MSN Health article on 12 Power Weighloss foods

I just read this great article and am only suprised by two or three things on the list of 12 power foods. Of course if you are going to be a vegetarian then the meat has to be taken off, and I would add broccoli and green vegetables to the list. Why, I just think anything green is worth adding to the list:-), enjoy!


The Abs Diet Power 12

The Abs Diet Power 12
The Abs Diet is a simple plan built around 12 nutrient-packed foods that, when moved to the head of your dietary table, will give you all the vitamins, minerals, and fiber you need for optimum health while triggering lean muscle growth and firing up your body's natural fat burners. The more of these foods you eat, the better your body will be able to increase lean muscle mass and avoid storing fat.

The Abs Diet Power 12
Almonds and other nuts
Superpowers: build muscle, fight cravings
Secret weapons: protein, monounsaturated fats, vitamin E, fiber, magnesium, folate (peanuts), phosphorus
Fight against: obesity, heart disease, muscle loss, wrinkles, cancer, high blood pressure

The Abs Diet Power 12
Beans and legumes
Superpowers: build muscle, help burn fat, regulate digestion
Secret weapons: fiber, protein, iron, folate
Fight against: obesity, colon cancer, heart disease, high blood pressure
Sidekicks: lentils, peas, bean dips, hummus, edamame
Imposters: refried beans, which are high in saturated fats; baked beans, which are high in sugar

The Abs Diet Power 12
Spinach and other green vegetables
Superpowers: neutralize free radicals, which are molecules that accelerate the aging process
Secret weapons: vitamins including A, C, and K; folate; minerals including calcium and magnesium; fiber; beta-carotene
Fight against: cancer, heart disease, stroke, obesity, osteoporosis
Sidekicks: cruciferous vegetables like broccoli and brussels sprouts; green, yellow, red, and orange vegetables like asparagus, peppers, and yellow beans
Imposters: none, as long as you don’t fry them or smother them in fatty cheeses

The Abs Diet Power 12
Dairy (fat-free or low-fat milk, yogurt, cheese)
Superpowers: builds strong bones, fires up weight loss
Secret weapons: calcium, vitamins A and B12, riboflavin, phosphorus, potassium
Fights against: osteoporosis, obesity, high blood pressure, cancer
Sidekicks: none
Imposters: whole milk, frozen yogurt

The Abs Diet Power 12
Instant oatmeal (unsweetened, unflavored)
Superpowers: boosts energy and sex drive, reduces cholesterol, maintains blood sugar levels
Secret weapons: complex carbohydrates and fiber
Fights against: heart disease, diabetes, colon cancer, obesity
Sidekicks: high-fiber cereals like All-Bran and Fiber One
Imposters: cereals with added sugar and high-fructose corn syrup

The Abs Diet Power 12
Eggs
Superpowers: build muscle, burn fat
Secret weapons: protein, vitamin B12, vitamin A
Fight against: obesity
Imposters: none

The Abs Diet Power 12
Turkey and other lean meats (Lean steak, chicken and fish)
Superpowers: build muscle, improve the immune system
Secret weapons: protein, iron, zinc, creatine (beef), omega-3 fatty acids (fish), vitamins B6 (chicken and fish) and B12, phosphorus, potassium
Fight against: obesity, various diseases
Sidekicks: shellfish, Canadian bacon
Imposters: sausage, bacon, cured meats, ham, fatty cuts of steak like T-bone and rib eye

The Abs Diet Power 12
Peanut butter
Superpowers: boosts testosterone, builds muscle, burns fat
Secret weapons: protein, monounsaturated fat, vitamin E, niacin, magnesium
Fights against: obesity, muscle loss, wrinkles, cardiovascular disease
Sidekicks: cashew and almond butters
Imposters: mass-produced sugary and trans fatty peanut butters

The Abs Diet Power 12
Olive oil
Superpowers: lowers cholesterol, boosts the immune system
Secret weapons: monounsaturated fat, vitamin E
Fights against: obesity, cancer heart disease, high blood pressure
Sidekicks: canola oil, peanut butter, sesame oil
Imposters: vegetable and hydrogenated vegetable oils, trans fatty acids, margarine

The Abs Diet Power 12
Whole-grain breads and cereals
Superpower: prevent your body from storing fat
Secret weapons: fiber, protein, thiamin, riboflavin, niacin, pyridoxine, vitamin E, magnesium zinc, potassium, iron, calcium
Fight against: obesity, cancer, high blood pressure, heart disease
Sidekicks: brown rice, whole-wheat pretzels, whole-wheat pasta
Imposters: processed bakery products like white bread, bagels, and doughnuts; breads labeled wheat instead of whole wheat

The Abs Diet Power 12
Extra-protein (whey) powder
Superpowers: builds muscle, burns fat
Secret weapons: protein, cysteine, glutathione
Fights against: obesity
Sidekick: icotta cheese
Imposter: soy protein

The Abs Diet Power 12
Raspberries and other berries
Superpowers: protect your heart; enhance eyesight; improve balance, coordination, and short-term memory; prevent cravings
Secret weapons: antioxidants, fiber, vitamin C, tannins (cranberries)
Fight against: heart disease, cancer, obesity
Sidekicks: most other fruits, especially apples and grapefruit
Imposters: jellies, most of which eliminate fiber and add sugar

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URL: http://health.msn.com/nutrition/slideshow.aspx?cp-documentid=100215758