The 3 Steps to Become a Fashion Designer

Do you dream of creating clothes, accessories, or shoes? Then you might want to consider a career in fashion design!

There’s no formal path to becoming a fashion designer: some designers become well-known and successful without any formal education or training. Others, however, take a more traditional route into the industry. In this article, we’ll explain how to become a fashion designer, the average fashion designer salary, and the skills you’ll need to be successful.

What Does a Fashion Designer Do?

A fashion designer is someone who designs how garments look: their shape, color, fabric, texture, trimmings, etc. Fashion designers are responsible for bringing beauty and function together to create clothes (and shoes and accessories) that we not only need, but want, to wear. There are fashion designers at all ends of the spectrum: those who design clothing for the masses and those that design haute couture items that are only designed to be worn by the extremely wealthy and famous.

 

How to Become a Fashion Designer: Step by Step

There’s no formal training or licensing required to be a fashion designer, so there are no set steps for this career path. That being said, there are steps that you should take to determine what kind of fashion design you want to pursue and get the training you need.

 

1: Develop Your Skills

Before you start a career as a fashion designer, you’ll need to develop your skills in several key areas. Fashion designers need to have a strong understanding of art, as fashion designers will draw renderings of their clothing before they create them.

You’ll also need to practice sewing. Most fashion designers, particularly those that are just starting out, create their clothes themselves, either by hand or using a sewing machine. You should have an understanding of how to sew well across different types of fabrics.

You’ll also want to study fashion itself. Learn about the different designers that exist (and have existed). Study their work and their career paths. Decide what you take inspiration from and what you would rather not learn about or emulate.

 

2: Decide Which Type of Fashion You’re Interested In

The type of fashion you’re interested in will dictate your career path and training as a fashion designer. A critical step in your career is to decide what type of fashion designer you want to be. Do you want to design ready-to-wear clothing for a common brand, like Gap? Or are you more interested in the avant-garde styles that grace runways? Deciding what kind of fashion you’re interested in will help you understand the educational path you’ll need to take.

3: Apprentice

Regardless of whether or not you decide to go to fashion school, you’ll need to get some on-the-job experience to make it in the industry. Since fashion is a visual medium, potential companies will be interested in your portfolio. They’ll want to see samples of garments you’ve created and designs you’ve drawn. Working as an intern or apprentice is a great way to build up your portfolio while getting feedback from real, working fashion designers.

Similarly, when you work at or for an established fashion designer, you’ll learn about all aspects of the fashion business: not just design, but sourcing fabrics, fitting clothes to models, pattern-making, draping, styling a shoot and more. It’s important to have all of these skills if you want to succeed as a designer yourself.

 

How to Become a Fashion Designer: What Classes to Take

If you decide to go to fashion school, you’ll take classes in a variety of areas: art, business, design, and more. What you take will depend on your eventual major. If you study at a fashion school, you’ll have many different options for your degree, like Accessories Design, Fabric Styling, Fine Arts, and more.

Choose a degree that aligns with your ultimate fashion aspirations. Do you want to be an accessories designer? Then you should take classes (and potentially major in) Accessories Design. If you don’t want anything to do with accessories, then there are better courses for you to take.

Having an understanding of what you want to do after graduation will help dictate the best course of programming for you to take while you are in school. If you’re not sure what to take, trying speaking with your college counselor or advisor.

 

Fashion Designer Salary

As you might expect, fashion designer salaries range widely, with the highest-end fashion designers making billions and billions of dollars every year. That being said, the average fashion designer salary is around $65,000 per year.

 

How to Become a Fashion Designer: Top Schools

Have you decided that you want to go to fashion school? Then you will want to attend a program that trains you well and gives you a good chance at securing your dream job after graduation. These are the top three fashion schools in the United States.

For a more comprehensive list of the top fashion schools, check out this blog post.

 

1: Fashion Institute of Technology (FIT), New York, NY

FIT is arguably the most famous school for people who want to be fashion designers. Its programs prepare students for professional excellence in design and business. FIT offers many different undergraduate degree programs, including Accessories Design, Fabric Styling, Fashion Business Management, and Jewelry Design. FIT offers 48 degree programs in fashion and other creative and business professions and is consistently ranked as one of the best fashion schools in the world.

