Lean Proteins
You don't have to go vegetarian to stick to a good diet. In fact, a lean cut of protein can be the perfect entrée, providing you with quality nutrients to help fuel your body and build your muscles. Instead of downing a steak that's loaded with saturated fat, try chicken breast, a lean cut of pork or a piece of fish. Most fish contain higher amounts of omega-3 fatty acids, which are a healthier form of fat than the saturated fat found in less lean cuts of meat. Instead of frying your meat, try a different method of cooking that's more diet-friendly, such as broiling, baking, roasting or poaching.
Whole Grains
Your morning bran muffin isn't the only option for getting a little fiber in your diet. Plenty of whole-grain options are available for dinner, many of which taste remarkably similar to their enriched flour counterparts. Brown rice takes slightly longer to cook than white rice, but has a nuttier flavor and provides more vitamins and minerals than the white version, which has been stripped of the husk. Likewise, whole-grain pasta contains more fiber than enriched pasta, giving you more fiber in your diet and helping you avoid those empty calories that can lead to weight gain.
Roasted Vegetables
If you're sick of eating salads on your diet, raw vegetables probably don't sound that appealing, and boiling or steaming them doesn't add much more flavor. Instead of taking these traditional approaches with your favorite vegetables such as broccoli, asparagus or zucchini, try roasting them in the oven instead. Toss them in a light coating of olive oil---which contains healthy poly-unsaturated fats---and sprinkle with your favorite seasoning, and you've got a healthy and tasty side dish for your next dinner.