8 fat-burning diet tricks for a bikini body (part2)

Spice it up

Capsaicin, which is found in hot peppers, may aid weight loss by suppressing the appetite, boosting the metabolism by raising your heart rate and body temperature, inhibiting the formation of fat cells and aiding digestion.

What to do: try and incorporate a hot pepper in your daily diet – in your sandwich or prepare a healthy curry.

Protein

Researchers have produced evidence supporting the view that high-protein diets help you feel fuller for longer, reducing hunger pangs and keeping your appetite under control – therefore helping people lose weight. High-protein foods also help repair and build muscle tissue, contributing to a faster metabolism for weight loss.

What to do: eat a balanced diet, which includes protein. Good sources of protein include lean meat, eggs, beans, nuts and soya products. Try sardines on wheat-free bread for breakfast or lunch. They're packed with protein, and they are a great source of omega-3s, which not only strengthen the cardiovascular system but also are helpful in boosting your mood.

Drinking water

Water is essential to any weight loss plan. Dr Roger Henderson, GP, explains: we need around half a cup of water for every 100 calories we burn. Also, when you are dieting, your body produces more waste products because you begin to metabolise your stored fat. The kidneys need a steady supply of water to allow them to help you flush out the waste products and keep your metabolism ticking over.

What to do: make sure you are not confusing thirst with hunger, so drink water throughout the day. Also drinking before food helps to fill the stomach and increases the chance of weight loss by making the person eat less. Iced water can help burn calories because your body has to work to heat the water up to your body's temperature.

Grapefruit

Being high in fibre and having a low glycemic index (GI), grapefruit may be able to help you lose those extra pounds. They contain pectin, which curb your appetite by expanding in the body and making you feel full. As an added benefit, grapefruit contains cancer-fighting compounds like liminoids and lycopene. Red grapefruit has been shown to help lower triglycerides.

What to do: eat grapefruit for breakfast and as an afternoon snack. Try sprinkling cinnamon on it or adding it to salads.