Power Foods to Lose Weight

Power Foods to Lose Weight
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Studies have shown that losing those excess pounds may be as simple as adding the right foods to your daily diet. Foods such as low-fat dairy, avocado, peanut butter, olive oil, nuts, whole grains, spinach, and berries provide nutrients that help you to eat less and burn more calories. These power foods may speed up your metabolism and help reduce your calorie consumption. In addition to eating these power foods it is important for you to count your calories in and calories out to be successful at losing weight. To lose weight you must burn more calories than you consume. Eating these power foods in conjunction with other healthy foods and an exercise program may be just what you need to lose those last few pounds.

Low-fat Dairy

Calcium in dairy products reduces your waistline by increasing enzyme activity that breaks down fat cells. Dairy can also reduce hormones that cause your body to hold on to belly fat. According to research from the University of Tennessee, Knoxville, people who ate 18 oz. of yogurt per day, along with cutting their total calories, lost 81 percent more belly fat than the dieters who skipped the yogurt snack.

Avocado, Peanut Butter, Olive oil, and Nuts

The fats found in avocado, peanut butter and olive oil work to prevent fat from developing. The protein from nuts and eggs tends to reduce your hunger while increasing the amount of calories you burn.

Whole Grains, Spinach, and Berries

Fiber found in whole grains, spinach and berries tends to fill you up, resulting in a lower calorie intake. There are two types of fiber: insoluble and soluble. Insoluble fiber helps food pass through your digestive system and soluble fiber works to eliminate fat. Not only does fiber make you feel fuller for longer, it also works to eliminate fat.

References

Article reviewed by Bryn Bellamy Last updated on: Jul 30, 2010

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