The best fat-burning foods are high in protein. Protein increases your metabolism, allowing you to burn more calories and fat, according to the USDA. There are a variety of foods available for you to choose from to aid you along your journey. It is important to eat a well-balanced diet in order to get the proper nutrition.
Soy Foods
For the vegetarian, or those just wanting to eat less animal-based products, soy is a plant-based protein that can provide a plethora of nutrients along with fat-burning properties. This high-quality fat-burner can be consumed by eating soy foods such as tofu, miso, tempeh or soy beans. Or, you can enjoy a soy protein isolate. According to NutritionData.com, 1 oz. of soy protein isolate can provide you with 49 percent of your daily nutritional recommendations for protein--25g. This serving size is also rich in potassium, iron, copper and manganese.
Fish
Fish is known as one of the best fat burners due to its high protein content. According to the USDA, fish is classified as a lean protein. In addition to being a respectable source of fat-burning protein, fish are lower in calories and saturated fats than other meat varieties. According to NutritionData.com, a 3 oz. serving of salmon will provide you with 51 percent of your daily recommended nutritional allotment of protein, with an impressive 62g of protein. While burning fat, you will also be protecting your cardiovascular system since fish are high in heart-healthy omega-3 fatty acids. For instance, a 3 oz. serving of tuna contains 1,313mg of those fatty acids. Other high-protein fish include salmon, herring, mackerel, cod, trout and sardines.
Milk Products
According to Build-Muscle-And-Burn-Fat.com and the USDA, there are a variety of dairy foods that contain respectable amounts of protein. Choose the low fat, or nonfat, versions in order to save yourself from consuming saturated fats (which increase the calorie content) cites the USDA. Milk products range from milk, soft and hard cheeses, ice cream to various yogurts. As an example, Parmesan cheese contains an impressive 42g of protein per 1 cup serving.
Eggs
According to bodybuilder, Tom Venuto, NSCA-CPT, CSCS, egg whites are a preferred high-protein, low-calorie fat burner. You can consume egg whites in a variety of forms and still reap the nutritional benefits cites the USDA. Dried egg whites contain 23g of protein per 1 oz. serving, compared to 11g for the egg white of a fresh egg. Both provide respectable amounts of protein.
You can also choose the entire egg as your fat burner. Be aware, however, that it contains more saturated fat and cholesterol than just the egg white. According to the USDA, a 1 cup serving of whole dried egg will provide you with 40g of protein.
References
- USDA National Nutrient Database for Standard Reference; Release 20, USDA; 2008
- Nutrition Data
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