Nutrition Corner: 15 Foods For Healthier Eating

I found this list of 15 foods (at WebMD) you can buy at the store for healthier eating and weight loss.

1. Eggs - I'm always harping on eating more protein and eggs definitely fit that bill. The protein source right at the start of the day helps keep you feel fuller longer. What to avoid? Bread!
2. Beans - beans contain a weight-loss hormone called cholecystokinin. Beans can also stabilize blood sugar, keeping you feeling satiated longer, as well as help lower cholesterol.
3. Salad - since salad tends to be almost calorie free (excluding the dressing of course) you should eat large quantities to feel full. You are then less likely to eat too much of less healthy things.
4. Green tea - contains antioxidants that boost your metabolism.
5. Pears - this fruit is now the top fiber source in fruits so better to fill you up!
6. Soup - apparently when you eat soup your brain believes you are full - I knew our brains were suckers!
7. Lean Beef - certain amino acids contained in lean meats can help you to slim down while still feeling satisfied. Dairy products and fish contain some of the same amino acids.
8. Olive Oil - boosts the metabolism, extra virgin is the best bet!
9. Grapefruit - no, no, not the grapefruit diet....but eating half a grapefruit before each meal or drinking one serving of juice three times a day can help you drop weight...fo' real! The phtochemicals reduce insulin levels, which forces the body to burn the calories instead of storing them as 'fluff'.
10. Cinnamon - helps lower blood sugar levels as well as cholesterol. Put it on everything!
11. Vinegar - Really? Vinegar? It likely helps you feel fuller faster due to the acid content slowing the passage of food into the small intestine. It also helps prevent the blood sugar spike that can occur with refined carbs. So go ahead and dip you bread in some vinegar...or maybe not!
12. Tofu - So you thought tofu was worthless and unappealing? Well, guess what...it's good for you and can taste good as well! Tofu is an appetite-squashing protein. Cook with seasonings and it tends to take on the taste and flavor of what you are cooking it with. I love it in a stirfry.
13. Nuts - while nuts have more fat content, they are more filling and rev the resting metabolism. That means you burn more calories while sitting on the sofa watching TV then you would if you hadn't eaten any nuts! Walnuts specifically can be a great source of Omega 3 fatty acids :)
14. High-fiber cereal - eating a bowl for breakfast can curb your appetite. After all, breakfast is the most important meal of the day!
15. Hot red pepper - capsaicin is an ingredient found in red pepper, which works by suppressing the appetite.

All of these foods are easy to incorporate into your daily diet...give it a try and let me know what you think!