Food Restrictions Are Usually Not Sustainable

It is important to keep a healthy weight. After all, if you are overweight, underweight or obese, you likely have a higher risk of developing certain health problems. That said it is estimated that about two thirds of the adult population in our country are overweight. A menu plan rich in whole foods is good for your health and well-being. Shifting your focus to consuming real foods, rather than following a fad diet, may help you lose weight and keep it off. Real food is more nutritious, helps to fill you up, and contains fewer calories than processed foods.

Spicy Hot Peppers Burn Extra Calories

Although there is no magic bullet, adding some spicy hot peppers to a healthy menu plan may help you burn a few extra calories as well as stored fat. According to the latest research, the capsaicin found in hot peppers could give dieters a jumpstart on losing weight and keeping it off. When cooking with hot red peppers, keep a glass of milk close. If you get capsaicin on your face, it will not dissolve in water and you'll need some fat to neutralize the burn.

Peppers come in all sizes and colors and, while some pack the heat, others may even have a natural sweetness. Many peppers on the vine start green and gradually turn yellow, then red as they fully ripen. Nonetheless, red bell peppers have almost eleven times the beta-carotene and 50% more vitamin C than green peppers have. Consuming foods seasoned as a hot tasty treat has been shown to reduce cholesterol and support weight loss.

Major Weight Changes Don't Happen Overnight

Major weight loss changes don't happen overnight and you cannot exercise your way out of poor nutrition. Rather than making drastic changes that leave you frustrated after only a few days, make a small change each week and give yourself time to become accustomed to your new eating patterns. Choosing minimally-processed whole foods, such as grains, vegetables, fruits, nuts, lean sources of protein and plant oils can help to prevent weight gain and delay the onset of chronic diseases. For personalized menus matched to your body's specific needs, contact the Metabolic Research Center.