The school takes students on frequent field trips to corporate headquarters, design studios, galleries, and museums. Finally, many alumni are particularly successful in the business side of fashion and act as VPs, presidents, and CEOs.

2: Parsons The New School, New York, NY

Unlike FIT’s wide-range of fashion degree options, the New School takes a more focused approach to fashion, offering only a BFA in fashion design for fashion-minded undergraduates. There are many other strong programs offered through the school, however. The New School is a well-respected school in all sorts of design fields, including Fine Arts and Interior Design.

The fashion design program is housed in Parson’s School of Fashion, which has some strong fashion Master’s programs. Students can take advantage of the many professional opportunities available in NYC, especially with the school’s list of notable alumni (including Isaac Mizrahi and Donna Karan).

 

3: Pratt Institute, New York, NY

Fashion design students at the Pratt Institute have access to some great resources, in part due to the school’s location in New York City. Guest lecturers from all areas of the industry often give talks and seminars. Students at the Pratt Institute also end up with some great internships at companies like Rag & Bone, for example.

The school also has strong design programs in other areas, including industrial and interior design. Students also get strong career support from Pratt’s Center for Career and Professional Development, which presents dozens of programs each year on topics like career prep and innovation.

What is fashion

Fashion is a form of self-expression and autonomy at a particular period and place and in a specific context, of clothing, footwear, lifestyle, accessories, makeup, hairstyle, and body posture.[1] The term implies a look defined by the fashion industry as that which is trending. Everything that is considered fashion is available and popularized by the fashion system industry and media.

Healthy Eating

Confused by all the conflicting nutrition advice out there? These simple tips can show you how to plan, enjoy, and stick to a healthy diet.

What is a healthy diet?

Eating a healthy diet is not about strict limitations, staying unrealistically thin, or depriving yourself of the foods you love. Rather, it’s about feeling great, having more energy, improving your health, and boosting your mood.

Healthy eating doesn’t have to be overly complicated. If you feel overwhelmed by all the conflicting nutrition and diet advice out there, you’re not alone. It seems that for every expert who tells you a certain food is good for you, you’ll find another saying exactly the opposite. The truth is that while some specific foods or nutrients have been shown to have a beneficial effect on mood, it’s your overall dietary pattern that is most important. The cornerstone of a healthy diet should be to replace processed food with real food whenever possible. Eating food that is as close as possible to the way nature made it can make a huge difference to the way you think, look, and feel.

By using these simple tips, you can cut through the confusion and learn how to create—and stick to—a tasty, varied, and nutritious diet that is as good for your mind as it is for your body.

The fundamentals of healthy eating

While some extreme diets may suggest otherwise, we all need a balance of protein, fat, carbohydrates, fiber, vitamins, and minerals in our diets to sustain a healthy body. You don’t need to eliminate certain categories of food from your diet, but rather select the healthiest options from each category.

Protein gives you the energy to get up and go—and keep going—while also supporting mood and cognitive function. Too much protein can be harmful to people with kidney disease, but the latest research suggests that many of us need more high-quality protein, especially as we age. That doesn’t mean you have to eat more animal products—a variety of plant-based sources of protein each day can ensure your body gets all the essential protein it needs. Learn more »

Fat. Not all fat is the same. While bad fats can wreck your diet and increase your risk of certain diseases, good fats protect your brain and heart. In fact, healthy fats—such as omega-3s—are vital to your physical and emotional health. Including more healthy fat in your diet can help improve your mood, boost your well-being, and even trim your waistline. Learn more »

Fiber. Eating foods high in dietary fiber (grains, fruit, vegetables, nuts, and beans) can help you stay regular and lower your risk for heart disease, stroke, and diabetes. It can also improve your skin and even help you to lose weight. Learn more »

Calcium. As well as leading to osteoporosis, not getting enough calcium in your diet can also contribute to anxiety, depression, and sleep difficulties. Whatever your age or gender, it’s vital to include calcium-rich foods in your diet, limit those that deplete calcium, and get enough magnesium and vitamins D and K to help calcium do its job. Learn more »

Carbohydrates are one of your body’s main sources of energy. But most should come from complex, unrefined carbs (vegetables, whole grains, fruit) rather than sugars and refined carbs. Cutting back on white bread, pastries, starches, and sugar can prevent rapid spikes in blood sugar, fluctuations in mood and energy, and a build-up of fat, especially around your waistline. Learn more »

Making the switch to a healthy diet

Switching to a healthy diet doesn’t have to be an all or nothing proposition. You don’t have to be perfect, you don’t have to completely eliminate foods you enjoy, and you don’t have to change everything all at once—that usually only leads to cheating or giving up on your new eating plan.

