It is hard to fall asleep with an empty and growling stomach. However, middle of the night snacking, a condition called Night Eating Syndrome, may put you at higher risk for obesity and binge eating problems, according to a June 2007 article in the "International Journal of Obesity."

Whether you're short on time to prep a meal or looking for a treat to satisfy your sweet tooth, low-carb nutrition bars make a handy option. Look for ones that are low in net carbs -- which are digestible carbs -- but high in fiber and protein.

Okra is a vegetable that originated in Africa. The Texas A & M Extension Service reports that the French brought okra to New Orleans in the 18th century and it also came to the United States on ships that transported African slaves. Okra is a common ingredient in Southern food.

Although eating apples likely won’t hinder weight loss because apples are low-calorie fruits, adding too many apples to your meal plan -- in addition to your usual calorie intake -- can stall weight loss or even lead to weight gain. However, apples, in moderation, make excellent additions to weight-loss plans.

The water and peanut diet can be an effective plan for healthy weight loss. The Harvard Medical School says eating peanuts and peanut butter, as part of a Mediterranean, moderate-fat diet, can aid in weight loss, and that peanuts can help keep weight off better than a low-fat diet plan.

Regardless of your initial body weight, a slow and steady weight-loss pace is usually best for long-term success, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. The CDC suggests a weight-loss rate of 1 to 2 pounds weekly.

Water weight can artificially inflate how much the scale says you weigh. After all, a scale measures all parts of your body -- the muscle, bones, connective tissue, organs and fluids. In addition to increasing your weight, water retention can make you look puffy and feel uncomfortably bloated.

An easy recipe swap for quick fiber gain is whole wheat flour in place of white, all-purpose flour. Pie crust, bread and delicate baked goods need extra care to make them whole wheat. Other recipes, like certain muffins and cookies, do very well with even complete substitutions of whole wheat flour for white flour.

Whether you're trying to lose or gain weight with extra protein in your diet, you may have noticed that you're also making more trips to the bathroom. Protein by-products are excreted in your urine, and the more protein you eat, the more your body needs to excrete, which means an increase in urination.

Since you hit age 45, you may be having a harder time keeping off weight. According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, women over age 45 weigh 20 to 25 pounds more than they did in their 20s. The struggle with your weight may be due to a few factors, including activity, food choices and hormones.

Eating any foods in excess of daily needs creates fat, but no food creates fat that stores only in the belly. Different types of corn foods create different benefits and risks. Whole-grain corn contains important vitamins, minerals and protein as well as carbohydrates and fiber.

The Dr. Oz Raw Food Challenge is a 28-day call to eat a diet rich in uncooked fruits, vegetables, seeds and nuts. The 28-day program claims to promote increased energy, improve skin appearance, better digestion, weight loss and a reduced risk of heart disease.