A healthy diet may lower your risk for heart disease, which is the leading cause of death in the United States. Consider including shellfish, such as octopus, as part of your heart-healthy diet because of their essential vitamins and minerals, as well as their omega-3 fats.
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A diet without meat, sugar, dairy or bread is simple to follow, and does not require you to count calories, carbohydrates or fat, but remember that portion size is important in any diet for weight control.
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Sucrose is the chemical name for white sugar, according to Boston University. Other forms of sucrose are brown sugar and powdered sugar, and sucrose is also in honey. Sucrose has many uses, and it is in many foods, but too much can lead to obesity and type 2 diabetes.
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Soy is a natural source of many essential nutrients, and it can usually be a healthy addition to a balanced overall meal plan. Examples of soy-based products include tofu, miso, soymilk, soy burgers, soybeans and edamame.
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You can use cornstarch and all-purpose flour as thickeners in sauces, gravies, puddings and pies. Flour is also a common ingredient in baked goods. Cornstarch and flour are both high-carbohydrate foods that are interchangeable in some recipes, but flour contains some nutrients that are not present in cornstarch.
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Starches and dietary fiber are complex carbohydrates because of their chemical structure, according to Iowa State University. Sources of complex carbohydrates include include beans, lentils, starchy vegetables and whole grains, such as cereal or whole-wheat or multi-grain bread.
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Some people may consider pizza to be a junk food, but it can be beneficial as a post-workout snack or meal if you use whole wheat crust and healthy toppings. Eating the right amount of carbohydrates and proteins after a workout can speed muscle recovery and help your body refuel so that you have more energy.
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Losing weight can be a challenge because diets often restrict the variety of foods you can consume. Shrimp provides nutrients such as vitamin B12, vitamin E, niacin and omega-3 fatty acids. Shrimp is also low in saturated fat.
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Choosing healthier sources of fat can lower your risk for heart disease, and sunflower oil may help. Most of the fat in sunflower oil is unsaturated, and this oil is a nutrient-dense food, according to the 2010 Dietary Guidelines from the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services.
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Dehydration is a dangerous condition that can even lead to death, but it is usually preventable if you drink enough water. You may not always feel thirsty before you need to drink, so know the recommendations for adequate water intake.
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A salad with vegetables provides essential nutrients, and it can be the foundation of a low-calorie meal or side dish. Salad dressing can be a source of extra flavor and texture for your salad, and a healthy oil increases the nutrient content.
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Healthy grains can be the foundation of a balanced diet, and buckwheat, or kasha, may be worth trying as an alternative to your regular wheat. You can use buckwheat for a side dish or casseroles, or use buckwheat flour instead of wheat flour in pancakes and other baked goods.
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Wild game is an alternative to the usual meats -- such as beef, pork or chicken -- which you can find in the supermarket, or you can kill it yourself if you like to hunt. Moose meat can be a nutritious option if you prepare it using healthy methods.
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Food bars are convenient because you can take them almost anywhere, and a protein bar without sugar may be a better choice than a high-sugar bar with less protein if you are trying to regulate your blood sugar levels or control your weight.
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In order to keep your body functioning properly, you need to drink enough liquids to stay hydrated, and your choice of beverage influences your health. Water is the most readily available, milk is a popular choice from infancy and fruit and vegetable juices offer a wide range of flavors.
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Good nutrition can help you get the most out of each workout to make your training program as effective as possible. If you use them right, protein drinks after an exercise session can promote muscle repair and speed up glycogen replenishment so that you can recover from your workout faster.
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Added sugar in your diet contributes calories without additional nutrients, while too much sugar may increase your risk for obesity, high triglyceride levels and tooth decay. Sugar substitutes may be healthier alternatives to added sugars if you want sweet foods; xylitol and stevia are two popular options.
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For a comforting starter or simple meal on a cool day, try a bowl of pea soup. You can buy it ready-to-eat or condensed, or make your own using any kind of peas, such as green peas or split peas. Pea soup is loaded with nutrition such as calcium, potassium and vitamin A.
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If you are trying to lose weight and you are looking for diet-friendly foods to enjoy, you might want to consider bitter gourd, which is also called bitter melon or balsam-pear. The plant is common in Asian cuisine, and you can use it in a variety of recipes.
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High blood pressure can increase your risk for heart disease, kidney disease, stroke and blindness. One-third of American adults have high blood pressure, and another 28 percent are prehypertensive, or at risk for high blood pressure, according to the National Heart, Lung and Blood Institute.
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