At this point in the challenge, it’s all about fine-tuning your diet to get every advantage possible—and spicing up your food is one way to get ahead. New research out of Purdue University suggests that adding fiery seasonings and condiments like cayenne pepper, fresh and bottled hot peppers, and hot sauce to meals suppresses your appetite and slightly revs your metabolism.
To cash in on these calorie savings, mix spicy ingredients into your food as often as you can in the weeks ahead. Try sprinkling chopped hot peppers into salads, or mixing hot sauce into low-fat mayo or hummus to make a spicy spread for sandwiches. Add minced jalapeno or chipotle peppers to omelets, low-fat chicken or tuna salad, stir fries, and marinades. Bring on the heat!
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