Flavor First

As the nutritionist for NBC's hit show The Biggest Loser, Cheryl Forberg not only knows how to help people lose weight, she also understands why they gain it in the first place.

One reason Americans keep packing on the pounds is because our taste buds have become accustomed to the intense (and artificial) flavors of highly processed foods that overwhelm our senses. We tend to crave extreme flavors and textures—salty, fried, sweet, creamy—so when we decide to lose weight by substituting grilled chicken for a hamburger, we're not going to enjoy our food and we're unlikely to stick to our weight loss plan.

But what if you substituted your greasy drive-thru hamburger for Spicy Beef Satays, Beer-Braised Pork Tacos, or Sesame Prawns? How about if you replaced your morning doughnut with spicy Huevos Sofrito or Toasted Oatcakes with Berry Confetti? Chances are, you'd be too satisfied to miss any of the empty calories in your old favorites.