What is the healthiest diet for women? Despite the news stories and companies that promote diet products, the fact is the proper diet for women is not a matter of knowing which are the "good" foods or ‘bad" foods and not simply a matter of using a new fad pill or meal.

Eating food daily from all the food groups is a healthy diet; eating this way will provide your body with all the nutrition you need for optimal functioning, no matter your age. Basically, this means you would eat a lot of fruits, vegetables (five servings a day) plus whole grains. A healthy diet also and involves eating only low-fat or fat-free dairy products and making sure that no more than 20-35 percent of daily calories are from fat. Low-fat meats and fish add to the amount of protein in the diet.

This manner of eating provides a women's diet that maintains normal blood-sugar and insulin levels because of the amount of fruits and vegetables and avoiding processed white breads and sugary foods. Another important element of a healthy diet for women is never skipping meals. Many women also find benefits from eating smaller meals several times (5-7) a day, rather than three large meals.

Vegetarian women
A vegan diet excludes any products that are animal based (meats, eggs and dairy products); it allows only plant-based foods (fruits, veggies, whole grains, legumes, nuts and tofu). Many studies of cultures around the world that eat vegan diets reveal that these people have lower blood pressure and fewer incidents of heart problems and diabetes.

Another good alternative for diet and women is a vegetarian diet. Adding to the principles of a vegan diet, vegetarian fare can also include cereals, olives, pasta, rice, couscous, eggs, and vegetable oils.

Diet and women who want to lose weight
What makes women overweight? Is it too many carbohydrates? Too much fat in their food? Too much stress? Menopause? Not enough exercise? It's important to know about the appropriate diet and women because being overweight increases the odds of having a heart attack or stroke, cancer, type 2 diabetes, high blood pressure, gallbladder problems, and even arthritis and breathing problems.

The culprit for weight gain is excess calories. So to achieve weight loss, simply reduce caloric intake. For example, 3500 calories equals one pound of fat. Reducing daily food intake by 500 calories (or exercising to offset that amount of calories) will cause a one-pound weight loss in a week.

Eating more fiber is also an effective way to lose weight. It is low in calories, takes longer to eat, and makes you feel full. Between 25-35 grams of fiber per day is recommended. Remember that it's essential to drink plenty of water with fiber.

Unfortunately, women who have gone through menopause encounter difficulties in losing weight unless they exercise along with eating a proper diet.

Diet and women who are stressed
Women under stress often turn to food as a comfort. But unless they choose the right foods, this practice will inevitably lead to weight gain. Choosing a sugary food, for example, will elevate blood-sugar levels and can upset the hormonal system. The best strategy is to choose complex carbohydrates such as whole-grain breads, oats and potatoes. Complex carbs are broken down into glucose more slowly so will help to maintain a steady blood sugar level.