Thousands of dollars are spent every year on every diet plan, weight loss products and weight loss pills imaginable. For many women, money is not an issue as the need to shed those extra pounds far outweighs concerns about finances.


Statistics from 2003 to 2006 indicate that obesity rates had risen in 31 of the 50 US states. The data came from studies conducted by various local health departments on the height and weight of people from different states. Another survey result indicated a close relationship between obesity and heart disease among the respondents. Because of the serious health implications of the study, government funding was allocated to educate people about the dangers of obesity and overweight. The government-sponsored weight-loss programs also focused on simple education campaigns about good eating habits. People were given flyers and other reading material with information on how to make the right food choices. This strategy made sense, as there are types of foods that can curb a person's appetite and stop your sugar cravings. These food groups also boost metabolism, which helps to consume stored fat in the body, leading to weight loss in the process. Listed below are some of the 'good nutrition' that should be part of a weight maintenance eating plan:

1. Beans - Beans contain cholecystokinin, a digestive organ that acts as a natural appetite suppressant. Beans also keep blood sugar on an even keel and help prevent hunger for longer. High-fiber beans can even lower cholesterol.

2. Salad - Eating salad is highly recommended by the American Dietetic Association because the plant-based meal is rich in vitamins C and E, lycopene, folic acid, and carotenoids. However, it is best to reduce the dressing when eating a salad. In fact, some salad dressings can be high in calories.

3. Eggs - Eggs eaten in moderate amounts are good for health because they contain proteins that help prevent spikes in blood sugar. Weight guards are often advised to eat protein only.


4. Green tea - This type of tea is an antioxidant and helps stimulate the metabolism, which in turn burns fat. Green tea is rich in antioxidants called catechins.

5. Soup - A little chicken soup is good for the body as it helps reduce hunger. Chicken soup is considered a folk remedy for colds and flu.

6. High Fiber Cereals - High fiber cereals help improve digestion and are good for reducing hunger pangs.

7. Tofu - When you eat tofu, you tend to eat less. Tofu is considered a protein that suppresses appetite.


8. Lean Beef - Lean beef contains an amino acid called leucine that helps provide energy, regulate blood sugar and repair muscle.

9. Olive Oil - Cooking food in olive oil is healthy because it contains monounsaturated fat, which is widely accepted as a product that helps prevent cardiovascular disease.

10. Pears - This fruit is a good source of fiber and fructose that do not cause spikes in blood sugar.

11. Nuts - Research from Purdue University found that adding about 500 calories of peanuts to their regular diet helped them eat fewer foods that could lead to weight gain.

12. Vinegar - Acetic acid found in vinegar slows down the passage of food from the stomach to the small intestine, causing satiety (a feeling of fullness in the stomach). Vinegar also helps improve the blood glucose control that diabetics need.

13. Red Hot Pepper - A bowl of spicy chili can help a person lose weight thanks to an ingredient called capsaicin. This ingredient actually helps suppress the appetite.


Indeed, being in control of a person's weight involves the simple act of choosing good food. Having a regular exercise program and controlling the number of calories consumed each day will help a person win the Battle of the Bulge.