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 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!