Burning fat and building muscle is a common goal among people who exercise. This fitness goal is a battle that is fought in the gym and the kitchen. There are many foods with various health benefits that will help you lose weight and build muscle. Include these foods in your diet to boost your metabolism and build lean muscle mass.
Green Vegetables
These vegetables have many health benefits, including fiber that releases nutrients into the blood stream and a slow rate. This digestion process means that green veggies are highly unlikely to be stored as fat. The body likes a balanced pH, and most foods are acidic, which throws off this balance. The most alkaline vegetables in the Mayo Clinic Diet Manual were beet greens, Swiss chard, dandelion greens, and baked potatoes, says Ccone.com. Also, the phytochemicals found in green vegetables contain a large amount of vitamins and minerals that have fat-burning properties.
Eggs and Lean Meat
Eggs and lean meats such as fish, turkey and chicken will provide your body with protein, healthy fat and vitamins. In addition, protein will keep you fuller for longer and stabilize your blood sugar. Whey protein powder is an convenient source of protein. In fact, "The Abs Diet" recommends whey protein for a snack between meals or a meal replacement. Purchase grass-fed beef if you choose to consume red meat. Grass-fed cows have more omega 3 fatty acid, less saturated fat and CLA, which is a fatty acid that has been shown to build muscle and burn fat.
Healthy Fats
Healthy fats that are found in foods such as avocados and sunflower seeds will reduce appetite, lower cholesterol and boost metabolism. Flaxseed oil and olive oil are full of monounsaturated fat, which will prevent insulin spikes and balance sugar levels. A handful of almonds will provide you with healthy fat, vitamin E, calcium and magnesium.
Fruits
Raspberries, blueberries and strawberries are packed with antioxidants and vitamins. These antioxidants will decelerate age, elevate metabolic rate and boost your immune system. Other fruits such as apples, pears and grapes are low on the glycemic index and contain antioxidants. Exotic fruits such as acai, goji and maqui berries have more fat-burning properties than garden fruits.
References
- CCone.com: Foods for Alkaline Diets
- "The Abs Diet"; David Zinczenko; Rodale; 2004
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