Healthy Foods

Forget celery sticks and dry toast. To lose weight and keep it off, you need to eat. Luckily, these eight delicious edibles are designed to burn fat, flatten your belly, and take a big bite out of your appetite.

1. Yogurt: This creamy treat is loaded with calcium, and studies show that calcium may fight weight gain by hindering the absorption of fat in your small intestine. Yuck, but yippee!

2. Eggs: Skip the pancakes and start your day with boiled or poached eggs instead. Turns out huevos trump carbs when it comes to helping you feel fuller longer -- and that means fewer snack attacks later in the day.

3. Nuts: Yes, we know, nuts are high in fat. But it's the good kind of fat that your body loves, so pipe down and listen up. Nuts are also full of hunger-curbing protein and fiber, making them the perfect snack or appetizer. Just keep it to a handful, not a bagful.

4. Whole grains: Swap refined grains for whole grains, like brown rice, quinoa, steel-cut oats, whole-grain cereal, and 100% whole-wheat bread and pasta. Research shows this one simple move can help whittle your middle.

5. Avocados: The unsaturated fat in avocados appears to ratchet up levels of leptin, your body's hunger-halting hormone that tells your brain when you're full.

6. Mushrooms: We love this tasty calorie-cutting trick: Use mushrooms instead of meat in your favorite recipes. You'll automatically cut about 400 calories and sidestep red meat's belly-padding, artery-clogging saturated fat.

7. Olive oil: You'll be pleased to know that olive oil contains a secret weapon called oleic acid -- a healthy fat that makes you feel full and helps you put the skids on overeating.

8. Hot red peppers: They're the ultimate evidence that healthy eating doesn't have to be bland. Cayenne, jalapeno, serrano, and other red chili peppers all contain capsaicin, a fiery compound that'll spice up your meals but cool down your appetite.