A better approach is to make a few small changes at a time. Keeping your goals modest can help you achieve more in the long term without feeling deprived or overwhelmed by a major diet overhaul. Think of planning a healthy diet as a number of small, manageable steps—like adding a salad to your diet once a day. As your small changes become habit, you can continue to add more healthy choices.

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Setting yourself up for success

To set yourself up for success, try to keep things simple. Eating a healthier diet doesn’t have to be complicated. Instead of being overly concerned with counting calories, for example, think of your diet in terms of color, variety, and freshness. Focus on avoiding packaged and processed foods and opting for more fresh ingredients whenever possible.

Prepare more of your own meals. Cooking more meals at home can help you take charge of what you’re eating and better monitor exactly what goes into your food. You’ll eat fewer calories and avoid the chemical additives, added sugar, and unhealthy fats of packaged and takeout foods that can leave you feeling tired, bloated, and irritable, and exacerbate symptoms of depression, stress, and anxiety.

Make the right changes. When cutting back on unhealthy foods in your diet, it’s important to replace them with healthy alternatives. Replacing dangerous trans fats with healthy fats (such as switching fried chicken for grilled salmon) will make a positive difference to your health. Switching animal fats for refined carbohydrates, though (such as switching your breakfast bacon for a donut), won’t lower your risk for heart disease or improve your mood.

Read the labels. It’s important to be aware of what’s in your food as manufacturers often hide large amounts of sugar or unhealthy fats in packaged food, even food claiming to be healthy.

Focus on how you feel after eating. This will help foster healthy new habits and tastes. The healthier the food you eat, the better you’ll feel after a meal. The more junk food you eat, the more likely you are to feel uncomfortable, nauseous, or drained of energy.

Drink plenty of water. Water helps flush our systems of waste products and toxins, yet many of us go through life dehydrated—causing tiredness, low energy, and headaches. It’s common to mistake thirst for hunger, so staying well hydrated will also help you make healthier food choices.

Moderation: important to any healthy diet

What is moderation? In essence, it means eating only as much food as your body needs. You should feel satisfied at the end of a meal, but not stuffed. For many of us, moderation means eating less than we do now. But it doesn’t mean eliminating the foods you love. Eating bacon for breakfast once a week, for example, could be considered moderation if you follow it with a healthy lunch and dinner—but not if you follow it with a box of donuts and a sausage pizza.

Try not to think of certain foods as “off-limits.” When you ban certain foods, it’s natural to want those foods more, and then feel like a failure if you give in to temptation. Start by reducing portion sizes of unhealthy foods and not eating them as often. As you reduce your intake of unhealthy foods, you may find yourself craving them less or thinking of them as only occasional indulgences.

Think smaller portions. Serving sizes have ballooned recently. When dining out, choose a starter instead of an entree, split a dish with a friend, and don’t order supersized anything. At home, visual cues can help with portion sizes. Your serving of meat, fish, or chicken should be the size of a deck of cards and half a cup of mashed potato, rice, or pasta is about the size of a traditional light bulb. By serving your meals on smaller plates or in bowls, you can trick your brain into thinking it’s a larger portion. If you don’t feel satisfied at the end of a meal, add more leafy greens or round off the meal with fruit.

Take your time. It’s important to slow down and think about food as nourishment rather than just something to gulp down in between meetings or on the way to pick up the kids. It actually takes a few minutes for your brain to tell your body that it has had enough food, so eat slowly and stop eating before you feel full.

Eat with others whenever possible. Eating alone, especially in front of the TV or computer, often leads to mindless overeating.

Limit snack foods in the home. Be careful about the foods you keep at hand. It’s more challenging to eat in moderation if you have unhealthy snacks and treats at the ready. Instead, surround yourself with healthy choices and when you’re ready to reward yourself with a special treat, go out and get it then.

