It's always a good idea to alter your diet when you begin a weight loss program. Cutting out unhealthy food choices is the first step, but it's also necessary to add in healthy food options. Some foods contain natural compounds that help increase your fat-burning power before you even walk through the door of a gym.
Milk
Calcium may contribute to the increased breakdown of fat cells, states Dr. Jana Klauer, a physician specializing in nutrition and metabolic adaptations. Klauer also indicates that belly fat cells are different from fat cells located on other parts of your body. They contain special receptors that allow calcium to further speed up the fat-burning process. Milk is an excellent source of calcium and has the added benefit of keeping your insulin levels low, the "New York Daily News" reports. While high insulin levels send a message to your body to enter starvation mode and hold onto fats, low insulin levels trigger your body to burn fat.
Chili Peppers
Capsaicin, the chemical that gives peppers their heat, may increase thermogenesis, researchers at Korea's Daegu University have determined. Thermogenesis is a process that increases your metabolism by increasing the amount of heat, or energy, your body is using. Dr. Jeong In Joo, a biotechnology researcher who led the team, also suggests that capsaicin may improve lipid mobilization, decrease the amount of fat in your blood, improve your fat-burning power, as well as cut the number of calories you'll need to take in.
Whole Grains
High insulin levels send a message to your body to enter starvation mode. One way to combat this process is to consume foods that stave off insulin spikes. Whole grains contain high levels of carbohydrates and fiber, both of which decrease insulin levels, the "New York Daily News" reports. Carbohydrates and fiber both contribute to keeping insulin levels low for extended periods of time, decreasing the number of calories you'll need to consume and increasing your fat-burning power.
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