We are all looking for easy ways to lose weight and keep weight off. I know I am. I am especially interested in food and how it is so important to our health and the old saying “You are what you eat.” is definitely true in my book. I’ve comprised a list of 10 food items that can help you on your weight loss journey. Hope this list is as beneficial to you as it is for me.

1. Whole grains (oats, brown rice): Your body works hard at breaking down whole grains, burning about twice as many calories as it would with processed foods.
2. Apples: Helps your body by limiting the amount of fat your cells will absorb. Apples also make you feel full, eat one before a meal and you’ll eat less during the meal.
3. Peanuts: Apparently the curb hunger cravings, slows your blood sugar from rising and stops weight gain. Add a handful of peanuts to your diet, or choose all natural peanut butter (with the ingredients being only “peanuts”) and spread it on apple slices!
4. Pine Nuts: And nuts again are a winner! Amazingly, pine nuts have been shown to prevent the formation of belly fat!! Yes, its true! They also help you feel full and put food cravings to the curb.
5. Green Tea: It speeds up your metabolism and helps you feel real full. I definitely notice myself feeling full when I drink hot tea. Brew some to enjoy with your breakfast or afternoon snack.
6. Low-Fat Cheeses: Cheese is great because when you build muscle when working out, cheese comes in and helps build the muscles and preserve them. Fat hates muscle because muscle burns fat, and as long as you’re active, fat won’t come around no more!
7. Yogurt: Same as cheese it helps build muscles and preserve them.
8. Berries: Because they are a super powerhouse full of fiber, they definitely help with weight loss. Plus, they help you feel full longer.
9. Cinnamon: Helps you burn fat and the calories are so low you won’t even notice it. Great for lowering blood sugar levels and cutting cholesterol, too. Add a sprinkle here and there – on your oatmeal, in your coffee, in smoothies, or on your granola and yogurt parfait!
10. Hot Chili Peppers: Since they are hot, they make your body hot and then you burn calories…. pretty amazing!