Many weight-conscious mamas dream about the day when a magic pill is invented that cures all their food-related woes. While there is no such antidote to over-eating, and it doesn't appear as if one is on the horizon, there are an array of foods that could be helpful in boosting metabolism. Sprinkle these healthful foods into your diet as a way to ramp up the rate of your food burning and increase the effectiveness of your weight-loss efforts.

Eating healthy is increasingly important for families, as they combat diseases such as childhood obesity, Type 2 diabetes, high blood pressure and high cholesterol. Paired with proper exercise and sufficient sleep, eating healthy meals can keep families energized and out of the doctor's office. By eliminating junk food such as sugary sodas, chips and cookies, families can begin to adopt healthy eating habits. Planning healthy meals doesn't have to break a family's bank; in fact, with planning and preparation, families can plan healthy meals on a budget.

Between work, play and family time, it may seem that there is never a moment to spare to grab a nutritious meal. Instead of allowing your on-the-go schedule to send you through the drive-in, consider some healthy meals that you can grab and go. These options are nutrient-packed and calorie-light, making them a wise choice for on-the-go moms and their families.

Everyone has different dietary needs. People who are more active usually need to consume more calories than people who don't exercise or move around a lot. All healthy diets should have a few things in common, though. Overall, a healthy balanced diet should include these 7 factors.

You've probably seen a sign on a community bulletin board that read, "Lose Weight Now, Ask Me How" or seen someone with a pin or bumper sticker that read the same. The person is most likely selling Herbalife, a company that makes supplements and weight loss products and that has been around since 1980.

The South Beach Diet is a popular low-carb diet that focuses on eating healthy for life. Through its three phases, you re-teach your body how to eat, avoiding foods that are unhealthy and craving foods that are good for you. If orange juice is a favorite morning drink, you may want to know whether it's allowed on the South Beach Diet.

Standard weight loss advice often involves drinking water as your beverage of choice, but if you're not a fan of the taste--or lack of taste--you may wonder whether water can really help you to lose weight. Though there is some debate as to why it helps you lose weight, drinking water will increase the amount of weight that you lose.

Sex is a vital part of a healthy relationship but, according to MayoClinic.com, more than 40 percent of women experience low sexual desire during their lives. The good news is, if you experience a decrease in your sex drive, treatments are available. Herbal vitamins can help you increase your sex drive without the negative effects that may occur from taking a prescription medication, but it is important to remember that herbal remedies can have negative side effects as well. Be sure and check with your doctor before taking anything new.

When it's time to lose weight, you need to find a diet that works well with your lifestyle. Diets are followed to guide you in making healthier food choices. Several types of diets, however, advocate opposing views as to the healthy path to weight loss. Consider your options carefully before settling on a healthy diet to lose 20 lbs.

Smoothies can be a great tool in losing weight. They make for a quick and easy meal that you can take with you. When preparing a diet smoothie, you must take note of the items that you're adding to it--all those calories add up. If you are including high calorie items, like peanut butter and juice, you may need to cut back a bit to make your smoothie have fewer calories.