12 foods nutrition experts buy for their own kitchens

Americans are on an eating binge. More than one third of adults -- more than 72 million people -- and 17% of children are obese, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. It's no surprise that the weight-loss industry has become a $59.7 billion business and is expected to grow 2% in 2010, according to Marketdata Enterprises, a market research firm.

For pointers on eating right, we asked dieticians and nutritionists what's stocked in their pantries and refrigerators. Here are their top 12 picks:

Oatmeal starts the day right
Keri Gans, a registered dietitian and national spokesperson for the American Dietetic Association, likes to begin her day with a bowl of oatmeal. "It's filled with fiber that keeps me satiated until lunch," Gans said. "Fiber also helps lower cholesterol levels. I make my oats with nonfat milk, especially for the calcium and Vitamin D for my bones. I also top it with low-fat cottage cheese for the added protein. Without adequate protein in the morning, it's no wonder people are hungry an hour or two after they eat breakfast."