Control emotional eating. We don’t always eat just to satisfy hunger. Many of us also turn to food to relieve stress or cope with unpleasant emotions such as sadness, loneliness, or boredom. But by learning healthier ways to manage stress and emotions, you can regain control over the food you eat and your feelings.

It’s not just what you eat, but when you eat

Eat breakfast, and eat smaller meals throughout the day. A healthy breakfast can jumpstart your metabolism, while eating small, healthy meals keeps your energy up all day.

Avoid eating late at night. Try to eat dinner earlier and fast for 14-16 hours until breakfast the next morning. Studies suggest that eating only when you’re most active and giving your digestive system a long break each day may help to regulate weight.

Add more fruit and vegetables to your diet

Fruit and vegetables are low in calories and nutrient dense, which means they are packed with vitamins, minerals, antioxidants, and fiber. Focus on eating the recommended daily amount of at least five servings of fruit and vegetables and it will naturally fill you up and help you cut back on unhealthy foods. A serving is half a cup of raw fruit or veg or a small apple or banana, for example. Most of us need to double the amount we currently eat.

To increase your intake:

Add antioxidant-rich berries to your favorite breakfast cereal

Eat a medley of sweet fruit—oranges, mangos, pineapple, grapes—for dessert

Swap your usual rice or pasta side dish for a colorful salad

Instead of eating processed snack foods, snack on vegetables such as carrots, snow peas, or cherry tomatoes along with a spicy hummus dip or peanut butter

How to make vegetables tasty

While plain salads and steamed veggies can quickly become bland, there are plenty of ways to add taste to your vegetable dishes.

Add color. Not only do brighter, deeper colored vegetables contain higher concentrations of vitamins, minerals and antioxidants, but they can vary the flavor and make meals more visually appealing. Add color using fresh or sundried tomatoes, glazed carrots or beets, roasted red cabbage wedges, yellow squash, or sweet, colorful peppers.

Liven up salad greens. Branch out beyond lettuce. Kale, arugula, spinach, mustard greens, broccoli, and Chinese cabbage are all packed with nutrients. To add flavor to your salad greens, try drizzling with olive oil, adding a spicy dressing, or sprinkling with almond slices, chickpeas, a little bacon, parmesan, or goat cheese.

Satisfy your sweet tooth. Naturally sweet vegetables—such as carrots, beets, sweet potatoes, yams, onions, bell peppers, and squash—add sweetness to your meals and reduce your cravings for added sugar. Add them to soups, stews, or pasta sauces for a satisfying sweet kick.

Cook green beans, broccoli, Brussels sprouts, and asparagus in new ways. Instead of boiling or steaming these healthy sides, try grilling, roasting, or pan frying them with chili flakes, garlic, shallots, mushrooms, or onion. Or marinate in tangy lemon or lime before cooking.

Food

Food is any substance consumed to provide nutritional support for an organism. Food is usually of plant, animal, or fungal origin, and contains essential nutrients, such as carbohydrates, fats, proteins, vitamins, or minerals. The substance is ingested by an organism and assimilated by the organisms cells to provide energy, maintain life, or stimulate growth. Different species of animals have different feeding behaviours that satisfy the needs of their unique metabolisms, often evolved to fill a specific ecological niche within specific geographical contexts.

Display of various foods

Omnivorous humans are highly adaptable and have adapted to obtain food in many different ecosystems. Historically, humans secured food through two main methods: hunting and gathering and agriculture. As agricultural technologies increased, humans settled into agriculture lifestyles with diets shaped by the agriculture opportunities in their geography. Geographic and cultural differences has led to creation of numerous cuisines and culinary arts, including a wide array of ingredients, herbs, spices, techniques, and dishes. As cultures have mixed through forces like international trade and globalization, ingredients have become more widely available beyond their geographic and cultural origins, creating a cosmopolitan exchange of different food traditions and practices.

