Foods that Burn Fat

If I told you that there are a wide variety of foods that burn fat, would it sound too good to be true? It just so happens that there is sufficient evidence to support the statement that certain edibles can be considered fat burning foods. The list of the best fat burning foods consists of a variety of nutrient dense, heart healthy, unprocessed, delicious chow with a variety of flavors and textures. I doubt it will come as a surprise that pizza, chocolate and cheesecake are missing from the recommendations.

Whole grains, fruit and veggies

Fibrous complex carbohydrates like whole grains, beans, fruit and leafy greens are responsible for keeping insulin levels stable. When insulin levels spike, a signal is sent to the body to start storing fat. Keeping insulin at a regulated level, will help control that signal. Try a bowl of oatmeal for breakfast, add beans to a salad, enjoy fruit and veggies as a snack or prepare wild rice as a side dish with supper.

Jalapenos, Habaneros, Cayenne

Super hot and spicy foods contain Capsaicin, a chemical found to increase metabolism by up to 25 percent, with that increase lasting for up to 3 hours. By speeding up your heart rate through the consumption of spicy foods, you’ll burn a significant amount of extra calories. Add salsa, hot sauce, chilies, jalapenos and cayenne to your favorite recipes to heat things up!

Coffee or Tea

It should come as no surprise that caffeine increases your heart rate. We’ve all had that extra cup or two that sent us over the jittery edge. The faster your heart beats, the more calories you burn, so pour another cup or steep another pot, just watch how much cream, sugar or honey you add. Try switching to low fat milk, use stevia as a sweetener or just enjoy your coffee or tea as is.

Beef, Pork, Poultry

Protein requires the use of  more energy (calories) to aid in digestion than carbohydrates or fat. Since the body has to work harder to digest protein, it burns more calories in the process. Enjoy lean cuts of steak, pork loin, chicken or turkey breast or seafood. If you’re not a big meat eater, try eggs, egg whites or cottage cheese.

Salmon, Oysters, Sardines, Tuna

Cold water fish is loaded with Omega 3 fatty acids which have been shown to alter levels of the hormone leptin. Leptin has been shown to to directly influence your metabolism, determining whether you burn calories or store them as fat. Add fatty fish and seafood to your diet 2 or 3 times per week for a lean body, healthy heart and improved mental capacity.

Try this recipe for an easy to make, delicious dinner that includes all of the best fat burning foods. Serve shrimp over wild rice with a side of leafy greens. Drizzle a small amount of lemon flavored fish oil with balsamic vinegar over the salad and season with salt and pepper. Finish the meal of with a hot cup of coffee or tea and you’ve got yourself a buffet of fat burning foods!

Shrimp and Jalapeno Ceviche

Ingredients

1 pound Small Shrimp

2 Jalapenos, finely chopped

2 medium ripe Tomatoes, diced

1 Tbsp White Onion, finely chopped

1 Tbsp Cilantro, finely chopped

1 Cup fresh Lime Juice

3 Tbsp fresh Lemon Juice

Directions

Peel and devein shrimp and wash under cold water. Place shrimp in a glass bowl and add jalapenos, tomato, onion and cilantro. Pour lime and lemon juice over the shrimp and toss lightly. Chill for at least 8 hours.

About Shauna
	Shauna is a personal trainer, nutrition consultant and health and fitness writer for Workoutbox.com. She is also the creator of the "Soccer Mom weight loss program". Read more

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