Eat Chocolate to Lose Weight

Would you be surprised to hear that chocolate can help you lose weight?

Researchers at The University of Copenhagen have found that having a small piece of dark chocolate as a snack reduces cravings for sweet, salty and fatty foods, and helps you eat less. In the study, participants were given either milk or dark chocolate as a snack and then offered unlimited pizza 2 hours later. Those who had eaten the dark chocolate ate an average of 15% fewer calories than those who had eaten milk chocolate. The participants also reported feeling far less hungry, and much less hungry for sweet, salty or fatty foods. So dark chocolate, in addition to being full of anti-oxidants, can help you lose weight by avoiding some common diet pitfalls.

But before you load up on the candy bars, remember that the darker the chocolate, the better the benefits. Look for minimally processed chocolate that contains at least 70% cocoa.  Also, chocolate is a rich, calorie dense food, so enjoy an ounce or two at the most.

Lose Weight Fast with This Morning Ritual

If you’re a fan of the dark, rich stuff, you probably love the the boost of energy you feel after indulging in your favorite morning ritual. But did you know that the hot cup of Joe you wake up to does more than just get your motor running?

Coffee’s caffeine improves your concentration and helps you think more clearly. Coffee is also full of anti-oxidants that work hard to keep you healthy. But coffee’s best benefit may be for your waist line. Studies have shown that the caffeine in just two cups of coffee can boost your metabolism enough to burn an extra 50 calories every four hours. For the most calorie burning benefits, drink your coffee black. Cream, sugar and chocolate syrup all work against your weight loss goals.

Another cup, anyone?

Eat Great and Lose Weight Fast

Trying to lose weight and eat healthier? You don’t need a bunch of expensive foods or to spend hundreds of dollars at a weight loss clinic. Big changes in both your waist line and your health can easily be yours just by applying the “Rule of 5’s” to your meal plan.

The Rule of 5’s

The “Rule of 5″s” states that there should be 5 different colors on your plate at every meal. White and brown don’t count.  A “Rule of 5’s” dinner might include broccoli (green), roasted summer squash and zucchini (yellow and dark green), and pork chops with mango salsa (orange and yellow). A lunch might be a pita with avocado (yellow-green), spouts (bright green) and cream cheese and a fruit salad of kiwi (a different color of green), orange and grapefruit (yellow or ruby red) segments.

By adding all of these bright colors to your plate, you are filling up on fiber and nutrient rich but not calorie dense foods, as well loading up on anti-oxidants. You’ll lose weight without feeling hungry, you’ll be eating wonderful foods and your skin will glow from all of the healthy vitamins you are eating.

Try “The Rule of 5’s” tonight!