Today, the majority of the food energy required by the ever-increasing population of the world is supplied by the industrial food industry, which produces food with intensive agriculture and distributes it through complex food processing and food distribution systems. This system of conventional agriculture relies heavily on fossil fuels, which means that the food and agricultural system is one of the major contributors to climate change, accountable for as much as 37% of total greenhouse gas emissions.^[1] Addressing the carbon intensity of the food system and food waste are important mitigation measures in the global response to climate change.

The food system has significant impacts on a wide range of other social and political issues including: sustainability, biological diversity, economics, population growth, water supply, and access to food. The right to food is a human right derived from the International Covenant on Economic, Social and Cultural Rights (ICESCR), recognizing the "right to an adequate standard of living, including adequate food", as well as the "fundamental right to be free from hunger". Because of these fundamental rights, food security is often a priority international policy

activity; for example Sustainable Development Goal 2 "Zero hunger" is meant to eliminate hunger by 2030. Food safety and food security are monitored by international agencies like the International Association for Food Protection, World Resources Institute, World Food Programme, Food and Agriculture Organization, and International Food Information Council, and are often subject to national regulation by institutions, like the Food and Drug Administration in the United States.

It's easy to wonder which foods are healthiest.

A vast number of foods are both healthy and tasty. By filling your plate with fruits, vegetables, quality protein sources, and other whole foods, you’ll have meals that are colorful, versatile, and good for you.

Here are 50 incredibly healthy foods. Most of them are surprisingly delicious.

1–6: Fruits and berries

Fruits and berries are among the world’s most popular health foods.

These sweet, nutritious foods are very easy to incorporate into your diet because they require little to no preparation.

1. Apples

Apples are high in fiber, vitamin C, and numerous antioxidants. They are very filling and make the perfect snack if you find yourself hungry between meals.

2. Avocados

Avocados are different from most other fruits because they’re loaded with healthy fats instead of carbs. They are not only creamy and tasty but also high in fiber, potassium, and vitamin C.

3. Bananas

Bananas are among the world’s best sources of potassium. They’re also high in vitamin B6 and fiber and are convenient and portable.

4. Blueberries

Blueberries are not only delicious but also among the most powerful sources of antioxidants in the world.

5. Oranges

Oranges are well known for their vitamin C content. What’s more, they’re high in fiber and antioxidants.

6. Strawberries

Strawberries are highly nutritious and low in both carbs and calories.

They’re loaded with vitamin C, fiber, and manganese and are arguably among the most delicious foods in existence.

Other healthy fruits

Other healthy fruits and berries include cherries, grapes, grapefruit, kiwi, lemons, mangoes, melons, olives, peaches, pears, pineapples, plums, and raspberries.

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7. Eggs

Eggs are among the most nutritious foods on the planet.

They were previously demonized for being high in cholesterol, but new studies show that they’re perfectly safe and healthy (1, 2).

8–10: Meats

Lean, unprocessed meats can be included in a healthy diet.

8. Lean beef

Lean beef is among the best sources of protein when consumed in moderation and is loaded with highly bioavailable iron.

9. Chicken breasts

Chicken breast is low in fat and calories but extremely high in protein. It’s a great source of many nutrients. Again, feel free to eat fattier cuts of chicken if you’re not eating many carbs.

10. Lamb

Lambs are usually grass-fed, and their meat tends to be high in omega-3 fatty acids.

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11–15: Nuts and seeds

Despite being high in fat and calories, nuts and seeds may aid in weight loss (3, 4).

These foods are crunchy, filling, and loaded with important nutrients that many people don’t get enough of, including magnesium and vitamin E.

They also require almost no preparation, so they’re easy to add to your routine.

Some people develop nut allergies as they grow older. If you have a reaction after eating any kind of nut, eliminate it from your diet.

11. Almonds

Almonds are a popular nut loaded with vitamin E, antioxidants, magnesium, and fiber. Studies show that almonds can contribute to weight loss and improve metabolic health (5).

12. Chia seeds

Chia seeds are among the most nutrient-dense foods on the planet. A single ounce (28 grams) packs 11 grams of fiber and significant amounts of magnesium, manganese, calcium, and various other nutrients.

13. Coconuts

Coconuts are loaded with fiber and powerful fatty acids called medium-chain triglycerides (MCTs).

14. Macadamia nuts

Macadamia nuts are very tasty. They’re much higher in monounsaturated fats and lower in omega-6 fatty acids than most other nuts.

