FOODS FOR WEIGHT LOSS

HERE's a great article on 20 "superfoods" that can aid you in your quest for a down-sized dress-size. You can read the whole article for details, but here is the list in its entirety:

1. Olive Oil
2. Avacado
3. Parmesan
4. Tarragon
5. Sardines
6. Quinoa
7. Yogurt (especially Greek Yogurt)
8. Chilies
9. Pomegranate
10. Almond Butter
11. Blueberries
12. Buckwheat Pasta
13. Apples
14. Wild Salmon
15. Goji Berries
16. Lentils
17. Oats
18. Kale
19. Eggs
20. Steak

Basically any food that is high in fiber, protein, healthy fats (unsaturated), vitamins, and/or minerals tends to help your body regulate its metabolism.

Fiber helps your body to remove cholesterol (fatty acids) from your blood stream and aids in digestion (the elimination of toxins), both of which are paticularly helpful in getting rid of belly fat. You'll also increase your bowel health and reduce you chances of getting diverticulosis and certain forms of cancer!

Protein helps to support lean muscle and metabolism, but note that all animal based protein (INCLUDING fish) contain saturated fats, which increase overall inflammation in the body. Limiting or eliminating saturated fats from your diet not only helps keep your cardiovascular system healthy, it will reduce your chances of getting cancer, too (even more reasons to go vegetarian or, better yet, vegan) . Hemp protein and soy protein are great vegetarian options.

Healthy fats, or unsaturated fats, like olive oil and canola oil help to reduce overall inflammation in the body, therefore supporting your metabolism and, again, reducing cancer risk. NEVER EVER eat trans fat (partially hydrogenated oils) since these increase LDL, or bad cholesterol and have been linked to obesity (READ YOUR INGREDIENT LABELS! 0 trans fat per serving does not mean NO trans fat!) Also avoid palm oil and animal based fats, like butter, since these tend to increase inflammation throughout the body and are more easily stored in fatty deposits on the body.

I could go on forever about nutrition, but I'll stop here. Happy eating!!