2. Whole grains
Whole grains has always been a highly recommended food for weight loss management as they are high in fiber and low in fat. Due to its high level of fiber, it keeps you feeling full and helps regulate the digestive system. Recommended whole grains to take include oats, buckwheat, spelt, brown rice and quinoa.

3. Berries
Many types of berries in black, blue or red color (for example: blackberries, blueberries, cherries, red grapes, raspberry and strawberries), contain a chemical called anthocyanins, which not only are high in antioxidants and according to some research, also burn abdominal fat.

4. Flax seeds
Flax seeds are nutritious seeds which are high in monounsaturated fats. Monounsaturated fats are good fats which help lower cholesterol levels and burn body fat especially belly fat. Flax seeds are also high in fiber and thus is good for the digestive system.

5. Green tea
Green tea is considered a health drink as it is rich in antioxidants that is touted to prevent cancer and lower cholesterol. Many people are using green tea for weight loss as it is able to burn more calories.

Cavemen ate what they could find or hunt in the wild. Does that means that we all should start hunting for our own food? Definitely not, but we can apply the same rules in the modern way. If the food on your plate is not something that early men could gather or hunt from the land, you should not be eating them. For example, if your dinner consist of meat, fruits and vegetables, it is fine as it equates to what they ate in those days. But not bread or pasta. These foods did not exist then and we will be much healthier without them.

Our ancestors drank what they could find. And that is  plain, old fashioned water. Water that came from rivers and lakes. No juice, pop, energy drinks and least of all alcohol. These are modern-day drinks that cause obesity and many illnesses. Such drinks did not exist then and people are healthier without them.

Cavemen had to travel on foot and hunt everyday and thus they were active for most part of their day. It was due to such routine that their bodies burn the calories that they consumed and that they were able to stay healthy. Today, we spend most of our day sitting in an office chair and then go home and to sit on the couch for the rest of the evening. To make matters worse, we do not even walk much. Drive to work, park as near to our destination as possible and take the elevator to our office. And lunch is just a short walk to our favorite café, unlike the early man, who had to hunt for his food.

By modeling the food and daily activities of our ancestors, we will be able to plan a healthy lifestyle for ourselves so that we can begin to shred off excess body fat and improve our health. Just ask yourself, these questions:

1. Is this food or drink something early man could find in the wild.
2. Do cavemen minced their meat, marinated them and stuffed them into intestines to eat?
3. Do they have dressings, dip or sauces in those days?
4. Do they add sugar, coloring, flavoring to their water?

If your answer is no, you should not be eating them. Does not mean that you have to eat your meat raw or bland? No, but look for food that is more natural and has little or no artificial flavoring.

Learn from the cavemen and make some changes to your daily routine such as :

1. Do not rely too much on your car for transport. Walk, jog, cycle or even rollerblade to your destination instead of driving. You get your exercise, save petrol and the environment and also stay healthy.
2. Take the stairs to your office instead of the elevators.
3. Go for a swim, workout or participate in other sports after work instead of heading home for the TV.

Make these changes to your diet and routine and you will have a healthy lifestyle, which means a healthier and slimmer you.

So, what type of fats are good fats and what type of fats are bad fats? The fat that should be avoided at all cost are hydrogenated oils. Hydrogenation makes the fat more stable, prolonging its shelf life. It is a chemical process that completely alters the oil’s molecules that it is no longer the same as a natural fat. Our bodies do not recognize this altered formed of fat and therefore cannot process it and it becomes a toxin in our bodies. And as a result it has been linked to a number diseases such as diabetes, heart diseases, birth defects and cancer. And definitely it is responsible for obesity and unhealthy weight gain. Hydrogenated and partially hydrogenated oils can be found in many snacks such as crackers, chips, pretzels, cookies, popcorns and cereal bars. Always read your labels before buying.

Good fats are fats that the body needs to perform certain essential functions. One important fat that our body cannot survive without is essential fatty acids. Our immune system, digestive system and brain are dependant on this fat. An example of essential fatty acid is omega 3 fats. These essential fats  are found in high concentrations in the brain and it is important for the performance of the brain as well as the behavioral function. Thus the symptoms of deficiency in omega 3 includes poor memory, mood swings, poor blood circulation and tiredness. Omega 3 cannot be produced by the body and it is important that we get these fats from the foods we eat. Foods that are high in omega 3 includes cold water fish such as salmon and mackerel, eggs, leafy green vegetables and flax seeds. Researches indicate that omega 3 fatty acids help prevent chronic diseases such as arthritis, cancer and heart conditions.

Eat fat to lose fat? Yes, you need to eat the good fats so that your body can perform the essential functions such as getting rid of toxins (unwanted fat) from your body and increasing your body’s metabolic rate (helps to lose weight). Avoid all foods that contain hydrogenated oil and partially hydrogenated oil. Eat plenty of food that has essential fatty acids such as salmon, sardines, green leafy vegetables, walnuts and avocados. Just apply this simple rule for a healthy body and mind and of course control your weight.