Warming up can slim you down

A bowl of chicken noodle soup. Focus is on the front of the spoon. (2006 Uyen Le)

Getting warm can also fire up winter weight loss:

Steamy soup  

Soup can be a satisfying and slimming lunch that’s about 500 calories lighter than a sandwich with pretzels. Skip creamy varieties and instead opt for broth-based soups made with filling fiber-rich vegetables and lean meat or beans for healthy protein. Take off a chill with this amazing recipe for Moroccan Lentil Soup.

Sip warm tea

Thirst can mimic the symptoms of hunger, so if you are watching your weight you definitely want to stay well-hydrated. Coffee may seem diet-friendly because it’s low in calories, but keep in mind that caffeine acts as a diuretic. For a soothing, hydrating hot drink have a steaming cup of herbal or green tea, which contain antioxidants that actually promote weight loss by boosting metabolism.

Warm & Hearty

Baked fruits and vegetables are warming and filling on relatively few calories. Since baking heightens their flavor, fruits and veggies can be a tasty addition to hearty recipes or enjoyed deliciously all on their own – like this sweet and super-easy recipe for Baked Apple.

Spice It

Spices such as cinnamon, ginger and turmeric are great for weight loss because they help curb appetite and sweet cravings. Capsaicin, the compound that gives jalapenos, habaneros, cayenne, and most other chili peppers their heat, also revs up metabolism so you burn more calories even when you are at rest.

Warm Bath

Stress can boost your cortisol levels (a stress hormone) and cause your body to hold on to belly fat. Taking hot baths can help you de-stress and avoid unwanted belly fat by lowering your cortisol levels.

For delicious high fiber meal plans, recipes and tips on healthy eating, drinking and losing weight, check out my latest book, The Miracle Carb Diet: Make Calories and Fat Disappear – with Fiber!