Choosing the right types of foods can help you burn calories and shed fat. Add whole, natural foods to your diet such as lean meats, low-fat dairy, fruits, vegetables and whole grains to boost metabolic functions. Avoid processed foods with no nutritional value such as white bread, crackers, simple sugars and alcoholic beverages.
Lean Protein
Lean protein will provide stable energy, suppress your appetite and maintain lean muscle mass. Choose lean meats such as chicken or turkey and avoid fatty meat such as ribs and lamb. Beans, fish and poultry provide plenty of protein without much saturated fat, says Harvard School of Public Health. Nuts and eggs are healthy sources of protein but are high in fat content. Those watching their fat intake should cook only with egg whites and consume nuts sparingly.
Fruits & Vegetables
Fruits and vegetables are high in fiber, low in calories and rich in nutrients. They can be a healthy snack or a tasty addition to any meal. Diets rich in fruits and vegetables may reduce the risk of some types of cancer and other chronic diseases, says the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.
Low Fat Dairy
Dairy products will provide your body with calcium, protein, vitamins and minerals that will help to ignite your metabolism and burn calories. Choose low-fat versions of your favorite dairy foods such as milk and cottage cheese to save on the amount of calories that would be in whole dairy products.
Whole Grains
Whole grains will provide stable energy, keep you satiated and help to speed up metabolic functions. Include complex carbohydrates such as quinoa, whole-wheat bread and brown rice to your diet. Avoid processed carbs that contain simple sugars, enriched or white bread and white flour.
Water
Water can help you burn calories by keeping you hydrated and reducing hunger pangs. Drinking at least eight ounces of water per day will maintain lean muscle tissue and boost metabolism. Also, your body uses water to flush out the by-products of fat breakdown, says TheDietChannel.
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