Little definitive research is available to prove that some foods burn fat and make you lose weight; however, certain foods can temporarily increase your metabolism. Your metabolism is the rate at which your body burns the calories in food to use as fuel for internal processes, such as digestion, and physical activity.
High-protein Foods
Protein is harder for your body to digest than carbohydrates and fats, so your metabolism will increase for a short while after eating a meal of lean meat, chicken or pork. According to FitDay, the fact that protein is difficult to digest also means that you feel full for longer after eating, which may help you reduce your overall calorie intake.
High-fiber Foods
As with protein foods, high-fiber foods -- such as beans, fruits and vegetables -- require your digestive system to work harder to break them down. This means you burn more calories and you stay fuller for longer after eating.
Whole Grains and Oats
These foods have a low glycemic index, which means they help keep your blood-sugar levels low, says the Harvard School of Public Health. This is important, because as your blood-sugar levels increase, your body produces more insulin -- a hormone that causes your body to store fat. Make sure your diet includes plenty of whole-grain cereals and bread, and start your day with a bowl of oatmeal to help kick-start your metabolism.
Green Tea
Green tea may boost your metabolism and help burn fat, says the University of Maryland Medical Center. The ingredients responsible are the polyphenols, or antioxidants, in green tea -- especially epigallocatechin gallate, or EGCG, which is believed to enhance your body's ability to burn fat, says Yung-hsi Kao in a letter to the editor of "The American Journal of Clinical Nutrition." The recommended daily intake of green tea for adults is 2 to 3 cups; however, you should check with your doctor if you are on blood-thinning medications or certain drugs to treat an irregular heart beat or high blood pressure, says the University of Maryland Medical Center.
References
- FitDay: "Fat Burning Foods" -- Too Good to Be True?; Rhea Li
- Harvard School of Public Health: Carbohydrates: Good Carbs Guide The Way
- Preventive Environmental Medicine Effective Non-Drug Non-Surgical Solutions for Chronic Illnesses: Lower Your Carbs And Lower Your Insulin Levels!; Dr. Joseph Mercola
- University of Maryland Medical Center: Green Tea
- "The American Journal of Clinical Nutrition"; Modulation Of Obesity By A Green Tea Catechin; Yung-hsi Kao; November 2000
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