Eat This Breakfast to Lose Weight

Eating more protein in the morning can help you feel full longer and eat less all day.

New studies have shown that starting your day with some extra protein keep you feeling fuller so you eat fewer calories throughout the day. A study published last month in the International Journal of Obesity found that eating two eggs for breakfast helped dieters lose more weight and feel more energetic throughout the day than people who ate a bagel and cream cheese with similar calories. And the effects are long lasting - people who began their day with eggs and toast with jelly ate 270 fewer calories during the day.

Research by the International Food Information Council found that while 92 percent of Americans consider breakfast to be the most important meal of the day, only 46 percent of them actually eat breakfast seven days a week. So if you are trying to lose a few pounds, why not try starting your day with eggs, yogurt or a couple of slices of Canadian bacon? Your waistline will thank you for it!

A Snack That Helps You Lose Weight

Did you know that eating an apple does more than keep the doctor away? Turns out, it helps melt the pounds off, too!

Researchers at Pennsylvania State University have found that people who eat an apple 15 minutes before their dinner eat far less than they normally would. In the study, researchers compared the eating habits of two groups of people at an all-you-can-eat- pasta bar. One group ate an apple prior to their meal and the other group dove right in to the pasta. Overall, the apple eaters ate 187 fewer calories than those who skipped the snack.

It makes sense. Beginning each meal with a filling low calorie starter can help you pass the high calorie foods by. Don’t like apples? Cut up veggie, a fruit salad or a cup of broth based soup will have the same effect.

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.

Drink Up to Lose Weight

Drink More Water

We’ve all heard that we should drink plenty of water. The benefits are well known. Water removes toxins from your system by flushing out all the bad stuff, it keeps our muscles hydrated and supple and improves skin tone and elasticity. But did you know that water helps your body burn calories?  Even at low levels of dehydration, your metabolism slows down and uses fewer calories. Studies have shown that people who drink eight or more glasses of water every day burn far more calories than those who drank four or less glasses per day.

Water also helps you lose weight by controlling your hunger and filling you up. Try drinking a glass of water or iced tea 10 minutes before every meal or snack. You’ll eat less and consume fewer calories, both which will help your weight loss efforts.

Drink To Your Health!

Using Your Metabolism to Lose Weight

Are you trying to lose weight, but it feels like your body is fighting you every step of the way? It’s frustrating when you get off to a great start, losing a few pounds, but then you hit a plateau. Even if you keep doing all the “right” things - cutting calories and exercising, sometimes your body just won’t cooperate.

Maybe the problem is your metabolism.

Your metabolism is the engine that keeps your body going and depending on how it’s running, it’s either burning calories and fat or storing them for later use. Knowing how to keep your metabolism in fat burning mode is the key to weight loss.

When most people start a new diet program, they drastically cut back on the calories they take in. This does  results in weight loss, but your metabolism quickly adapts, burning fewer calories as it tries to save up for the lean times to come. This is why you plateau.

Don’t cut too many calories. Eating less than 1200 calories a day puts your body into starvation mode and shuts your metabolism down. Keep your metabolism running high by eating 5 or 6 small meals a day. This will burn the maximum calories and fat, resulting in a new and slimmer you!

Lose More Weight by Drinking Water

Thirsty? Skip the diet pop and head for the faucet.

Did you know that people who drink diet pop are 30% more likely to become overweight? Want a better way to cool down and refresh? Drink water.

Researchers have found that drinking water speeds weight loss by increasing metabolic rates by as much as 30%. Water also helps to curb hunger by filling you up, preventing you from consuming empty calories in the form of high calorie soda and juice. As a bonus, water gives you a leg up in the battle of the bulge by flushing out your system, removing toxins and impurities and helping your body function more efficiently.

Try to drink at least 8 - 8oz glasses of water a day and be sure to indulge in an extra glass right before you eat. You’ll feel fuller, consume fewer calories and lose weight naturally and easily!

Drink up!

Boost Your Metabolism to Speed Weight Loss

Want to give your metabolism a boost? Have a snack.

Researchers at Georgia State University have found that eating three small snacks during the day keeps your metabolism running in high gear, maximizing your fat burning potential.

How does it work?

Waiting too long between meals actually slows your metabolism down as your body tries to conserve calories, so eating more often keeps your metabolism humming along at top speed. Snacking also helps you to eat less at each meal, resulting in fewer calories consumed and less body fat.

What kinds of snacks are best?

Look for high protein snacks like part-skim mozzarella cheese sticks and hard boiled eggs. Your body works 25% harder to digest protein than carbs or fat, which also helps to keep you lean. Spicy foods are good, too. Studies have shown that eating spicy foods can give your metabolism an extra boost of energy for at least 30 minutes. So go ahead, have a snack and don’t forget the hot sauce!