Burning Calories

Try taking up tea. Specifically, Chinese oolong tea, its somewhat between green and black tea. Oolong contains polyphenols, plant substances that have been shown to help control body fat by improving the metabolism of dietary fat.

One study found that people who drink two cups of oolong a day have two and a half times the calorie-burning rate of those who drink traditional green tea. Meanwhile, there are other proven ways to avoid piling up calories. Avoid high-fructose corn syrup, simple sugars, and refined flours.

Fill up on whole grains, vegetables, and fruit. Choose unsaturated instead of saturated fats -- and don’t even think about eating foods that contain trans fats! And do some leisurely physical activity every day, like walking.