A A A

Foods that Burn Fat

Reviewed by Alan Rackley, MD

If you are aiming to adopt a healthier lifestyle then along with changing your diet to include foods that burn fat, exercise for at least 30 minutes three to four times a week, choose to drink more water if you are not doing so already and try and aim for 7 to 8 hours sleep at night you should also eat foods which are high in protein and fiber. This is because these are the best foods that burn fat.

Dairy products are great for strengthening bones and also contribute to burning fat. Consider changing to dairy products which contain little or no fat, and also be aware of the portion size. By eating low fat dairy products, e.g. milk and yogurt 3 to 4 times per day it is possible to lose 70% more fat than those who eat standard dairy products.

Eggs are an excellent source of protein and vitamin B12. Too many eggs may mean that the government recommended daily level of cholesterol has been exceeded but studies have shown dietary cholesterol, as opposed to dietary fat, has a minimal effect on cholesterol in your blood, and is another excellent food that burns fat. Try removing the yolk of the egg if you are concerned about cholesterol levels, and eat the white only to get the benefits of the high protein.

Rich in monounsaturated fat, olive oil provides exceptional health benefits and is another of the foods that burn fat. Olive oil is described as a good fat as it helps to burn fat as well as keeping cholesterol levels down.

Beans are a great source of protein, fiber and iron and a great food that burns fat. The best kind to eat is lima, kidney, navy and white beans. Reduce the intake of baked beans as they contain large amounts of sugar and refried beans contain saturated fat, therefore the body is getting protein but also too much fat and sugar. The digestive tract is not tailored to breaking down some proteins which are present in certain beans therefore ensure they are completely cooked.

The body requires carbohydrates but make sure if you are reducing or stopping carbohydrates in your diet, you only get rid of the processed carbohydrates, white bread, bagels, pastas, and white rice. By its very nature processed food has had all the nutrients removed.

Eating turkey and beef is excellent for boosting the immune system and building muscle. Only eat the leanest cuts of beef by picking the loins or round as other parts of beef will be higher in saturated fat. If you can, avoid turkeys which are basted as they tend to have had fat substances inserted into them.

Oatmeal is extremely nutritious and another excellent food that burns fat as it contains soluble fiber which assists in reducing blood cholesterol. Oatmeal has lots of soluble fiber which helps to minimize cholesterol in the blood by clearing out harmful digestive acids. Choose to eat unsweetened and unflavored oatmeal and to sweeten mix with raisins, dried cranberries or honey. There are claims oatmeal is useful in fighting heart disease and colon cancer as well as being one of the foods that burn fat.

Salmon and Tuna are excellent sources of protein and a great immune system booster, as well as great foods that burn fat. These fish contain omega-3 fatty acids, which are classed as healthy fats. Aim to eat salmon and tuna at least 3 times per week.

The benefits of drinking green tea are now being recognized, it helps to speed up the metabolism which helps fat burning and there are many who say the powerful antioxidants prevent certain cancers.

Whole grain foods which have not been processed contain fiber and minerals which the body needs and whole grain bread is the best to eat for your body. Wheat bread lacks these vitamins and minerals.