Step 1: Save calories <br />Save calories by adding raw veggies and dried fruit to salads instead of croutons, cheese, and bacon bits. Try fillers like beans, peas, raisins, and any other veggies you'd like. <br /> <br />Tip <br />Use a low-fat or fat-free dressing to replace ones that are high in fat. <br /> <br />Step 2: Try eating dried fruit <br />Eat dried fruit, such as mango, papaya, or dates in place of a sweet piece of candy. <br /> <br />Step 3: Sip on green tea <br />Sip on green tea. The antioxidants in the tea help burn fat and speed up your metabolism. <br /> <br />Tip <br />Green tea also lowers your cholesterol. <br /> <br />Step 4: Sprinkle cinnamon <br />Sprinkle a little cinnamon on your coffee, fruit, whole-grain toast, or oatmeal to help control your blood sugar. Studies show that 1/4 teaspoon of cinnamon a day can lower cholesterol, blood sugar, and triglyceride levels in people with type 2 diabetes. <br /> <br />Step 5: Prepare a banana fruit smoothie <br />Prepare a banana-fruit smoothie by blending blueberries, a banana, wheat germ, and water in a blender for 30 seconds. Full of antioxidants, this homemade treat has fewer calories than a canned or store-bought smoothie. <br /> <br />Step 6: Satisfy your sweet tooth <br />Satisfy your sweet tooth by snacking on frozen blueberries, grapes, or bananas. Try this instead of ice cream or candy when you get a sweet craving. Train yourself to reach for something tasty and healthy, and it'll soon be second nature. <br /> <br />Did You Know? <br />In 2010, experts estimated that Americans spent approximately $30 billion a year on slim-down products and programs.
