Luckily, if you know what to look for, you can choose certain fat releasing foods—research shows these can make a huge difference in losing weight and keeping it off. Isn’t it nice, especially at this time of year, to get a list of foods you should be eating, rather than a list of things you should avoid
* Red peppersThis veggie—often found raw around a bowl of creamy dip—is actually a slimming powerhouse, thanks to its hearty dose of vitamin C and capsinoids. capsaicin content helps turn on the fat-burning modules in your body; plus you get an extra boost of fiber which helps keep you fuller, longer.
* TofuIt seems too light to be filling, but a study at Louisiana State University showed that tofu does the job. Researchers tested it against chicken as a pre-meal appetizer for 42 overweight women — and the participants who had tofu ate less food during the meal. The secret: Tofu is an appetite-quashing protein.
* Eggsthe protein-rich egg is the original perfectly-portioned food at just 75 calories a pop—including the yolk. which are full of protein, will help you feel fuller longer — a lot longer, can help adults manage hunger while reducing calorie consumption throughout the day
* Olive OilFight off middle-age pounds with extra virgin olive oil. A monounsaturated fat, it'll help you burn calories. In an Australian study, 12 postmenopausal women (ages 57 to 73) were given a breakfast cereal dressed either with a mixture of cream and skim milk or half an ounce of olive oil and skim milk. The women who ate the oil-laced muesli boosted their metabolism. Don't want to add olive oil to your oatmeal? That's OK — it works just as well in salad dressings, as a bread dip, or for sautéing.
* VinegarIt's a great filler-upper. In a Swedish study, researchers found that people who ate bread dipped in vinegar felt fuller than those who had their slices plain. The probable reason: Acetic acid in the vinegar may slow the passage of food from the stomach into the small intestine, so your tummy stays full longer. vinegar may also help regulate your blood sugar, and prevent it from spiking after meals.
* QuinoaThis grain has more fiber and protein than most grains with 3 grams of fiber and 6 grams of protein per quarter-cup serving. That means it's more effective at keeping your blood sugar levels stable, leaving you feeling satiated and less likely to start eating again hours later. For this reason, it's also a smarter carbohydrate option than white rice and pasta if you have diabetes. Cook quinoa with fresh herbs, an array of vegetables, and a small amount of olive oil for a complete meal.
* LemonsAll citrus help release fat (again, it's the vitamin C). You can choose oranges or limes, but bright, tart lemons contain “a weak acid which helps to stimulate your stomach for optimal digestion. As a result, they’re a key secret in slimming down, especially flattening the tummy area,” shares Koff.
* Beansto help with energy metabolism, as they are rich in B vitamins, fiber and protein. To calculate a healthy portion size, think of the bulb part of a light bulb; it doesn’t take more than this to fill you up and curb your appetite. There's also some evidence that beans keep blood sugar on an even keel, so you can stave off hunger longer. Heart-health bonus: High-fiber beans can lower your cholesterol
* Green TeaThe slimming ingredient isn't caffeine. Antioxidants called catechins are what help speed metabolism and fat burning. In a recent Japanese study, 35 men who drank a bottle of oolong tea mixed with green tea catechins lost weight, boosted their metabolism, and had a significant drop in their body mass index. Health bonus: The participants also lowered their (bad) LDL cholesterol.
* cinnamonThis last skinny food, cinnamon, is a versatile seasoning. Ostrowe explains, “Cinnamon can help lower blood sugar and improve insulin sensitivity. This means that less sugar in your body will be stored as fat, and that it can help aid weight loss.” A 2012 study from the Journal of the Academy of Nutrition and Dietetics found that adding cinnamon to cereal was effective at moderating glucose response in normal weight and obese adults after eating.