1. Water - A new study seems to indicate that drinking
water actually speeds up weight loss. Researchers in Germany found
that subjects of the study increased their metabolic rates (the
rate at which calories are burned) by 30 percent after drinking
approximately 17 ounces of water. Water is also a natural appetite suppressant
that banishes bloat as it flushes out sodium and toxins. Drinking enough
water will also help keep you from mistaking thirst for hunger. So drink
up!
2. Green
Tea - Studies show that green tea extract boosts metabolism and
may aid in weight loss. This mood-enhancing tea has also
been reported to contain anti-cancer properties and to help prevent
heart disease. It's also a trendy drink among weight-conscious celebrities.
3. Soup - Eat less and burn fat faster by
having a bowl of soup as an appetizer or a snack. According to a
Penn State University study, soup is a super appetite suppressant
because it's made up of a hunger-satisfying combination of liquids
and solids. In the study, women chose one of three 270-calorie snacks
before lunch: Women who had chicken and rice soup as a snack consumed
an average of 100 fewer calories than those in the study who
opted for a chicken and rice casserole or the casserole and a glass
of water.
4. Grapefruit - The grapefruit diet is not
a myth. Researchers at Scripps Clinic found that participants who
ate half a grapefruit with each meal in a 12-week period lost an
average of 3.6 pounds. The study indicates that the unique chemical
properties in this vitamin C-packed citrus fruit reduce insulin levels,
which promotes weight loss. NOTE: If you are taking medication,
check with your doctor about any potentially adverse interactions
with grapefruit.
5. Apples & Pears - Overweight women who ate
the equivalent of three small apples or pears a day lost more
weight on a low-calorie diet than women who didn't add fruit
to their diet, according to researchers from the State University
of Rio de Janeiro. Fruit eaters also ate fewer calories overall.
So, next time you need to satisfy a sugar craving, reach for this low-calorie,
high-fiber snack. You'll feel full longer and eat less.
6. Broccoli - Study after study links calcium and weight
loss. Broccoli is not only high in calcium but it's also loaded
with vitamin C, which boosts calcium absorption. This member of
the nutritious cabbage family also has plenty of vitamin A, folic
and fiber. And, at just 20-calories per cup, this weight
loss super food not only fights fat but also contains
powerful photo-chemicals that boost your immunity and protect against
disease.
7. Low-Fat Yogurt - Dairy products can boost weight
loss efforts, according to a study in the April issue of Obesity
Research. People on a reduced-calorie diet who included
3-4 servings of dairy foods lost significantly more weight than
those who ate a low-dairy diet containing the same number
of calories. Low-fat yogurt is a rich source of weight-loss-friendly calcium,
providing about 450 mg (about half the recommended daily allowance
for women ages 19-50) per 8-ounce serving, as well as 12 grams
of protein.
8. Lean Turkey - Rev up your fat-burning engine
with this bodybuilder favorite. Countless studies have shown that
protein can help boost metabolism, lose fat and build
lean muscle tissue so you burn more calories. A 3-ounce serving
of boneless, skinless lean turkey breast weighs in at 120 calories and
provides 26 grams of appetite-curbing protein, 1 gram of fat and
0 grams of saturated fat.
9. Oatmeal - This heart-healthy favorite ranks
high on the good carb list because it's a good source of cholesterol-fighting, fat-soluble fiber
(7 grams per 3/4-cup serving) that keeps you full and provides you
with the energy you need to make the most of your workouts. Just
be sure to choose steel cut or rolled oats, not instant oatmeal,
to get your full dose of vitamins, minerals and fiber.
10. Hot Peppers - Eating hot peppers can speed
up your metabolism and cool your cravings, researchers at Laval
University in Canada found. Here's why: capsaicin (a chemical found
in jalapeno and cayenne peppers) temporarily stimulates your body
to release more stress hormones which speeds up your metabolism and
causes you to burn more calories
Here's how these
10 fat-blasting superstars help you lose
weight :
· Each of these healthy weight-loss boosters
fills you up and keeps you full longer on fewer calories.
· Water-rich fresh fruits, veggies and soup dilute the calories in
your food and allow you to eat more without breaking the calorie bank.
· High-fiber fruit, vegetables and nutritious whole
grains keep your digestive system on track and steady insulin levels,
which prevents fat storage.
· Lean meat boosts metabolism and burns calories because
it take more energy to digest than other foods.
