Do you want the good news or the bad news? Well, the bad news is that there is no “magic” pill that is going to make your extra pounds disappear. There is no magic wand that will tap those love handles away and there is no such thing as wishing for thinner thighs and BAM… you have thinner thighs.
The good news is that there are actually fat burning foods. Knowing the effects certain foods have on your metabolism will give you the edge when incorporating them into your normal diet and exercise routine.
Foods with a high thermic effect, literally help you burn calories as you consume them. The thermic effect of food simply means the energy it takes to absorb, digest and dispose of nutrients within the food that is begin consumed. That IS good news, right?
Here is a list of some of the top foods that help you burn away that fat!
Whole grains
As you know, your body needs fuel to run efficiently and effectively. By providing your body with whole foods and whole grains, you will actually increase your metabolism, feel more energized, decrease your appetite, produce less fat while burning more fat. You will burn 2x the calories when you consume whole foods and whole grains versus when you consume processed foods.
Lean meats
Proteins have a high thermic effect so during the digestion process you will actually burn up to 30% of the calories contained in the food you consumed. For example: If you eat turkey which has an average of 300 calories…you will actually burn 90 calories during digestion. Lean meats also build muscle and are even known to improve the immune system.
Green tea
Talk about a fat burning goodness…green tea is credited with sparking the metabolism and encouraging weight loss. By drinking four cups of green tea a day, people have lost over six pounds within an eight week period according to the American Journal of Clinical Nutrition reports.
Fruits
Fruits have so many great benefits. Eating fresh fruit helps to satisfy your sweet tooth and gives a feeling of fullness so you avoid over eating. Certain fruits, such as grapefruit are known to lower insulin levels which aids in blood sugar regulation as well as boosting metabolism. Loaded with antioxidants, fruits such as blueberries are high in fiber (and water) which can keep you satisfied longer.
Dairy products
Dairy product such as low-fat milk, cheese and yogurt are good for you no matter how you look at it. Dairy plays a key part in keeping your metabolism revved up. They are high in calcium and vitamin D, which helps to build stronger bones and also preserves and builds muscle mass.
Whey
We all have heard about Little Miss Muffet and her “curds and whey” but what exactly is whey and how does it burn fat? Whey is actually the watery part of milk after the curds form. Considered to be the complete protein; whey contains all nine essential amino acids. It will boost metabolism, burns fat and build muscle.
Avocados
Next time you think about skipping the guacamole, consider this…an avocado has monounsaturated fat which lights a fire under the fat-burning hormones. If that wasn’t good enough, it also turns off the fat storage hormones in the body. Still want more reason to eat guacamole? Avocados increase metabolism by acting as a body guard to the energy-producing part of our cells protecting them from damage caused by free radical.
Beans and legumes
Beans and legumes are great items to add to your everyday diet. Not only do they burn fat and build muscle but they also help to regulate your digestive system.
Vegetables (especially Broccoli Rabe)
Broccoli Robe should be called the fat whisperer. It contains phytonutrient sulforaphane which actually stimulates an enzyme that notifies your fat cells that it is time to start burning fat. Thank you Broccoli Rabe. Many raw vegetables are great as a snack. Full of water, they are low in calories and help keep you feeling full. Did you know that ½ cup of celery is only eight calories? Eight calories or not, veggies aren’t very exciting so try spicing them up by dipping them into a bit some salsa, low-cal dressing, hummus or a bit of peanut butter which is a great source of protein.
Brazil Nuts
You know which ones we are talking about…the nuts in the bowl that everyone ignores. Well, be the smart one and gobble them up because those are little fat-burning pellets. They boost the metabolism and also bind up toxins that would normally store themselves in your fat cells and contribute to cellulite.
Chia Seeds
Chia seed seems to be the newest buzz word in weight loss and for a good reason. These tiny seeds are full of fiber, omega-3 fats and protein. They help spark metabolism, decreases appetite and turns on one of the body’s fat burning hormone known as glucagon. If you haven’t tried chia seeds because you really have no idea what to do with them, here is a trick. Soak them in water for approximately 15 minutes. They will actually grow up to ten times their original size and turn into a gel. You can then add them to soaps, oatmeal, drinks and much more.
And did you know…
How To Lose 10 Pounds In A Week
Oysters are only 50 calories for a half dozen oysters, Rich in zinc, oysters act as an appetite suppressant. Suffering from PMS cravings? Oysters will do the trick to reduce those as well.
Coffee stimulates adrenaline. Adrenaline is the messenger that tells your fat storage that it is time to start burning some fat. Although we mentioned dairy as being a fat-burner, adding milk to your coffee actions reduces the fat-burning potential. When drinking coffee the benefits will be greater if you drink it black and skip the decaf. Caffeinated is best for a metabolism boost.
Until the day when someone invents a magic wand to zap the fat, add these fat-burning foods to your daily diet and watch the magic happen naturally.
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