the foods they eat as teenagers can impact their health when they reach adulthood.