15. Walnuts

Walnuts are highly nutritious and loaded with fiber and various vitamins and minerals.

16. Brazil nuts

Brazil nuts have a smooth, buttery texture; are loaded with nutrients; are beneficial for thyroid function; and are one of the best sources of the important mineral selenium.

17–26: Vegetables

Calorie for calorie, vegetables are among the world’s most concentrated sources of nutrients.

There’s a wide variety available, and it’s best to eat many different types every day.

17. Asparagus

Asparagus is a popular vegetable that is low in both carbs and calories but loaded with vitamin K.

18. Bell peppers

Bell peppers come in several colors, including red, yellow, and green. They’re crunchy and sweet and are a great source of antioxidants and vitamin C.

19. Broccoli

Broccoli is a cruciferous vegetable that tastes great both raw and cooked. It’s an excellent source of fiber and vitamins C and K and contains a decent amount of protein compared with other vegetables.

20. Carrots

Carrots are a popular root vegetable. They’re extremely crunchy and loaded with nutrients such as fiber and vitamin K.

Carrots are also very high in carotene antioxidants, which have numerous benefits.

21. Cauliflower

Cauliflower is a very versatile cruciferous vegetable. It can be used to make a multitude of healthy dishes and also tastes good on its own.

22. Cucumber

Cucumbers are one of the world’s most popular vegetables. They’re very low in both carbs and calories, consisting mostly of water. However, they contain a number of nutrients in small amounts, including vitamin K.

23. Garlic

Garlic is incredibly healthy. It contains bioactive organosulfur compounds that have powerful biological effects, including improved immune function (6).

24. Kale

Kale has become increasingly popular because it’s incredibly high in fiber, vitamins C and K, and a number of other nutrients. It adds a satisfying crunch to salads and other dishes.

25. Onions

Onions have a very strong flavor and are very popular in many recipes. They contain a number of bioactive compounds believed to have health benefits.

26. Tomatoes

Tomatoes are usually categorized as a vegetable, although they are technically a fruit. They are tasty and loaded with nutrients such as potassium and vitamin C.

More healthy vegetables

Most vegetables are very healthy. Others worth mentioning are artichokes, Brussels sprouts, cabbage, celery, eggplant, leeks, lettuce, mushrooms, radishes, squash, Swiss chard, turnips, and zucchini.

27–32: Fish and seafood

Fish and other seafood tend to be very healthy and nutritious.

They’re especially rich in omega-3 fatty acids and iodine, two nutrients that most people don’t consume enough of.

Studies show that people who eat the highest amounts of seafood — especially fish — tend to live longer and have a lower risk of many illnesses, including heart disease, dementia, and depression (7, 8, 9).

27. Salmon

Salmon is a type of oily fish that’s incredibly popular because of its excellent taste and high nutrient content, including protein and omega-3 fatty acids. It also contains some vitamin D.

28. Sardines

Sardines are small, oily fish that are among the most nutritious foods you can eat. They boast sizable amounts of most nutrients that your body needs, including calcium and vitamin D.

29. Shellfish

Shellfish ranks similarly to organ meats when it comes to nutrient density. Edible shellfish include clams, mollusks, and oysters.

30. Shrimp

Shrimp is a type of crustacean related to crabs and lobsters. It tends to be low in fat and calories but high in protein. It’s also loaded with various other nutrients, including selenium and vitamin B12.

31. Trout

Trout is another type of delicious freshwater fish, similar to salmon.

32. Tuna

Tuna is very popular in Western countries and tends to be low in fat and calories and high in protein. It’s perfect for people who need to add more protein to their diets but keep calories low.

However, you should make sure to buy low mercury varieties.

33–35: Grains

Whole grains are an important addition to your diet because they provide a variety of micronutrients and fiber and are fuel for your body.

Just keep in mind that they’re relatively high in carbs, so they’re not recommended for those who are on low carb diets.

33. Brown rice

Rice is one of the most popular cereal grains and is currently a staple food for more than half the world’s population. Brown rice is fairly nutritious, with decent amounts of fiber, vitamin B1, and magnesium.

