A longstanding myth is that certain foods burn fat -- more specifically, belly fat. The foods are typically referred to as "negative calorie foods." The truth is, there is no such thing as a food that directly burns fat, and the term "belly fat" is also a misnomer -- you cannot isolate fat loss to your stomach without losing fat all over your body. The good news is, certain foods can increase your metabolism and can cause your body to store less fat.
Vegetables
Vegetables are low in fat and calories, and high in fiber. Foods that are high in fiber take longer to digest, which leaves you feeling full longer and lowers your insulin levels -- the chemical in your body that converts calories to fat. According to Ori Hofmekler, author of The Anti-Estrogenic Diet, cruciferous vegetables -- broccoli, cauliflower, cabbage and brussel sprouts -- also can reduce your estrogen levels, which, in turn, causes you to store less fat. Estrogen metabolism is not a female-specific problem; it applies to both men and women.
Lean Proteins
Lean proteins include fish, skinless poultry, egg whites and legumes, such as black beans, pinto beans and chickpeas. Eating foods that are high in protein and low in fat can increase your metabolism. In the case of legumes, the legumes are high in fiber just like vegetables, so they are slow to be digested and lower your insulin.
Nuts and Seeds
Nuts and seeds are also high in protein but contain a large amount of fat, as well. The difference between fat in nuts and seeds compared to the fat in meat is, nuts and seeds contain healthy monounsaturated fats that actually help your body store less fat. Nuts and seeds also have a low glycemic index like legumes and vegetables, so they do not cause spikes in your blood sugar.
Fruits
Fruits are another food that are low in calories and high in fiber. They are also mainly comprised of water, so they hydrate you, too. You should replace sugary snacks in your diet, like candies, cookies and cakes, with fresh fruits, like bananas, apples, citrus fruits and berries. Stay away from canned fruits that contain high-fructose corn syrup, however, because that will cause you to gain weight.
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