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These powerhouse foods help keep unwanted pounds at bay, and it has nothing to do with counting calories and fat grams.
Garlic
This herb does more than just give meals extra flavor and scent—it can also help keep your tummy flat through its naturally occurring chemical allicin, says registered dietitian and Nutritious Life founder Keri Glassman. “Allicin kills off harmful bacteria in your digestive tract to keep your gut healthy and functioning, which means less bloat.” Also, Korean researchers discovered that this member of the onion family may have an anti-obesity effect thanks to proteins being stimulated in the liver. Toss garlic in almost any poultry, pasta, or veggie dish, or add it to dressings and sauces.
Beans
When you’re craving carbs, look no further than the legume family, says registered dietitian and food and nutrition consultant Rachel Begun. “Beans are unique in that they offer significant amounts of both fiber and protein in one package—one cup of black beans has a whopping 17 grams of fiber and 14 grams of protein. We’re learning that fiber and protein are invaluable for weight management because both are highly satiating, meaning they leave us feeling full for longer and prevent overeating later in the day.” A recent study published in the journal Obesity found that extracts from white kidney beans can reduce the absorption of calories from carbohydrates and tame sweets cravings, thanks to certain enzymes that inhibit starch digestion.
