A real fat burner, this little-used vegetable is the best way to lose weight this summer!

There's no miracle recipe, but this little-used vegetable is a real ally in maintaining a healthy, varied diet. And it's available everywhere.

Obesity has been a big problem in the U.S. for a while now, and it keeps getting worse. Let's break down some important info and numbers. According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), from 1999 –2000 through 2017 –March 2020, US obesity prevalence increased from 30.5% to 41.9%. During the same time, the prevalence of severe obesity increased from 4.7% to 9.2%. And it's been going up: back in the late 90s, about 3 out of 10 adults were obese. But now, it's more like 4 out of 10. 

According to a recent study by the CDC, only 9% of adults ate enough veggies, and just 12% ate enough fruits. This means most adults aren't getting the recommended amount of these healthy foods. The study found that men, younger adults, and those with lower incomes tended to eat even less of these foods. 

So, with the arrival of summer and its colorful, health-giving seasonal vegetables, it's perhaps time to put aside carrots and potatoes and turn our attention to one of the stars of the local markets. 

The queen of Mediterranean cuisine, eggplant is a real ally when it comes to dieting. Yet it is far from being one of the most popular vegetables in France. Oval or elongated, white or graffiti, Italian or Japanese... There is a wide variety of eggplants, all rich in micronutrients and low in calories. In fact, with just 25 kcal/100 g, eggplant is a low-calorie food. Its high water content (90%) and high fiber content contribute to satiety, weight management, and digestion. 

Gone are the days of salad without dressing and watery spinach. Eggplant's texture and versatility mean you can vary your recipes, discovering new specialties and enjoying yourself without popping the button on your jeans. With a Sicilian caponata or parmigiana, a Greek (low-fat) moussaka, or julienned to replace its carbohydrate-rich pasta, it's an opportunity to travel from your kitchen. Less well-known is eggplant juice, which, among other things, helps lower cholesterol and may have anti-inflammatory features. 

Not only is eggplant good for your weight, it also supports the liver and gall bladder, which evacuate toxins accumulated in the body, as well as the heart, thanks to the antioxidants present in the skin. As with most vegetables, it's in the skin that the most nutrients are found, so it's best to avoid peeling.

However, eggplants do have one flaw, which can ruin a diet: they're a sponge. Its skin is not sufficient to form a sufficiently effective barrier against fats during cooking. It is therefore recommended to opt for steaming or baking without added fat. But don't worry: it goes wonderfully well with spices and other condiments. Apart from that, it's one of the best foods for weight loss.