Diet

Food Secrets of the World's Slimmest, Healthiest People

These slimming secrets from around the globe will help you drop pounds easily and for good

by Allie Flinn | 1 COMMENT

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Banish Sugar Cravings the German Way Studies have shown that eating a large breakfast full of protein makes you less likely to graze during the day -- but you already knew that, didn't you? What you don't know is that approximately two-thirds of Americans don't eat breakfast.

In Germany, 75 percent of people eat breakfast, and a normal morning meal consists of meats, cheese, soft-boiled eggs, fruit and bread -- plenty of fuel for the day ahead.

"Breakfast eaters are far less likely to be obese or overweight than non-breakfast eaters," says Cimperman. "Eating something in the morning helps get the body's metabolism going." But you have to do more than grab a Pop Tart (or two) on your way out the door. A study from the University of Missouri found that eating a high-protein breakfast can help reduce cravings for sugary food later in the day. It can also help regulate the brain chemical dopamine -- this can help you stop thinking of food as a reward.

For everyone saying that they don't have time for breakfast: Make time. "It doesn't need to be complicated," says Cimperman, who recommends eating a bowl of oatmeal with an ounce of walnuts and dried fruit; a banana with peanut butter or a smoothie made with Greek yogurt.

SEE NEXT PAGE: Repeat After Greeks: Fat Doesn't Make You Fat

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