Diet and exercise are the two key components of burning off calories and fat. Without one, the other will not be nearly as effective. Knowing what to eat will help you maximize the results you get from your daily workout routine. While foods like corndogs and candy bars surely add unhealthy calories to your waistline, another group of foods will do some work on your behalf.
Beans
Beans contain very little fat but they are high in soluble fiber and protein. Soluble fiber helps your body fight off disease and regulates your digestion. Both soluble fiber and lean protein help you feel full longer, which reduces your chances of overeating at your next meal. Lean protein also helps you build lean muscle tissue, which helps you burn more calories. Avoid eating cans of sugary, salty, fatty bean dishes such as baked beans.
Calcium-Rich Foods
Consuming 1,200 to 1,300 milligrams of daily calcium can help dieters lose twice as much weight as dieters who consume less, according to a University of Tennessee study. Some excellent sources of calcium are dairy products, but sticking to low-fat varieties can help you with your weight loss efforts. For the lactose intolerant, there are many other sources of calcium, including kale, spinach, bok choy, turnip greens, soybeans, tofu, clams, pink salmon, sardines and white beans.
Apples
A 1997 Bulgarian study confirmed that people who consumed apple pectin were able to metabolize fat more successfully than people in a control group. This is because pectin, which is classified as a soluble fiber, binds with water and reduces the amount of fat that your body absorbs. Pectin can also be found in other fresh fruits, especially berries. Replace most of your daily sweets with fresh apples and berries and notice a difference in how much weight you lose.
Whole Grains
Your body requires carbohydrates to have enough energy to function in daily life, but it is best to eat the ones that haven't been stripped of their major nutrients (including the all-important fiber). Whole grains are a great source of complex carbohydrates for this reason. Whole grain cereal, whole wheat bread, steel-cut oatmeal, whole wheat spaghetti and sweet potatoes are some whole grain sources of complex carbohydrates.
Spicy Foods
Spicy foods such as cayenne chilies and jalapenos contain capsaicin, a thermogenic food that is known to burn off calories by increasing the heart rate and adding a little kick to the metabolism. This effect can last up to 20 minutes. Be careful not to add too much spice to your meals, or you risk burning more than calories.
Member Comments