A new study for University College London researchers suggests weight loss diets are more effective when they avoid consumption of ultra-processed foods.

Include grains in your daily diet. Choose fat-free or low-fat dairy products, including milk, yoghurt, cheese, or fortified soy products. Always add a small portion of protein in every meal, including lean meat (chicken), seafood, eggs, beans and peas, nuts, seeds, and soy products.

People who ate more typical home-cooked meals lost twice the weight of people eating ultraprocessed foods that met healthy nutritional guidelines, study finds