Are there really such things as “fat burning foods”?
To digest and metabolize the foods we eat, our bodies require energy. The energy needed to process food is called the “thermic effect of food”. A food is a fat burning food if the thermic effect of that food is greater than the energy we absorbed from eating that food in the first place.
So yes there are such wonderful things as fat burning foods! Hooray!
In this article I’ll show you the top 5 fat burning foods, and how you can lose weight fast with them while having fun and enjoying it.
Top 5 Fat Burning Foods:
1. Fresh Vegetables
Vegetables are low in calories but rich in water, fiber, antioxidants, vitamins and minerals. The fiber and high water content of vegetables help to burn fat, help in the digestion and elimination processes, and they make you feel fuller for longer!
Easy Ways to Lose Weight with Vegetables:
Go ahead and be adventurous by having a wide color of vegetables as part of your lunch AND dinner, every day.
Munch on raw carrot, cucumber and celery sticks and bite into some tomatoes as a healthy snack.
During every mealtime, always choose vegetables over simple carbohydrates like white pasta or white noodles.
2. Organic Fruits
Fruit is the Ultimate Fast Food! Fruits are so good you can practically have as much as you want without counting calories. Citrus fruits are especially good for assisting fat metabolism due to the flavones and high Vitamin C content.
You’ll benefit the most if you eat fruits in their raw, unprocessed and uncooked state because the nutrients and enzymes will be intact.
How to Lose Weight Fast with Fruits:
Always take some fruits with you everyday to work or school. Aim for 2 to 4 portions of fruits per day.
Graze on fruits when you’re peckish. Swap candy bars, coffees or biscuits with fresh fruits.
One of the most delicious ways to have fruits is by having smoothies using your favorite fruits. Try them for breakfast, mid-day snacks, and as pre/post exercise energizing drink.
3. Nuts and Seeds
Nuts and seeds are fatty, but they’re the heart-healthy kind and they help burn body fat because they help you maintain good levels of fat burning hormones. Nuts and seeds are packed-full with vitamins, minerals, antioxidants, fiber and protein.
A report by The Journal of Nutrition stated that eating nuts regularly help decrease body fat levels. The high content of calcium and protein in Nuts and seeds also regulate blood sugar levels. The fiber keep you full for longer and curb the appetite.
Ways to Lose Weight Fast with Nuts and Seeds:
Throw out your butter and substitute with nuts butters instead ” cashew and almond butters taste the best.
Snack on a handful of unsalted nuts and seeds, or sprinkle them on your salads.
4. Green Tea
Green tea is popularly known as a health drink,and for good reason. The polyphenols and catechins help boost your metabolic rate. The catechins also prevent fat absorption and stabilize glucose levels in the blood.
Ways to Lose Weight Fast with Green Tea:
Try to cut down on your consumption of high-sugar and high-caffeine drinks like juices from concentrate, coffee, beer and sodas. Have some green tea or water instead whenever you can to keep you hydrated.
Try Iced green tea and keep some in the fridge for easy access. Sweeten with a natural sweetener and add a lemon or lime slice.
5. Lean Meats and Seafood
Protein sources like meats and seafood have higher thermic effect so they help burn more energy. The emphasis here though is on the word ‘lean’ – ensure you’re eating low fat meat portions, cooked in a low fat way.
Lean meats
Fish like salmon, mackerel and herring
Egg whites
I personally prefer fish over lean meats because they have less total fat, saturated fat and cholesterol than meat and poultry, plus many of them are rich in omega-3 fatty acids. Some studies have shown that Omega 3s may help lower blood fats (triglycerides) and thus help reduce risk of cardiac death.
Fat burning Tips:
Don’t fry your food – steam, bake, poach or grill them instead. Use some spices and try a variety of herbs for added taste instead of using a lot of salt.
Avoid having your meats or seafood with fatty condiments, dips and sauces as this defeats the whole purpose of eating lean meat.
Conclusion
Packing in more fat-burning foods in your daily diet is a MUST if you’re really aiming to lose fat healthily and naturally.
The top 5 fat burning foods we’ve discussed here are lean meats and seafood, nut and seeds, fruits, green tea and vegetables.
If you want to lose weight fast and easily, then eating fat burning foods is one of your quickest and most efficient natural way to reduce body fat.
