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Capsaicin: Capsaicin is the active chemical in the capsicum family of peppers, or in other words - hot peppers. This interesting chemical has been found to do a number of things of the years. It can lower the neurotransmitter referred to as 'substance P'. Substance P is, in a nut shell, a chemical that allows our nerves to register pain. The less substance P the more punishment you would be able to withstand before it became painful. For that reason Capsaicin is currently being researched and used in clinical trials as a pain killer. In fact, you can find it as the primary ingredient for many topical arthritis, and muscle ache creams in local drug stores.

It is also a mild natural euphoric chemical. The fact that it causes a burning sensation on every animal tissue it touches means we can use our bodies own defense mechanisms to have that 'feel good' experience. Researchers have discovered that when enough Capsaicin is consumed, the intense heat causes the brain to release endorphins causing the same feeling that runner's call, 'The Runner's High'.

How does it effect our metabolism? Well that would have to do with Capsaisin's ability to stimulate the sympathetic nervous system. This the same system involved in what we call the "Fight or Flight" response. When you eat a lot of hot peppers, your mouth isn't the only thing heating up. Your body temperature goes up and literally start to swear. An easy way to give your metabolism a little boost. Obviously for some people this method just isn't feasible as many can not stand the heat. But It Hurts So Good!

Grapefruit: Yes, I know - Grapefruit has been the center of many wacky diets. Even my own mother has tried a couple of them. I think it was to just eat grapefruit and bacon all day. Grapefruit doesn't hold the hidden secrets of weight loss. What it does have is the ability to lower circulating levels of insulin and keep them stable. This is a big part of lowering overall body fat levels. Adding grapefruit to your eating regimen won't knock off 10 pounds in a couple of weeks. However, being consistent with it will certainly help speed the overall process. Have a couple slices after your meals.

Protein: Hey, that Atkins guy was actually on to something. Years after he published his books, and even after his death, researchers are now starting to chime into Dr. Atkins' tune. Protein has a powerful effect on metabolism. Your body has to do a lot of work to fully metabolize this nutrient, which of course has a high caloric

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