At YoDiet, we like to remind our subscribers about nutrition, a lot—through the Rhyme Thyme™ emails and YoCoach calls and emails (from Isabella, in particular). If we keep telling you over and over, it will eventually become second nature to you (as in—new habits!). Here are some thoughts on food and better ways to nourish your body:

What are “Junk” foods?
Junk foods are usually highly processed foods that are full of any of the following: sugar, salt, refined carbohydrates (non whole grain flours), high fructose corn syrups, trans fats, etc. Think fast food and packaged food (chips, crackers, cookies, candy, even pre-made dinners). Junk foods are often hard to stop eating once we start. These foods are like drugs. EAT LESS OF THEM.

What are “Good” foods?
Think Mediterranean diet. More fruits, vegetables, lentils, beans, whole grains, olive oil, nuts, lean meats and oily fish (salmon, tuna, trout). EAT MORE OF THESE. They nourish you. Yum. If you’re not sure what to do with a lentil or a bean, see our recipes for some easy meals to get you started.

Fruits and vegetables not only provide antioxidants, which may help prevent cancer and heart disease, but are a great food choice for dieters because of their low energy density. A food low in energy density basically means fewer calories per cup of food. How? Low energy density foods have lots of water and fiber, which don’t have calories. Feel full on fewer calories.

Check out the energy density and nutrition information for two snacks that both weigh about the same:

It’s not rocket science — add more fruits and vegetables to your diet, and you’ll be full on fewer calories.