By Alison Goldman, Women's Health

If you want to shed pounds, you know the best way to do it: healthy eating and exercise. That being said, we've learned about some pretty interesting--and, well, seriously strange--weight-loss tricks via research over the past year. Check them out…

Peppermint
Smelling peppermint on the regular may help lower hunger levels and calorie intake, per a study we reported on in December. (Here's more on the scent that can ward off hunger.)

Your Dishware--If It's the Right Color
A study published last month found that using red plates could help you eat less. (Home goods stores probably have some awesome after-Christmas sales right now!)

TRY THIS: The Color That Makes You Eat Less

Cold Hard Cash
Paying with bills instead of a credit card may help you pick out healthier foods, according to research reported on in the fall.

Chocolate
Chowing down on the sweet stuff is associated with lower levels of abdominal fat, according to research we told you about in November. And while that's clearly not causation, we'll take it!

PLUS: 5 Fatty Foods That Make You Skinny

The Temp in Your Bedroom
Turning down your thermostat at night may give your weight-loss efforts a boost. In a study we told you about last summer, participants who slept in a 66-degree room burned more than seven percent more calories while Zzzing than participants who slept in a 75-degree room.

READ MORE: How to Burn More Calories While You Sleep

Low-Cal #FoodPorn
Sticking pics of low-cal grub on your fridge--and having a look before you snack--may help you eat less while dieting, suggests results from a study we told you about last month.

The State of Your Desk
Spend time in a tidy workspace versus a messy one, and you'll be more likely to choose a healthy snack, says a study we reported on last summer. One point for organization!

READ MORE: 16 Detoxing Cleanse Foods That Jumpstart Weight Loss