Diet foods can taste great and help you lose weight. The goal is to eat healthy as a habit and forget you are on a diet.

Dieting can be downright difficult, especially if your diet includes foods you don't particularly enjoy. After all, how many cookies or cabbage soup can a person stand? There are thousands of diet foods that are healthy, taste great, and can help you stick to your weight loss plan.

Here are seven foods that lay the foundation of any healthy diet:

1. Lean protein: Lean protein is important because it helps you feel satisfied. Excellent sources of low-fat protein include eggs, skinless poultry, edamame or other beans, nuts, shrimp, crab, fish fillets, lean cuts of beef and pork tenderloin. When choosing meat, go for lean cuts, trim off all visible fat, and control your portions.

2. Whole Grains. Most whole grains are a good source of fiber, which helps you fill you up. Try the whole-grain pasta blends. A dieter's favorite is fat-free popcorn -- crunchy, filling, and a whole grain.

3. Fruits. They satisfy your sweet tooth and are loaded with disease-fighting nutrients, yet are low in calories. Keep a stock of fresh, frozen, or dried fruits on hand. Eat them plain or toss into cereal, yogurt, waffles, or batters. Whole fruits are best because of their fiber content.

4. Veggies. Keep a supply of mixed greens, shredded carrots, steamed beets, and broccoli on hand for quick and nutritious salads. Roast sweet potatoes for a side dish that needs no topping other than a little salt and pepper. Canned vegetables are another option; just rinse thoroughly to reduce sodium.

5. Low-Fat and Fat-Free Dairy Products. Milk, yogurt, cheese, sour cream, and cream cheese are available in lower-fat varieties that offer both healthy nutrients and great taste.

6. Flavored Mustards and Vinegars add sizzle to foods, with few calories. Try honey, tarragon, ginger, garlic, wasabi, or Dijon mustards, or balsamic, wine, herb, cider, fruit-flavored or, sherry vinegars. Use them in place of oil, mayonnaise, or butter in recipes.

7. Light Salad Dressings: Nearly half of the salad dressings you'll see are reduced in calories and/or fat. Another option is to make your own lower-calorie dressing, using more vinegar than oil, as well as a little water.