Foods That Burn Fat

The worst thing you can do when you want to lose weight is to stop eating. Your body goes in to a defense mode, and slows down metabolism and energy production. As you keep starving yourself, your body needs more energy for basic functions, so it starts burning muscle tissue. As a result, you are tired, cranky and without energy, and your fat is still there. The trick is to use the right food to do just the opposite: to boost up your metabolism so that it burns more calories. This process is called thermogenesis and the power of some foods to induce it has been extensively researched.  Some foods are perfect fat-burning machines.  Use the body fat calculator to find out how much of you is body fat.

Oatmeal

The power of oatmeal to fuel our machine in the morning was well-known to our grandmothers. Oatmeal is a whole grain, rich in fiber and complex carbohydrates. Whole grains help stabilize insulin levels in our body and speed up our metabolic rate. A bowl of oatmeal in the morning will keep you full longer and it will release energy slowly, keeping you from snacking and loading on empty calories.

Apples

Apples are another old-fashioned powerhouse. They are rich in pectin, which, bound to the water, controls how much fat cells absorb. Apples are full of vitamins, they are high in fiber and antioxidants and are found to prevent stroke,  metabolic syndrome, high blood pressure, and even prediabetes. Apples are perfect snack, so if you get hungry between meals, grab an apple, not a doughnut.

Almonds

It is surprising, but true. Scientists found that oil-rich almonds provide a range of health benefits, such as preventing cardiovascular disease, without causing weight gain. The oil in almonds and other nuts is “good” oil, keeping your cholesterol under control and your waist in a good shape.

Green Tea

A number of studies found that green tea increases body”s metabolic rate and speeds up burning of the calories from food. Green tea is also rich in antioxidants. Caffeine, a stimulant, in green tea provides added energy and also boosts up metabolism.

Broccoli

Broccoli, as long as it is eaten fresh or steamed, is extremely rich in calcium, vitamins C, K, A,  folate, dietary fiber and antioxidants. It is a great fat burner and body detoxifier.

Of course, you cannot make an interesting meal out of apples, green tea and broccoli, but you get the idea. Foods rich in fiber and complex carbohydrates keep you full longer, provide energy throughout the day and prevent you from snacking. Many spices are also known for their fat-burning and metabolism-boosting properties: cayenne pepper, cinnamon, garlic, ginger, mustard and chili peppers will not only make your meals more interesting, but will help burn calories as well.