Fat-burning foods seem to be an untapped resource for some dieters. Knowing what foods aid the fat-burning process will help you stay on track and make reaching your weight loss goals a piece of cake. Try including these foods into your daily diet to give your metabolism a boost of burning power and your heart and mind a shot of confidence.
Calcium-rich Foods
The human body has given calcium many roles, including aiding in muscle contraction and fat-burning. When calcium is ingested through dietary means, such as through milk or yogurt, it binds to some of the fat found in the gastrointestinal tract. It prevents fat from being absorbed and stored in the body and is excreted via fecal matter. This process inhibits an increase in postprandial lipidemia, which is the circulation of fats, oils and/or waxes through the body via the bloodstream after a meal. Foods that are rich in calcium include dairy products, beans, whole wheat breads and almonds.
Spicy Peppers
You may not like the taste of spicy peppers, but you will appreciate the effects they have on your mid-section. Peppers like jalapeños contain capsaicin, a chemical responsible for elevating the heart rate and revving-up metabolism. If you restrict your caloric intake, your metabolism will slow down, preventing your body from burning as much fat as possible. Look for opportunities to incorporate peppers and exercise of all forms into your daily diet to transform your body into a fat-burning machine.
Protein-rich Foods
Protein-rich foods are essential for building lean muscle. Muscle burns more calories than fat, which is why leaner individuals have higher metabolisms. Foods like eggs and skinless chicken naturally contain lean protein, which is the best choice if you want to burn fat and build muscle. Beans, peas, nuts and green vegetables contain protein that will benefit your fat-burning efforts. An added benefit of green vegetables is their levels of phytochemicals, which may promote health and well-being and prevent disease development.
Fruit Juices
Regulating your blood glucose levels will prevent your body from releasing unnecessary insulin, a hormone that triggers the body to store fat. Eating a grapefruit or drinking its juice will help keep your blood glucose levels balanced, inhibiting the release of insulin. Drizzle lemon juice on salads, chicken or steak. Add a dash of lemon juice to tea to give it a flavorful punch. Toss in fresh lime juice when making homemade salsa or mix it with olive oil for a pasta or salad dressing. There are many possibilities to incorporate these fat-burning juices into your diet; use your creativity to create your own masterpiece.
References
- "The American Journal of Clinical Nutrition"; The Role of Calcium in Energy Balance and Obesity: The Search for Mechanisms; Arne Astrup; 2008
- FitFAQ: Negative Calorie Foods & Fat-Burning Foods
- Fox News: Fat Burning Foods
- Rutgers Cooperative Research and Extension: Phytochemicals and Functional Foods: Super Foods for Optimal Health; Kathleen Klotzbach; 1999



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