WEIGHT-LOSS TRICKS THAT WORK

Pack Your Lunch - According to a new study, women who eat out for lunch — even just once a week — weigh approximately five pounds more than those who who don't. Researchers discovered that eating out in general was associated with weight-gain, but lunch in particular was a biggie.

Write Down What You Eat - That same study found that keeping a food journal is crucial to staying trim. Researchers discovered that women who logged what they ate consistently weighed six pounds less than those who didn't.

Eat Chocolate - Scientists from the University of California at San Diego studied nearly 1,000 people and discovered that those who regularly eat chocolate are slimmer than those who just eat it occasionally.

Nibble Popcorn - According to a study from the University of Scranton, popcorn may contain as many immune-boosting antioxidants as fruits and vegetables. Skip the microwave and movie versions (they have too many calories) and instead cook kernels over the stove with just a little bit of vegetable oil.

Drink Wine - New research found that women who drink a glass or two of red wine a day were 30 percent less likely to be overweight than nondrinkers. The study also found that women who drink moderately eat less.

Smell Your Food - A study posted in the journal Flavour found that strong aromas cause people to take smaller bites of food. When you take smaller bites of something, you end up eating less at a meal, so make sure to take a whiff before you take a bite.

Nosh on Coffee Beans - According to a study from the University of Scranton, snacking on unroasted coffee beans can lead to weight loss by slowing the absorption of fat and glucose in your stomach. They taste bitter, though, so maybe pair a bean or two with chocolate.

Hold a Water Bottle When You Work Out - A study from Stanford University found that keeping your hands cool when you exercise will help you work out longer. As a result, you’ll lose weight faster. Try clutching a cold water bottle the next time you work up a sweat.

Eat One Less Piece of Cheese - Researchers from the National Institutes of Health found that you only need to cut 10 calories a day from your diet to lose weight. For every 10 calories you cut, you’ll lose a pound over the span of a year.

Have a Gym Buddy - According to a Brown University study, people who work out together lose more weight than those who hit the gym alone. Not only that, the person who organizes these gym sessions is more likely to lose the most pounds of the group.

(Interprep)