Posted - November 4, 2025

The Best Foods for Healthy Weight Loss (That Actually Keep You Full)

Whether you're looking to lose weight through lifestyle and diet modifications, currently taking a GLP-1 or perhaps you've just had weight loss surgery, eating is the biggest factor determining long-term weight loss success. In this blog, we highlight the types of food you'll need to focus on in order to achieve your weight loss goals.

Healthy eating plays a powerful role in successful weight loss—whether you’re working toward your goals through mindful diet changes, taking weight-loss medications, recovering from bariatric surgery, or a combination of all three. While each journey is unique, the foundation is the same: nourishing your body with foods that support your metabolism, energy levels, and long-term health. 

In this blog, we’ll explore practical, sustainable ways to eat well—without guilt, restriction or overwhelming you—so you can feel confident and empowered every step of the way. Choosing foods that keep you full, support your metabolism, and nourish your body can help you feel better while accomplishing your goals.

Whether you’re beginning your weight loss journey, returning to healthy habits, or supporting results from bariatric surgery or medication like GLP-1s, the foods you choose daily play a powerful role in success.

Below are the best foods to support healthy weight loss—and why they work.

Lean Proteins

Protein is the foundation of healthy weight loss. It helps preserve muscle mass, keeps you full longer and stabilizes your blood sugar.

Examples:

  • Chicken or turkey breast

  • Fish (such as salmon, tuna, cod)

  • Eggs and egg whites

  • Greek yogurt or cottage cheese

  • Lentils, tofu, or tempeh

Why It Matters:
Protein supports your metabolism and helps your body maintain lean muscle—even while losing weight.

Tip: Aim to include protein in every meal and snack.

High-Fiber Vegetables

Fiber adds volume to meals without adding many calories. It also supports digestion and helps reduce cravings.

Great Choices:
Broccoli, spinach, kale, cauliflower, asparagus, bell peppers, green beans and zucchini.

Pro Tip:
Roast veggies with olive oil spray, garlic powder and salt for a quick, flavorful, low-calorie side.

Low-Sugar Fruits

Fruit is naturally sweet and packed with vitamins, antioxidants, and fiber. It satisfies cravings while supporting weight management.

Best Options:
Berries, apples, pears, grapefruit, kiwi and oranges.

Why:
Their fiber content helps stabilize blood sugar and keep hunger steady.

Whole Grains

Carbs are not the enemy—processed carbs are.
Whole grains digest slowly and help you stay full longer.

Healthy Options:
Quinoa, brown rice, whole-grain bread, oats, barley and farro.

Try This:
Swap white rice for half brown rice + half quinoa for an easy transition.

Healthy Fats

Healthy fats are essential for hormone balance, brain function and satiety. They help you feel satisfied after meals.

Smart Sources:
Avocado, olive oil, nuts, seeds and fatty fish like salmon.

Remember:
Fats are nutritious but calorie-dense—small portions go a long way.

Hydrating, Low-Calorie Drinks

Hydration is key for appetite control and metabolism. Sometimes we mistake thirst for hunger.

Choose:

Water, sparkling water, herbal tea or electrolyte packets with no added sugar.

Limit:
Soda, sugary coffee drinks, alcohol and juice.

Sample Meal Ideas for Healthy Weight Loss – click here for a free meal planner.

Meal

Example

Breakfast

Greek yogurt with berries and chia seeds

Lunch

Grilled chicken, roasted vegetables, and quinoa

Snack

Apple slices with 1 tbsp peanut butter

Dinner

Baked salmon with asparagus and brown rice

Evening Treat

Frozen berries blended into a “sorbet”

The Bottom Line

Healthy weight loss shouldn’t be about punishment, restriction or trying to “eat as little as possible.” It’s about fueling your body well so it can work for you—not against you.

Choosing whole, nourishing foods rich in protein, fiber and healthy fats helps you stay full, feel energized, and build habits that last.

If you’re unsure where to start, or you need guidance tailored to your body, your metabolism, and your health history—we’re here to help. 

No Blame. No Shame. Just compassionate care that gets results.


ATTENTION patients of Dr. Al-Kalla

Dr. Al-Kalla will be leaving Weight Loss Specialists of North Texas at the end of July. If you would like continue as his patient, please let us know and we can assist in getting your medical records transferred.

You may also choose to stay with Weight Loss Specialists of North Texas and we’ll gladly transfer your care to another provider on staff.

Thank you.