spices weight loss myth

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Myth No. 5: Certain foods and spices boost your metabolism enough to help you shed pounds.

The Truth: The calories your body burns when you eat hot peppers, celery and certain spices is too insignificant to make a dent in weight loss, according to all three nutritionists we spoke with for this story. To rev your metabolism, you're better off strength training and not skipping meals. (And avoiding these 6 mistakes.)

Keep This in Mind Too: Spices may help you shrink your portions, though. "They often prompt us to eat smaller quantities and less calories overall because they add so much flavor to food," says Koff.