Cinnamon
Studies suggest cinnamon may have a stabilizing effect on blood sugar levels.
Sweet Potatoes
Baked sweet potatoes are naturally sweet and flavorful, so you don’t need to add a lot of seasoning – which can save you calories. As a bonus, sweet potatoes contain healthy-diet loving potassium, beta carotene, vitamin C, and fiber.
Coffee
Coffee may actually help stimulate your metabolism and help you lose weight. But…not if you go crazy with the sugar and creamer. Keep your coffee simple for the best effects.
Hot Pepper
Hot peppers contain a flavorless compound called capsaicin, which occurs in habaneros and in jalapeños. This compound appears to curb appetite and speed up the metabolism slightly, and temporarily. If nothing else, experts say that when people are eating something spicy, they tend to eat less of it.
Fish
One of the best sources of protein is fish. Most fish is low in fat, and the exceptions usually have a healthy form of fat — omega-3 fatty acids, which help protect your heart.
Green Tea
Several studies suggest green tea may promote weight loss by stimulating the body to burn abdominal fat. Green tea contains catechins, a type of phytochemical that may briefly affect the metabolism. However, in order to get the most benefits, you may need to drink green tea several times a day.
Nuts
Nuts are high in protein, fiber, and heart-healthy fats. But watch your portion size, since nuts tend to be higher in calories.
Oatmeal
Oatmeal is fiber-rich, contains water and is hot. Just like soup, this equals a satisfying, filling meal that will help you feel full for a longer period of time. The trick: buy plain, unsweetened oatmeal and add your own flavorings, such as cinnamon.
Eggs
Studies suggest eating protein in the morning will help you feel less hungry for a longer period of time. One egg has only 75 calories, but contains 7 grams of protein.
Vinegar
More research is needed, but some studies do suggest that vinegar may help the body break down fat. Sprinkle some on your salad with a little heart-healthy olive oil for a satisfying burst of flavor.
The 15 Best Belly-Blasting Foods was originally published on elev8.com