13 Perplexing but Proven Ways to Help Shed the Pounds

Laughing a little more, standing straighter, and getting more sleep have all been widely regarded as small but instrumental changes that can assist with the ever-long pound shed. Well, it's true. Minor changes in the places we eat, the time, and the amount go a long way. Adapted from Men's Health July issue, here are 13 proven but perplexing little things you can do to add a little zing to your diet. You've been working out and eating the same things over and over for how long now? Spruce up your routine a bit!

1. Spinach over lettuce: In the war between spinach and lettuce, spinach wins hands down in nutritional content. It has potassium, iron, and best of all, fiber, which helps process fat better. So while it lacks the crunchiness of lettuce, substitute it in your salads and sandwiches once in awhile. Your body craves the good!

2. Goat cheese over regular: Goat cheese has more protein than regular cheese, and also 40% less calories.
3. Blue tortilla chips over regular: Science Daily reports that colored flatbreads are healthier because they have less starch and lower glycemic index, which is healthier because they release sugar slower in the bloodstream. Not to mention, they've got 20% more protein.
4. Eat more tomatoes: Tomatoes suppress the hormone ghrelin, which causes hunger pangs. They keep you feeling fuller longer, so you won't have those post-meal cravings!
5. Eat red peppers: Low in calories, full of vitamin A and C, red peppers contain the chemical capsaicin, which has the ability to boost your resting metabolic rate by 25 percent.
6. Sprinkle in some cinnamon: Cinnamon is packed with antioxidants, sprinkle it in your oatmeal or low-fat cup of yogurt. It also has the power to boost your metabolism, and lessens the impact on your blood sugar levels if sprinkled on a high carb meal.

7. A good strong laugh: The rumor is true. Laughing for 10-15 minutes a day, and I mean a good, strong, hearty laugh, increases your energy consumption per week by about 280 calories.
8. Drink carrot juice: A rich source of vitamin A, carrot juice is good for the eyes, skin, and also has anti-carcinogen properties. Also, they can be blended up for a breakfast smoothie with strawberries and bananas to maximize flavor. Carrots have natural magnesium to decrease bad cholesterol, and nicotine acid which helps metabolize fats and lipids.
9. Classical music: Try it out. Tune in to the classical FM station while you're eating. It'll not only help relax you, but helps you chew at a more leisurely pace, and consume less because the music helps you become more in tune with your body.
10. Sit at the table: When you sit down to a meal, enjoy it. Studies show that your more likely to overeat when you're on the go than when you're sitting down enjoying your food, because you're less likely to pay attention to your stomach signaling that you're full.
11. Olive oil over dressing: Substitute that light Italian dressing with some good ole fashion olive oil. They are full of good fatty acids that help lower bad cholesterol, and also trigger a protein in the body that tells it it's full.
12. Eat pomegranates: Not only do they contain antioxidants, but the oil from their seeds reduces your body's ability to store fat.
13. The apple: Eating an apple fifteen minutes before you scarf will help you consume up to 190 less calories during your meal because the fiber will help you feel full.

So will these weight loss tips help you banish fat in 2 days? Of course not. Because being healthy is a lifelong commitment, and it doesn't hurt to sprinkle in a little healthy change.