Just like there are certain foods that are good for your heart, there are specific foods that aid in fat loss. Excess body fat is often the cause of some of the major physical threats like cardiovascular disease, cancer, diabetes and heart disease. According to the World Health Organization, nearly two-thirds of all American adults are overweight, and 34% are clinically obese. No matter if you are five pounds or 205 pounds overweight, excess body fat can harm you. Here is a list of 10 of the best fat-fighting foods that you should incorporate into your diet if you haven’t already.
Green Tea - Green tea contains substances called catechins, which researchers believe may trigger weight loss by stimulating the body to burn calories and decrease body fat. Catechins have also been shown to have anti-inflammatory and anticancer properties.
Cinnamon - This spice helps reduce belly fat by lowering blood sugar levels and improving natural production of insulin. Keeping your blood sugar and insulin levels from spiking and falling is a key factor in helping you lose fat.
Water – H2O is probably the most important tool when it comes to fat loss. Your body holds onto water if you don’t drink enough. Drinking the recommended amount of water a day prevents water retention, prevents dehydration, and helps muscle recovery. Sometimes your body will confuse hunger for thirst when you are dehydrated, resulting in unnecessary caloric intake. Drinking a glass of water before each meal will fill your stomach and make you feel full to prevent overeating.
Fish – Salmon, tuna and sea bass are three fish that are loaded with omega-3 fatty acids and protein. The healthy fat boosts your immune system and helps keep your arteries cholesterol free. Fish is typically low in calories and carbohydrates. Carbohydrates turn to fat in the body if they are not burned off so eating a low carbohydrate dinner right before bed is ideal for fat loss.
Beans – Beans really are the magical fruit (kids choke, spare me)! Protein packed, fiber rich, and low in fat, beans are one of the best fat-burning foods. They are also known to help keep your digestive system regular, which keeps bloating and irregularity to a minimum.
Eggs – This little oval of fat-burning deliciousness is one of the highest quality proteins. Eggs are low in carbohydrates, which fuel fat cells, and the protein helps build muscle, which fights fat!
Yogurt (or Kefir) – Low-fat dairy products contains healthy bacteria that aid in digestion. The high calcium content strengthens bone density and muscle mass while increasing fat loss. Make sure to choose a brand that is low in sugar and fat and has a low calorie content.
Vegetables – Veggies are fiber rich and nutrient dense without the high caloric content. Spinach, broccoli, asparagus and peppers are a few great choices that are filling, satisfying and keep your blood sugar levels steady.
Apples – Eve’s forbidden fruit is packed with fat fighting nutrients, like pectin. Pectin restricts cells to absorb fat and encourages water absorption from food. This in turn helps release fat deposits from the body. The antioxidants in apples may also help prevent metabolic syndrome, a condition marked by excess belly fat.
Nuts – Recent studies show that nuts contain a number of vitamins, minerals, fiber protein, and antioxidants, which are all crucial for healthy fat loss. You must eat these in moderation because they are dense in calories and fat but a handful a day is a great snack and can ward off mid-day cravings. A small serving will keep you feel full, satisfied and give you a natural boost of energy.
