Calorie. When you're trying to lose weight those three little syllables can sound a bit sinister. But calories really aren't the bad guys. Basically, a calorie is just a unit of energy. They give us the fuel we need to keep going. But did you know that when you cut calories you can actually boost your energy? Since calories are our main source of energy, it may seem counterintuitive that reducing them can boost our energy. But the trick -- even though a calorie, is a calorie, is a calorie -- is eating high quality foods that benefit your body.

When you aren't eating healthfully, you're likely to get extra calories from refined carbs (sugary foods, white bread/pasta/rice, etc.) and greasy foods. Those are choices that pack a hefty calorie punch and (though you may get an initial rush from sugar) ultimately leave you feeling sluggish. Slow-burning, healthful foods will keep your blood sugar stable and keep you energized throughout the day.

Whole-grains, fruits, vegetables, and lean protein are all good choices for energy-boosting foods. Some top picks include:

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Lean, low-fat protein is common ingredient in many popular diets today, including the South Beach Diet, the Sonoma Diet, and the Zone Diet. If you're new to nutrition, though, you might be wondering what kinds of foods, exactly, are diet-friendly proteins. A few examples include:

• any type of fish, excluding breaded or deep fried
• canned fish, packed in water
• chicken or turkey, unbreaded, skinless and preferably white meat
• ground beef with less than 10% fat
• pork tenderloin
• eggs
• tofu
• tempah
• beans
• deli-sliced meats
  

For more information about diet-friendly proteins, check out this article from AOL Body.

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Anyone who regularly checks out books and websites on diet and healthy living will no doubt have heard of the Three Fat Chicks -- three sisters who document their struggles with weight loss on the Internet and have gained quite the following in the process.

Recently, they've recommended a book called the 150 Healthiest Foods on Earth. It looks like something everyone could use in their home library. I've yet to read it, but sadly I doubt that things like french fries, pizza or fast food hamburgers have made the list. What is on there? Fruit, veggies, whole grains and lean sources of protein.

Have you read the book?

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