Some foods we think of as being "high-calorie splurges" actually support weight loss. Take those listed below, for example. They are nutrient-dense and blood-sugar-balancing. They keep you feeling satisfied for hours. By enjoying moderate amounts of these foods as part of a healthy plant-based diet, you'll be less likely to reach for unhealthy snacks. In the end, you'll probably wind up eating fewer calories, not more:

-Avocados
-Sardines
-Eggs
-Coconut
-Full-fat Dairy
-Extra-virgin olive oil
-Nuts, such as walnuts, almonds and macadamias, and nut butters
-Seeds, such as pumpkin, sunflower and sesame

Is Stress Stealing Your Joy?

When your body goes into stress mode day in and day out, it takes a toll on your body, not only causing weight gain and stealing your sex hormones, but often disturbing your brain chemistry, thus robbing you of a vibrant, healthy life.

2 of the best stress fighters are exercise and sex. The irony is, we rarely feel like participating in these activities while under stress. You won't resolve stress by trying to eliminate it, but you can counter the fight-or-flight effect by achieving the relaxation response-a state known for enhancing the brain chemistry associated with pleasure and performance.

Ten Metabolism-Blasting Foods

1. Cayenne pepper: Contains the ultimate fat-burning compound- capsaicin. Try chili powder, paprika or jalapeno peppers- they also contain capsaicin.

2. Cinnamon: This thermogenic spice is linked with curbing cravings, controlling blood sugar levels and burning fat.

3. Curry powder: The turmeric found in curry powder is a long known fat-burner. It will keep you sweating as well as burning the calories.

4. Spinach: Magnesium and B vitamins are extremely important for all bodily functions- metabolism included. Spinach provides both nutrients.

5. Nuts: Walnuts and almonds are full of fat-burning omega-3's.

6. Grapefruit: A compound found in grapefruit (naringenin) is linked with fat loss.

7. Berries: A handful of fibrous berries helps keep your metabolism going by providing the necessary sugars to curb cravings, with fewer calories.

8. Zucchini: This vegetable is fibrous and water packed, meaning it fills you up and is easy to digest.

9. Yogurt: Combines carbs and protein. Perfect for warding off hunger and building muscle.

10. Edamame: The isoflavones found in edamame (a.k.a. soybeans) are linked to less belly fat. Edamame is a great alternative to fried appetizers.

Smile- A lot. It Just Might Save Your Life

One of the keys to a longer, healthier life just might be your smile. In a recent study of more than 6,000 adults over 50, scientists found that those with sunny dispostiions had a significantly reduced risk of a stroke. Optimistic people tend to make healthier choices about diet and exercise, researchers speculate: some findings also suggest positive thinking has a direct influence on how well your body works. The glass half-full approach doesn't help only your heart, it may boost your mood, immune system and longevity. Here are 4 strategies to help brighten your outlook and boost your health:

1. Shift 1 perspective at a time. Pick a part of your life you tend to cast in an unfavorable light and focus on fixing your thinking there. For example, your commute to work. Instead of working your self into a tizzy sitting in traffic, think of it as uninterrupted alone time or as more time to listen to your favorite radio station.

2. Let yourself laugh. You'll feel less stressed, even during difficult times.

3. Hang out with happy people. It'll rub off on you- plus, those are the friends that you can depend on when you are feeling down.

4. Negative thoughts, positive talk. Don't say anything to yourself that you wouldn't say to someone else. And when a negative thought enters your mind, evaluate it rationally and give it a positive twist.

When Diets Don't Work...

According to Patrick K. Porter, PhD, founder of Positive Changes Hypnosis Centers, diets fail because no one is addressing the problem at its core. "The truth is, taking off weight and keeping it off must start in the mind," says Porter. "People can't expect long-term success if they always fall back into old habits and routines that caused their weight problem in the first place.

"Our certified hypnotists help clients de-stress, get back in control, feel more confident, stay motivated and finally achieve freedom from their weight problem."

Is Hypnosis Right For You?

The good new is, there's a simple way to find out if hypnosis is the right choice for you. Simply call your local Positive Changes center (locate a center near you: http://positivechanges.com/locate.php) and request a complimentary evaluation and consultation.

The Positive Changes evaluation is fun and informative and lasts about 30 minutes. A skilled evaluator will gather some information from you, answer all of your questions, and then give you an honest assessment of what it will likely take to get you the results you want. You'll learn about Positive Changes' clinically-proven light/sound technology that is designed to enhance your experience while accelerating your results.

Together, you and your evaluator will determine whether or not hypnosis is right for you. From there, a reasonable commitment and your imagination are all you need to get outstanding results-just like the people you see here: http://positivechanges.com/successlanding.php!

Is Stress Causing Your Weight Problem?

Your body is designed to be in a relaxed, healing state most of the time. These days, however, most people spend the better part of their day in a stress state called the fight-or-flight response.

This physical effect is nature's way of keeping us safe, and is normally triggered when we encounter danger. But in today's fast-paced world, fight-or-flight is usually set off by worry, anxiety and overload. It starts with a rapid release of stress hormones for instant energy-so you can fight or flee-but then later leaves you feeling hungry and weary.

Persistent stress will halt fat burning and can alter your blood sugar, causing mood swings, fatigue and conditions like hypoglycemia. People under stress tend to crave fatty, salty and sugary foods. Once this stress/weight cycle is in place, breaking free can seem impossible. Most people try to shed pounds by dieting, not realizing that of life's top 10 stressors, dieting ranks 7th!