A healthy diet is not synonymous with food deprivation or starvation. In fact, a nutritionally balanced diet emphasizes fresh vegetables, fruits, whole grains coupled with small doses of one’s favorite sweet tasty treats (ice cream, pie, cake cookies, et cetera).

A healthy diet does not leave the dieter feeling deprived or desperately famished. As a result, it is acceptable to savor a moderate portion size of dessert without being consumed by feelings of guilt. Implement the following dieting strategies part of your weight management program:

-Heighten the percentage of vegetables and fruits in each meal. For instance, blueberries are a rich source of antioxidants that will enhance any cereal. Top-off any rice or pasta with vegetables lightly sauteed in olive, vegetable or canola oil. Reduce the meat portion while increasing the amount serving size of vegetables.

-Be creative with various food combinations. Explore mixing mangoes with pineapple slices. To appease a sweet tooth, take a whole-wheat cracker or toast and smear a smidge of peanut butter on its face. Co-mingle a few pear sliced with mandarin orange into a salad concoction. Experimenting with different vegetables and fruits variations will inspire new healthy snacking alternatives.

-Start anew with salads or soups. To incite a feeling of satiation, start each lunch or dinner with a broth-based vegetable soup or a generous sized salad with a fat-free dressing. Since these foods require more time to eat, they may offer the feeling of fulfillment.

Another way to promote a feeling of satiety is via consuming whole grains and extra servings of vegetables or fruits. Even if you have room for desert, mixed berries or other fruit topped with low-fat ice cream, fat-free whipped cream or vanilla yogurt are reduced fat options.