On the quest to create the perfect
fat-burning diet, there are a number of obstacles in the way. One of the
biggest ones are non-fat foods, which should actually be avoided
because they are usually high in sugar and other additives. Here are
some great and mostly natural ways to fight fat that can be easily and
effortlessly integrated into your daily diet.
This tangy and filling yogurt is praised
for a number of its health benefits, one of them being its fat-burning
powers. Greek yogurt contains higher than normal levels of protein,
which stays in the stomach longer to keep you feeling full and
satisfied. The protein not only suppresses your feelings of hunger, but
your body burns more calories digesting protein than carbs. Try and buy
the low-fat, low-sugar or non-fat renditions to maximize the fat-burning
properties.
2. Quinoa
great way to get carbs into your slimming diet. The grain has about 8
grams of protein, that fights off hunger, and 5 grams of fiber in just
one cup. Quinoa is a great substitute for rice or pasta, and is just as
easy to make! It also contains nutrients like iron, zinc, selenium and
vitamin E that are important for any balanced diet.
3. Cinnamon
It’s not secret that this popular and full flavor spice is one of the
healthiest out there. Cinnamon is noted for its ability to stabilize the
blood sugar, which could curtail appetite, especially in people with
diabetes. Although the taste may be overwhelming for some, gradually
adding it to your diet, either at breakfast or in your favorite desert
is a great way to sweeten things up without adding extra calories.
4. Hot Peppers
You may not be a fan of hot peppers, but their fat burning qualities are
remarkable. Hot peppers contain a compound called capsaicin that curbs
your appetite and can speed up your metabolism for a short time.
Although hot peppers probably don’t have a significant impact on weight
loss, many nutritionists and doctors believe that when you eat spicy
foods, including hot peppers, you tend to eat less.
5. Grapefruit
actually burn fat, but are so filling that you are sure to feel
satisfied for a few hours. Grapefruits not only taste great and have
almost a cleansing feel to them, they are super low in calories and high
in good types of soluble fiber. So eating grapefruit for breakfast or
drinking a glass of fresh-pressed grapefruit juice before a meal is sure
to help you pack on fewer calories during the day.
6. Watermelon
A summertime treat, watermelons are high in sugar, but also water
content so they take up more room in your stomach. When you eat enough
watermelon, your body sends out signals that it can’t take in any more
food and you feel less hungry. But sugar and water aren’t the only
things watermelon has in store; it is rich in an antioxidant called
lycopene, which has been shown to prevent some common cancers, and is a
great source of vitamin C too. Just watch out on how much and how often
you eat watermelon because it is high in sugar.
7. Sweet Potatoes
Sweet potatoes are the regular potatoes lost and often forgotten cousin.
When you order a loaded baked potato at a restaurant, you are just
asking to pack on the pounds with the sour cream, cheese and bacon bits.
Instead, try eating a sweet, delicious and filling sweet potato that is
low in calories and full with great nutrients like potassium, beta
carotene, vitamin C and loads of fiber.
8. Eggs
Although eggs have been tabooed as a high cholesterol food, they are
actually one of the healthiest foods when eaten proportionately. Certain
studies suggest that eating protein, especially eggs, can keep you more
hungry than if you ate a carb-loaded meal. One egg contains only 75
calories, but also has 7 grams of protein and other important nutrients
that you need to keep your body strong.
9. Oatmeal
If one thing is for certain about oatmeal,
eating it in the morning will keep you feeling fuller longer. It is also
rich in a slew of healthy benefits such as: fiber, whole-grain oats,
water, and its hot. According to most nutritionists, hot foods are
better to eat when you are on a diet because they take longer to eat,
and because they usually contain a lot of liquid that will help you feel
full. Oatmeal is also simple and easy to make, so don’t buy the
pre-made kind that is usually full of sugars and other additives.
Instead, make your own and sweeten with cinnamon (another fat-fighting
food mentioned above), nutmeg or honey.
10. Vinegar
Adding vinegar to your salad dressing may actually help fight fat cells,
according to recent research. Although the studies have yet to be
confirmed, it is believed that vinegar may have ingredients that help
the body break down fat. It is also full of flavor and makes your salads
taste more satisfying, so you don’t go back for more. Also, it is
calorie free!
Eating nuts is a great way to curb hunger
between meals and they are full of tons of great nutrients! An average
nut is high in protein, fiber and heart-healthy fats that can promote
weight loss and improve cholesterol levels. It is important to buy nuts
that are not salted or roasted, because they are usually soaked in oil
that piles the fat back on. Having a handful of nuts daily is a great
way to control how much you eat at meals!
12. Beans
Most people shy away from beans because their high carbohydrate content
makes them feel sluggish and tired. Well, the belief that beans are a
carbohydrate is actually a myth! They are a vegetable, a protein and a
great source of fiber that should not be missed in your daily diet. They
also help keep you full longer and have very few calories. Beans are a
great addition to soups and salads, or they can be mashed up and used as
a dip.
