Cutting back on refined carbohydrates may help you reduce calories and lose weight, especially when combined with other weight-loss strategies. Refined carbohydrates are those found in white rice, baked goods and white breads, including hamburger buns.

When you make the commitment to lose weight, you want to see the results of your hard work in a relatively short period. You can't specifically target your belly, arms and legs for fat loss, though -- you lose weight proportionally all over your body.

Dyspepsia, or indigestion, commonly causes burning or gnawing sensations in the upper abdomen. Other symptoms of indigestion include belching, bloating, heartburn, vomiting and nausea.

Inulin, a naturally occurring soluble fiber obtained from the root of the chicory plant, is often incorporated into processed foods to add fiber, bulk and a sweet flavor. Inulin can give you a sensation of satiety, or fullness, without raising your blood-sugar levels or adding many calories.

Studies on the use of vinegar as an appetite suppressant are conflicting. Some studies show that vinegar affects metabolism, while others show no effect at all. More research needs to be conducted on whether drinking vinegar as an appetite suppressant is safe or beneficial.

Shedding pounds seems like a widespread American pasttime. An overwhelming majority of Americans — at least 45 million of us, according to CBS News — are on a diet. And yet the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention reports that 68 percent of people over 20 are either obese or overweight.

Graham crackers as known today first began as graham bread in the 1800s, according to a publication from Oberlin College. Sylvester Graham was interested in healthy living and developed a cracker made from whole-wheat flour that was fashioned into squares.

Salads have long been singled out as the stereotypical diet food, and there’s sound logic behind this label. With light dressing and an abundance of vegetables, salads tend to be filling and satisfying with far fewer calories than heavier meals.

No one single nutrient, food or vitamin with a slew of nutrients will help your body magically lose unwanted pounds. Weight loss requires you to create a negative calorie balance by making a change in what you eat and also in your activity level.

Your stomach is one of your body's favorite locations to store excess fat. Staying active and eating a nutritious, low-calorie diet can help reduce such fat stores. Granny Smith apples are a smart addition to a healthy diet for several reasons.

An elliptical combines the motion of stair climbing with that of cross-country skiing. If you suffer from lower extremity pain, arthritis or back pain, you may find an elliptical workout more enjoyable and less painful than other forms of exercise.

Gastritis is a condition in which the lining of the stomach, or mucosa, is inflamed. The lining of the stomach contains parietal cells, which produce acid, various enzymes and mucus.