Best foods for weight loss

Some of these foods help because they have high fiber content and are satisfying.  Some because they increase the metabolism.  Others improve serotonin levels or decrease cravings.

1. Beans

High in protein and apparently eating the same calories from protein encourages more fat loss and less muscle loss compared to eating the same calories from carbs.

Also high in fiber which makes you feel full faster and longer.

2. Sweet potatoes

High fiber.  Eating an additional 14 grams of fiber per day can cause you to consume 10% less food.

3. Grapefruit

Not sure the mechanism, but people who eat 1/2 grapefruit before a meal lose more weight.

4. Sardines

Increases serotonin

5. Spinach

Increases serotonin

6. Cayenne pepper and other spicy foods

Boosts metabolism

7. Eggs

People who ate 2 eggs for breakfast lost 65% more weight even thought they consumed the same calories.  

8. Yogurt

Boost fat burning

9. Artichokes

Improves liver function and enhances weight loss.

10. Fresh Ginger

Boosts metabolism.

These facts came from Better Nutrition Magazine.

eating well in 09

At the end of the year I fell of the good eating wagon pretty hard.  I mostly ate what I wanted and have been exhausted and icky because of it.

For 09 I am going to stick with my food plan.  Restrict myself from my restrictions.  And I'm praying that I will lose that deprivation mentality.  I need to learn an attitude of appreciation for what I can eat, instead of feeling sorry for myself over the things I can't.

Also.  I plan to eat fruit or veggies every day.  Because right now, other than potatoes, I often can go days without veggies.  That's bad!

I also plan to exercise once per week.  I realize that is a low goal.  And there is some kind of quote about aiming low - like you aren't supposed to do it.  But many years I set sky high goals and am overwhelmed by them.  This year I decided to be realistic.  Exercising once per week is a whole lot more than I've been doing!

I also plan to post at least weekly on this blog.  

What are your health goals for this year?