Fat Burning Foods for Women

Fat Burning Foods for Women
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In addition to a healthy diet and exercise, there are specific foods that may increase the rate of fat-burning in women. The rate of metabolism is lower in women, often a result of less muscle mass, and there is a tendency toward weight gain in women's hips, thighs and buttocks. Eating foods that increase the metabolic rate can help women lose weight faster.

Lean Meat

Lean meat is a source of protein that is low in fat and low in carbohydrates. Protein has a satiating effect on the appetite, which keeps cravings under control by stabilizing blood sugar levels. The body requires more energy to digest proteins, so your metabolic rate increases automatically. Protein is also essential in the growth and repair of muscle. Increased muscle mass increases the rate of calorie and fat-burn, even at rest. Healthy sources of lean meat include chicken and turkey breasts, beef and fish.

Spicy Foods

Spicy foods may increase metabolism by up to 25 percent in a day, which increases fat-burning and weight-loss efforts. Capsaicin, found in jalapenos and other peppers, stimulates the heart rate and metabolism, which assists in burning more calories and fat. Other spicy foods include habaneros, cayenne pepper and cayenne chilis.

Green Tea

Green tea contains caffeine, which may stimulate fat-burning potential, but without increasing the heart rate as coffee often does. Green tea is a healthier alternative to coffee since it contains the chemical EGCG. EGCG may assist with calorie-burning and boost brain and nervous system activity.

References

Article reviewed by Eric Lochridge Last updated on: Nov 24, 2010

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