Six Foods That Help You Drop Pounds

By Robin Westen

With all the hype lately about detoxes and fasts, it’s easy to fear whatever food we eat will make us fat. But plenty of nutritionists agree the answer to stable weight loss is choosing the right fare. In fact, some foods can actually help knock off pounds. What are these secret ingredients? Read on…

Skim Milk

A study in the "Journal of Obesity" reports that a combination of Vitamin D, calcium, and the low-fat protein in skim milk not only helps with weight loss but also contributes to the maintenance of lean muscle. Think: Michele Obama arms.

Apples Cut the calories you take in at each meal by eating an apple a half hour before you sit down to the table. How does it work? Simply, the fiber in apples makes us feel full so we’re less likely to eat as much at mealtime. There are other benefits, too. Apples are high in pectin, which binds with water and limits the amount of fat our body’s cells can absorb.

Cinnamon Whether you sprinkle it on top of your coffee, a slice of whole grain toast or your cereal, cinnamon helps your body metabolize sugar. This is the finding of a USDA study involving diabetics. Eating as little as 1/4 to 2 teaspoons of plain cinnamon a day was found to reduce blood sugar levels and cut cholesterol from 10 to 25 percent.

Oatmeal Old fashioned rolled oats are best, but even instant plain oatmeal will do. Oatmeal is not only high in soluble fiber but also sustains a full feeling for longer, so we’ll be less likely to be tempted to snack later in the morning.

Almonds Okay, so we know that nuts are supposed to be a weight loss no- no, but make an exception with almonds. They’re not only heart healthy -- one study in the "American Journal of Clinical Nutrition" found that eating almonds was as effective as taking a statin. Plus, they’re calorie-dense. That means they give you a nice protein boost while preventing the carbs from spiking your blood sugar and triggering hunger pangs.

Eggs Dietary studies have repeatedly found that when people eat an egg every morning in addition to (or instead of) toast or cereal, they lose twice as much weight as those who eat a breakfast that’s dominated by carbs.

About The Author

Robin Westen is ThirdAge's medical reporter. Check for her daily updates. Her latest book, co-written with Dr. Alyssa Dweck, is "V Is For Vagina."