Losing weight is something that millions of people around the world attempt to do as they find themselves either unhappy with their appearance or they are needing to do it for health reasons. Whatever the motivation it is clear that there seems to be an underlying problem which can sometimes be disguised by the process of losing weight. That underlying problem is this: Why are so many people overweight to begin with?

An over abundance of food combined with a high consumption of high fat, high salt, high sugar foods substituted for properly prepared meals using whole ingredients is a major cause of this overweight epidemic. Many people in today's society lead such busy lives that they don't have the time to cook and prepare healthy meals for themselves or their family. Instead they take what seems to be the easy option and order take out or grab whatever is easiest without thinking about what it might be doing to their bodies.

As the number of overweight people in the world grows more and more, it is no surprise that people are now looking for healthier diets with lower calories to lose weight. Plus we are becoming more aware of the health hazards of burgers and pizzas through television programs and the internet; hence the reason many people decide that a change of their lifestyle is needed.

So where do you begin? Well, getting back to basics would be a good start. Making changes to your diet is simple if you just begin with the basics and go from there. Many foods that are easily available have great healthy properties that you can take advantage of if you start including them in your diet.

Here is a simple list of healthy foods to consider:

When you are trying to lose excess pounds, a low calorie diet is essential, but your body also needs adequate nutrients and if you can not achieve a healthy balance between the two, it can be harmful for the body and your overall health.

Fruits are an important part of any diet. Grapes, apples, oranges, watermelon, pineapple and peaches contain high amounts of fiber and vitamins, and if consumed half an hour before a meal, will give you a feeling of fullness without over eating.

Similarly, vegetables contain high amounts of nutrients as well as fiber which helps lose excess weight and you can be healthy at the same time. Spinach, broccoli, peas, cabbage, carrots and beetroot are very high in iron and low in calories and are ideal for an effective diet.

Next are the poultry and dairy products that you can eat without getting fat. Eggs without the yolk, low fat milk and yogurt, skinless chicken and oily fish such as salmon and mackerel should all be introduced to your diet if you have not already done so.

Seeds and nuts, brown rice, green tea and brown pasta without any cheese are also healthy alternative to white rice and white pasta. Plus do not forget the other high fiber foods such as oatmeal, mushrooms, avocados and cereals. A diet that is high in fiber and vitamins together with moderate exercise will no doubt help you lose your excess weight within a short period of time