A recent study by the Endocrine Society found that men and women with higher vitamin D levels experienced a greater amount of weight loss when dieting compared to those with lower levels.  Study participants were put on a reduced-calorie diet for eleven weeks.  The researchers found a linear relationship between baseline vitamin D levels and weight loss.

“Plasma vitamin D predicts subsequent weight loss, suggesting a potential role for vitamin D in promotion of weight loss, perhaps through effects on adipose metabolism,” the study’s authors conclude in their abstract about their findings.

Vitamin D can be obtained from sun exposure, foods (fatty fish such as salmon) and supplements.

If your stomach is growling here are five great options to fill you up and keep you on the fat-burning track:
Almonds – 1 ounce of almonds contains 6 grams of protein and 9 grams of monounsaturated (healthy) fat
Oatmeal – 1 cup of oatmeal has 4 grams of fiber, which will fill you up and keep your regular
Salmon – Full of omega-3 fats, a 4 ounce serving has 25 grams of protein
Quinoa – Quinoa is higher in protein than other grains like barley or couscous, and is extremely versatile
Black beans – 1 cup has a whopping 15 grams of protein and 15 grams of fiber!

Adding these foods to your 6-meals-per-day eating plan will ensure that you are always feeling satisfied and have the protein and healthy fats that will help to burn that stubborn body fat!