34. Oats

Oats are incredibly healthy. They’re loaded with nutrients and powerful fibers called beta glucans, which provide numerous benefits, including helping to lower cholesterol and feed beneficial bacteria in the gut.

35. Quinoa

Quinoa has become incredibly popular among health-conscious people in recent years. It’s a tasty grain that’s high in nutrients such as fiber and magnesium. It is also an excellent source of plant-based protein.

36–37: Breads

Many people eat a lot of highly processed white bread.

If you are trying to adopt a healthier diet, it’s helpful to compare product labels and choose the bread with the most dietary fiber and the least added sugar.

36. Ezekiel bread

Ezekiel bread may be the healthiest bread you can buy. It’s made from organic sprouted whole grains, as well as several legumes.

37. Homemade low carb breads

Overall, the best choice for bread may one you can make yourself. Here’s a list of 15 recipes for gluten-free, low carb breads.

38–41: Legumes

Legumes are a great plant-based source of protein, iron, and fiber.

While it’s true that legumes contain antinutrients, which can interfere with digestion and nutrient absorption, it’s possible to reduce or eliminate antinutrient content by soaking and properly preparing them (10).

Therefore, legumes are a great plant-based source of protein.

38. Green beans

Green beans, also called string beans, are an unripe variety of the common bean. They are very popular in Western countries.

39. Kidney beans

Kidney beans are loaded with fiber and various vitamins and minerals. Make sure to cook them properly, because they’re toxic when raw.

40. Lentils

Lentils are another popular legume. They’re high in fiber and are among the best sources of plant-based protein.

41. Peanuts

Peanuts (which are legumes, not true nuts) are incredibly tasty and high in nutrients and antioxidants. Several studies suggest that peanuts can aid in weight loss (11, 12).

However, if you’re monitoring your calorie intake, you may want to be mindful of your consumption of peanut butter, which is very high in calories and easy to eat in large amounts.

42–44: Dairy

For those who can tolerate them, dairy products are a healthy source of various important nutrients.

Full-fat dairy seems to be the most nutritious option, and studies show that people who eat the most full-fat dairy have a lower risk of obesity and type 2 diabetes (13, 14).

If the dairy comes from grass-fed cows, it may be even more nutritious because it’s higher in some bioactive fatty acids such as conjugated linoleic acid and vitamin K2.

42. Cheese

Cheese is incredibly nutritious — a single slice may offer about the same amount of nutrients as an entire cup (240 ml) of milk. Many people also consider it one of the most delicious foods.

43. Whole milk

Whole milk is very high in vitamins, minerals, quality animal protein, and healthy fats. What’s more, it’s one of the best dietary sources of calcium.

44. Yogurt

Yogurt is made from milk that is fermented through the addition of live bacteria. It has many of the same health effects as milk, but yogurt with live cultures has the added benefit of friendly probiotic bacteria.

45–46: Fats and oils

Dietary patterns that include unsaturated fats and oils are considered very healthy.

45. Extra-virgin olive oil

Extra-virgin olive oil is one of the healthiest vegetable oils. It contains heart-healthy monounsaturated fats and is very high in antioxidants that have powerful health benefits.

46. Coconut oil

Coconut oil is a saturated fat, but it contains MCTs and may have similar health effects to olive oil (15).

However, coconut oil has been shown to increase LDL (bad) cholesterol to a greater degree than other plant-based liquid oils, so it should be used in moderation (16).

47–48: Tubers

Tubers are the storage organs of some plants. They tend to contain a number of beneficial nutrients.

47. Potatoes

Potatoes are loaded with potassium and contain a little bit of almost every nutrient you need, including vitamin C.

They’ll also keep you full for long periods. One study analyzed 38 foods and found that boiled potatoes were by far the most filling (17).

48. Sweet potatoes

Sweet potatoes are among the most delicious starchy foods you can eat. They’re loaded with antioxidants, beta carotene, vitamin A, and all sorts of other healthy nutrients.

49. Apple cider vinegar

Apple cider vinegar may help regulate postmeal blood sugar levels when consumed with a meal, though more evidence is needed on its effectiveness (18, 19).

It’s great to use as a salad dressing or to add flavor to meals.

50. Dark chocolate

Dark chocolate is loaded with magnesium and is one of the most powerful sources of antioxidants (20).