Dieting is not easy no matter how simple the diet gurus make it sound. But do certain foods help you lose weight faster? Recent studies have identified a handful of foods that seem to work.

1. 1. Pistachios
A study at the University of California, Los Angeles found that
people who snacked on a handful of pistachios lost more weight
than those who snacked on a similar serving size of pretzels. In
addition to a better BMI, those who ate the pistachios also had
lower cholesterol and triglyceride levels.

2. 2. Mushrooms
If you substitute mushrooms for meat in one meal a day, it can
lead to substantial weight loss. The texture of mushrooms makes
them an ideal meat substitute. A study from the Weight
Management Center at Johns Hopkins Bloomberg School of Public
Health in Baltimore, Maryland, showed an average weight loss of 7
pounds per study participant.

3. 3. Yogurt
You may have heard about this one before because it’s been in the
news. But a study published in the New England Journal of
Medicine found that yogurt ranked the highest of all foods linked
with weight loss. The experts don’t really know why, but if it works
— and it’s good for you — who cares!

4. 4. Oat bran
Oat bran is kind of a big deal. It is very high in
fiber, so it makes you feel full and helps keep
your digestive system “regular.” Sprinkle it on
yogurt, cereal or add it to smoothies.

5. 5. Olive oil
A study from the University of California
showed that the oleic acid in olive oil relieves
hunger and suppresses appetite by sending
signals to your brain saying you’re full.