Eat Your Way Thin

The trick here is to eat foods that will help keep you full so you're less likely to reach for unhealthy snacks. Here's what to stock up on:

Raw veggies: Not only are they loaded with antioxidants, vitamins, and minerals, but raw, nonstarchy veggies such as carrots, peppers, and leafy greens are great appetite suppressants. Chewing them slowly gives your body time to realize when it is full. They also contain fiber, a natural bulking agent, and promote the release of the satiety-signal hormone CCK (which sends the "I'm full!" message to the brain.)

Rice, nut, or soy milk: These are packed with calcium, protein, vitamin D, and fiber. One serving per day will help to satisfy hunger by balancing blood-sugar levels, thereby minimizing food cravings (generally triggered by low blood-sugar levels.)

Green and oolong teas: Although there is debate on whether green tea helps to burn belly fat, it's loaded with antioxidants and contains L-theanine, a unique amino acid found only in the tea plant. L-theanine may help relieve stress by inducing a relaxing effect without drowsiness. For those who are trying to minimize stress-related cravings, this may be the tea for you!

Cinnamon: Healthy blood sugars are critical to help reduce cravings, maximize energy levels, and maintain a healthy weight, and cinnamon is a powerful spice that may help. With just a half teaspoon per day, cinnamon has been shown to lower LDL (bad cholesterol) and balance blood sugar in those with diabetes and metabolic syndrome. It also adds a wonderful aroma and flavor to your smoothie, yogurt, or oatmeal.

Lean turkey: Numerous studies have shown that protein can help boost metabolism and help maintain lean muscle tissue so you burn more calories. A three-ounce serving of boneless, skinless lean turkey breast contains about 120 calories and provides 26 grams of appetite-curbing protein, plus 1 gram of fat and 0 grams of saturated fat.