What you need to consider is what you are taking out of your diet by eating in this way, which is just as important as what you are putting into your body. If you can make the switch and stay committed, then you are going to love what a whole food diet can do for you. This can be a great way to lose weight and to get healthier in the process.

You already know that eating natural foods can help you improve and maintain your health in various ways. But, how can eating whole foods assist you on your weight loss journey, in particular? Check out the information below to learn more so you can make the most of this type of eating plan. 

What to Expect When Following a Diet That’s Based on Consuming Whole Foods

As you set out to enjoy eating whole foods, you want to think about what this entails. 

1. First and foremost, you are going to eat natural and nutritious foods that come to you from the earth. 
2. These are foods that have undergone little to no processing at any stage. These are about as natural as food can get, and therefore you will get the most possible nutrients out of them. 
3. Obviously, you will eat plenty of fruits and vegetables, but you can also include some true whole grains such as quinoa or barley. 
4. You can enjoy lean proteins, but the most natural kind, not the contrived or manufactured types. 
5. You will get your fat from good sources like olive oil, avocados, nuts and seeds, and fish.

A True Transition

When you make the commitment to eating whole foods as the bulk of your diet, you tend to focus on what you can eat. You also have to consider, however, what you are taking away—what you can’t eat. 

Removing certain foods is the crux of what will help you to lose weight this way, and that’s why so many make the transition:

1. You are no longer going to eat processed foods, which in many cases is what’s been holding you back. So no more processed meats, frozen meals, canned soup, or anything that is loaded with salt and preservatives. 
2. No more junk food, fast food, or foods that aren’t natural at their core—so again, what you aren’t eating matters at least as much as what you are eating for weight loss!

Consider Taking Supplements to Get the Right Balance of Nutrients and Avoid Deficiencies

Regardless of what type of whole foods diet you follow, it is a great idea to take high-quality supplements that will fill in nutritional gaps and complement your healthy eating plan so you can really make the most of it. After all, no matter how healthy your diet is, you might not be getting the right amount of certain nutrients from it, or you might not be getting the right balance of different combinations of nutrients. 

Also, sometimes, it is easy to fall off course for a few days when it comes to eating right, and that may result in you getting fewer nutrients than you think you are. Taking supplements can help you rest assured that you are taking an additional step towards maintaining your health, even when you aren’t eating the way you hope to every day. 

According to Forbes, two of the nutrients that you can consider adding to your supplementation plan, particularly if you are following a whole foods, plant-based diet, include the following:

• Vitamin D – You might be surprised by the number of people who are deficient in this key nutrient, even when they are eating a varied diet that includes meat, dairy, eggs, fruits, veggies, grains, legumes, beans, etc. Talk to your doctor about getting a blood test to see what your current level of vitamin D is, and then figure out how much you need to take daily to get your levels up. And, don’t forget that getting some sunlight on your skin can also help your body produce adequate amounts of this vitamin. 
• Omega 3 Fatty Acids – DHA and EPA are important fatty acids, but if you are not eating the right foods, you might be missing out. Thankfully, there are algae supplements that are appropriate even for vegans, and they can give you a nice boost of these nutrients that support everything from your brain health to your cardiovascular health.  

Tip: a multi-vitamin/mineral supplement is worth considering as well because those products contain a wide range of nutrients that your body needs to thrive. 

Are You Ready to Switch to a Whole Foods Diet? Great!

Yes, when you make the switch to eating whole foods, you will find that you can not only get healthier but also lose weight in the process. Be sure that you shop for and prepare healthy meals so that you always have the foods you need available. 

Also, be certain that you think about what this diet plan means for you in practical terms so that you’re ready for a serious commitment. This can really help to jumpstart your weight loss efforts, but it will also help you to get healthier in the long term. This is a great way of eating, and if you are willing to commit, you will enjoy some amazing benefits.