THE NEW LOOK-GREAT DIET
1. Lose Weight Without Trying
On the O2 Diet, estimate that you'll lose about two to three pounds a week. But instead of worrying about the pounds, focus on ORAC points--and the pounds will melt away. These are just three of the O2 Diet's weight-loss wonders:
Artichokes
At only 60 calories each, they're a calorie bargain. Artichokes are also super-high on the ORAC scale—7,900 points— and they contain phytochemicals that may lower cholesterol levels.
Lemon Water
Lemon peel contains pectin, a soluble fiber that has been shown to help with weight loss. Add an ounce of lemon juice and some zest to each of your eight daily glasses of water (which will help you feel fuller), and you'll add 3,200 ORAC points.
Red Grapefruit
One study found that people who ate half a grapefruit with each meal lost 3.6 pounds over 12 weeks, while those who drank grapefruit juice three times a day lost 3.3 pounds. The red variety has more of the cancer-protecting antioxidant lycopene. Half a grape-fruit has 1,900 ORAC points.
2. Make Your Skin Glow
While no food can turn back the clock, some can perk up your looks and slow the aging process.
Figs
Eating a handful of dried figs increases the amount of antioxidants in your blood for four hours, much longer than many other foods. Two small figs have about 2,700 ORAC points.
Red Bell Peppers
The unique combination of large amounts of vitamins A, C, and E make red bell peppers a skin superfood. Half a cup adds 600 ORAC points.
Watermelon
This lycopene-rich fruit provides 33 percent more protection against sunburn than other fruits. (You still have to wear sunscreen though!) One cup of this diced melon has 200 ORAC points.
3. Bolster Your Body
Certain antioxidants have been shown to fight cancer, boost immunity, and keep bones strong.
Beans
They're loaded with phytochemicals (including saponins, protease inhibitors, and phytic acid), which may protect cells from damage that potentially causes cancer, reports the American Institute for Cancer Research. Half a cup has 7,800 ORAC points.
Prunes
These wrinkly little dried fruits are rich in vitamin K and a top source of the mineral boron, and we need both for strong bones. A three-prune serving gives you 1,900 ORAC points.