Obesity is one of the problems that are looming large on majority of the people, who are becoming increasingly aware of its consequences and hence dieting has become an indispensable part of their lives. Even those who are of correct weight can adopt dieting by taking the right food at the right time.

A balanced food is very important to maintain a healthy diet and it is evident that a balanced diet should contain the essential vitamins and minerals that are required for the control of weight and metabolism. Diet food includes vitamins such as B2, B3, B5, B6 and vitamin C, chromium, manganese and zinc. Nutritionists say that to follow a diet food, it is advisable to follow the food pyramid whose results are enormous and instantaneous.

Grains form the base of the food pyramid since they are rich in dietary fiber, have high energy content and are a good source of nutrients that assist in metabolism. Depending upon the amount of calories to be shed, grains should be taken at least four to five ounces every day.

Those who sincerely want to lose weight can never afford to neglect vegetables, either taken cooked or raw. Vegetables are a rich source of many vitamins and minerals like vitamin B complex, vitamins C, E and K to fight against vitamin deficiency. In fact, if vegetables are taken regularly, it lowers the risk of heart disease, high blood pressure and cancer.

A diet food can never be complete without fruits. The most appealing factor of fruits is that they are taken raw and are hundred percent natural. Fruits have low calorie and are rich in dietary fiber. Apart from preventing the vitamin deficiency, fruits serve as the ideal food for those who are on weight control and yet want to stay healthy.

Occasionally, for snacks and to fill the stomach, nuts and seeds can be consumed because they contain large amounts of vitamins and minerals and fiber that help in metabolism. Diet food does not mean that lovers of non vegetarian need to go all green- there are lean meats or lean chicken and fish that contain protein, essential minerals and vitamins that aid in metabolism.

Fat or oil is in the peak of the pyramid, which has to be avoided as much as possible, since fats and oils tend to drastically increase the total intake of calories and thus nullify the very purpose of taking diet food.