Enjoy these little tid bits that I came across to get you started with some weight loss ideas on healthy meal planning through out your day!

Your Flat Belly Building Blocks

If you think you're too busy to lose weight, we have one word for you: MUFA (pronounced "moofah"). Also known as "monounsaturated fatty acids," these plant-based compounds are the basis of the Flat Belly Diet, which can help you drop pounds and reduce belly fat. The even better news? Delicious foods such as olives, nuts and seeds, avocado, oils, and dark chocolate are some of the best sources of these healthful fats.

Our dietitians have developed a week's worth of unique Flat Belly Diet-approved meals and snacks that are easy to prepare and ready in 5 minutes or less, so you can slim down without stress. Research shows that eating this way may put you on your way to weight loss success: A study commissioned by Prevention at the Yale-Griffin Prevention Research Center found that overweight women who followed the diet for 28 days lost 8.4 pounds and nearly 2 inches around their waist. Choose four meals a day from this list (organized by MUFA so you can easily find a meal that suits your mood)--and you'll save time, flatten your belly, and boost your health.

Hummus, Olive, And Tomato

MUFA: Olives

Spread 2 Tbsp hummus on each half of a toasted whole wheat English muffin. Top each half with 5 thinly sliced olives and a slice of tomato. Have 1 medium orange.

Total calories: 362

Mediterranean Salad

MUFA: Olives

Toss 1/2 c chickpeas, rinsed and drained, with 1/2 c halved cherry tomatoes, 1 chopped cucumber, 10 large black olives, and 1 Tbsp lemon juice. Serve with 1 toasted large whole wheat pita.

Total calories: 398

Published November 2011, Prevention

Updated December 2011

MORE RECIPES TO COME! =)