By Sandy Braz

Be a grapefruit goddess
Just half a grapefruit before each meal (sans a high-caloric sugar topping of course – try a teaspoon of agave nectar instead) could help speed up your fat loss, according to a 2006 study in the Journal of Medicinal Food. People who did this for a 12-week period lost three and a half pounds versus those who decided to forego the grapefruit before meals.

Spice girl
Spice up your fat burning. Studies show that cayenne pepper not only improves circulation and digestion, but also has thermogenic effects, meaning that it increases your body’s core temperature, thereby increasing metabolism. An increased metabolism aids in fat loss. It won’t make miracles happen, but it’s a good idea to add it to your menu.

Make this
Cover girl Maggie D (on the cover of our Abs special, on stands now) shares her fat-burning, high-protein recipe for fudgesicles: Combine 1 cup of egg whites (pasteurized in the carton) with 1 to 2 servings of chocolate protein powder and a dash of cayenne pepper for a little fat burning. Blend and freeze in a popsicle tray for 2 to 3 hours.

Yogify yourself
Cortisol – produced when your stress levels are as maxed out as a high-interest credit card – is the stress hormone secreted by your adrenal glands when you’re under pressure. It’s also a fat-attractor. According to a study out of the University of Leeds in the UK, cortisol can contribute to the onset of cravings and could have you raiding the fridge for a fix of something ultra sugary or super high in saturated fat. Put your money where your fat is and invest in a yoga class, a stress-combating activity that could help put cortisol to rest.