10 FAT-BURNING FOODS

July 08, 2019 by Renee Tavoularis

If you’re looking to burn fat, you’ll be happy to know the foods you eat can help. Some of these delicious foods boost your metabolism to activate fat-burning. Others stimulate the release of fat thanks to their nutrient profile. Choose these 10 whole foods to aid weight loss and give your body the nutrients it needs to burn fat.

1. AVOCADOS

Fats don’t necessarily make you fat. In fact, certain foods like avocados are a great source of healthy monounsaturated fats that have been shown to keep you full longer, help regulate cholesterol, and even burn belly fat.

2. RASPBERRIES

Raspberries are a rich source of free radical fighting antioxidants and insoluble fiber, which is an important nutrient for weight control. Fiber helps you stay full longer because it takes longer for the body to digest. Raspberries also contain compounds known as ketones that actually stop the body from storing fat.

3. GARLIC

A member of the allium (or onion) family, this potent vegetable has an abundance of nutrients that benefit weight loss. Garlic is a rich source of manganese, vitamin B, and Vitamin C. In terms of fat-burning, researchers have found that garlic reduces fat levels in the bloodstream, which benefits cardiovascular health and, in turn, aids in weight loss.

4. FARRO

The body has to work harder to digest whole grains than it does to break down their lesser counterparts. Farro is an ancient whole grain that contains complex carbohydrates, protein, and fiber that breaks down slowly, burning more calories in the process.

5. ASPARAGUS

This delicious vegetable is low in calories and fat, but high in its nutrient load. In addition to Vitamin K, Vitamin B12, Vitamin C, folate, and copper, asparagus contains a plant chemical called asparagine. This alkaloid chemical changes cellular communication in the body to help break down fat. Asparagus also contains special chemicals that assist with eliminating toxic waste, which is beneficial for weight loss.

6. KALE

The consumption of leafy green vegetables such as kale naturally cleanses the body of toxins by stimulating the liver’s detoxification processes, which ultimately leads to a reduction of cravings for unhealthy foods (and fat loss). Kale is also loaded with nutrients like immune-boosting Vitamin C, iron, and dietary fiber, which helps you stay full longer, and helps your muscles shed excess fat long after your workout is over.

7. CITRUS FRUITS

Citrus fruits, including oranges, lemons, limes, and grapefruit, provide few carbohydrates while releasing enzymes that promote fat-burning metabolic processes. Citrus fruits are also a great source of fiber, which helps stabilize your blood sugar levels and aids in weight loss. 

8. BUTTERNUT SQUASH

Nutrient-dense vegetables like butternut squash help the body release fat by taming hunger while providing only minimal calories and fat. The nutrient profile of butternut squash has actually been shown to interfere with the fat formation process called lipogenesis. Its high content of nutrients like manganese also benefits weight reduction.   

9. HOT PEPPERS

Hot peppers contain a compound called capsaicin, which is responsible for the heat factor in many spicy foods. After eating hot peppers, a metabolism spike occurs because the body must work to regulate its internal temperature. As a result, you burn more calories (and fat) in the process.

10. TART CHERRIES

A healthy sleep routine is vital to help your body effectively burn fat, which is why tart cherries are a great choice. Tart cherries promote the release of melatonin, the hormone that helps regulate the sleep cycle. Eating them as an after-dinner snack can ensure you get a good night’s sleep. Plus, the fiber content of the cherries will rev up your metabolism while your body’s at rest.
Printer Friendly