Dark Chocolate – Research shows that the scent alone actually lowers levels of the hunger hormone ghrelin, and helps lower blood sugar and decrease body fat according to the American Chemical Society’s Journal of Agricultural and Food Chemistry. Eating dark chocolate increases serotonin and endorphin levels in the brain, which helps alleviate feelings of stress and anxiety and boost your mood. It can also help prevent and repair the cellular damage caused by inflammation because cocoa contains anti-inflammatory properties, according to an American Journal of Clinical Nutrition study.
Pork Tenderloin – Did you know that pork is an “excellent” source of nutrients important to our health such as thiamin, niacin, riboflavin, vitamin B-6, phosphorus and protein and a “good” source of zinc and potassium? Muscle-building and taste-satisfying, this lean white meat protein is packed with B vitamins that are crucial for keeping your metabolism functioning at its best.
Cinnamon – Help diminish food cravings with this zero-calorie flavor enhancer. It not only stabilizes blood sugar it can help control hunger. Proven health benefits of Cinnamon include: High Source of Antioxidants, contains Anti-inflammatory properties, protects heart health, fights diabetes, helps defend against cognitive decline & protects brain function, lowers cancer risk, fights infections & viruses, protects dental health & freshens breath naturally.
Ruby Red Grapefruit – People who eat or drink Ruby Red Grapefruit juice eat about 25% less during meals and shed 7% more weight than those who did not drink. Grapefruits are an excellent source of vitamin C. Vitamin C helps to support the immune system and can help reduce the severity of the cold symptoms, the severity of asthma, osteoarthritis and rheumatoid arthritis. Researchers have shown that eating fruits and vegetables high in vitamin C can reduce your risk of heart disease, stroke and cancer.
Brussels Sprouts – At only 38 calories per cup, these leafy veggies are loaded with fat-fighting vitamin C and anti-inflammatory compounds that can fight obesity. Brussels sprouts are loaded with vitamin A, folacin, potassium, calcium. They have 3-5 grams of fiber per cup, and at 25 calories per 1/2 cup cooked, they give us a reason to eat them more often. Brussels sprouts are one of those foods that will fill you up, without filling you out, always a plus for weight loss.
