To eat and lose weight? That’s what everyone wants. It seems too good to be true. Yet, a variety of foods or nutrients exist that reduce fat storage and stimulate fat burning. We’ve listed some of them below!
LOW-GLYCEMIC CARBOHYDRATES
When consuming carbohydrates, go for slow-digesting carbs such as grains, brown rice, whole-grain bread, and oats. This maintains stable blood sugar levels and prevents insulin spikes that can stall fat burning and stimulate fat storage. Studies indicate that people who were on a low-calorie diet with carbohydrates from whole grains lost more belly fat than individuals on a low-calorie diet with carbohydrates from refined sources.
GRAPEFRUIT
Research shows that consuming three half grapefruits per day or 250 ml of grapefruit juice led to an average weight loss of 2 pounds in 12 weeks with no change in the subjects’ diets. Grapefruit has the ability to lower insulin levels, which has a favorable impact on fat burning.
EGGS
Eggs are high in protein, and several studies indicate that they boost strength and muscle mass. Research also shows that people who have eggs for breakfast feel less hungry throughout the day and lose more fat.
HOT PEPPERS
Hot peppers contain capsaicin, a chemical that has been shown to enhance resting metabolism and suppresses hunger pangs. Besides, hot peppers have also been proven to accelerate digestion.
OMEGA-3
Certain fats, including omega-3 fatty acids, are not fat increasing. Instead, they promote fat burning. Consuming fat to lose fat seems contradictory, but if your fat intake comprises 30% of your total kcal intake by eating fatty fish such as salmon or tuna, or nuts, for example, you can stimulate fat loss.
PROTEIN
A diet rich in protein stimulates not only muscle gain but also fat loss. The research found that people who were on a high-protein diet for eight weeks, with 40 percent of their total kcal intake, burned more fat than subjects on a low-fat, low-carb diet. One reason protein stimulates fat burning is that it increases levels of peptide YY, a hormone that suppresses cravings.
GREEN TEA
Green tea contains epigallocatechin gallate (EGCG). This inhibits the activity of the enzyme that usually breaks down the neurohormone norepinephrine, a hormone keeps metabolism high.
SUGAR-FREE PEANUT BUTTER
Who knew peanut butter helped with weight loss. Peanut butter is packed with healthy monosaturated fats that encourage muscle growth and burn fat. Eat peanut butter in moderation and choose only the natural sugar-free version. However, remember to restrict it to three tablespoons or less per day.
VINEGAR
A few studies suggest that vinegar (especially apple cider vinegar) will trigger fat-fighting enzymes in your body. However, there is minimal proof to confirm this. Advocates of the vinegar diet also claim that apple cider vinegar increases metabolism. Other studies demonstrate that vinegar stabilizes blood sugar by dropping the glycemic index of the meal. This leads to weight loss as it combats the sudden spike in blood sugar. Lastly, the antifungal properties of vinegar are known to fight candida, a condition that provokes carbohydrate and sugar cravings and helps with weight gain.
SPROUTS
Vegetables like Brussels sprouts, broccoli, cauliflower, cabbage, and red cabbage contain sulforaphane, an antioxidant that encourages the burning process.
RED WINE
The antioxidant resveratrol, found in grape skins, fights fat cell production. However, if you need an excuse to have wine instead of eating grapes, let’s say that calcium pyruvate, which is found in red wine, also helps burn fat cells.
WATERMELON
Watermelon’s high water content causes your body to feel full faster, so you eat less. Moreover, watermelon also contains the antioxidant lycopene, which provides many other health benefits, including improved heart health.
