Thursday, October 15, 2009

Foods that fight fat

Let’s be honest, none of us like to diet but give me a list of foods that will boost my metabolism and help me burn fat and I am all over it. The list below contains foods that do just that and actually taste good!


Almonds
According to a study done by the International Journal of Obesity, Dieters who ate 3 ounces of almonds every day reduced their weight and body-mass index by a solid 18 percent compared with an 11 percent drop with those who didn’t partake. Almonds are high in alpha-linolenic acid, which can speed the metabolism of fats. Stick to 12 per serving.


Berries
Research performed by Arizona State University at Mesa found that Vitamin C–loaded fruit such as strawberries and raspberries can help you burn up to 30 percent more fat during exercise. You can eat all the strawberries you want and can never gain a pound. Strawberries, peaches, plums, and grapes come with cancer fighting carotenoids and appetite-suppressing fiber. Eating these types of fruits daily will help you lose weight fast. Self magazine suggests blending vinaigrette of 1 cup berries and 1/4 cup balsamic vinegar.


Cinnamon
To may prevent a post meal insulin spike which normally occurs after you eat and "signals the body that it should store fat rather than burn it," according to Lauren Slayton, R.D., of New York City, sprinkle 1/4 teaspoon of cinnamon on your food such as oatmeal, yogurt or coffee.



Mustard
The spice turmeric, which is what gives mustard it yellow color, may slow the growth of fat tissues according to a study in Endocrinology. Skip mayo and go for the mustard or sprinkle turmeric on veggies and meat for a tangy alternative.


Oranges
Oranges contain fat burning flavones. A study in the American Journal of Clinical Nutrition finds that women who ate the most flavones had a significantly lower increase in body fat over a 14-year period. Eat these yummy treats for a snack or drink orange juice with pulp for highest impact.


Soybeans
Soybeans contain loads of choline, a compound that blocks fat absorption and breaks down fatty deposits. Eat these as a snack or add 1/2 cup edamame to a salad.


Sweet potatoes
Substitute these sweet treats for the traditional baked potato. They're high in fiber, which means no drastic insulin jumps and thus less fat packed onto your hips. Bake a small sweet potato—think of two bars of soap as a portion size—and top with a dollop of lowfat or nonfat cottage cheese.


Swiss cheese
Foods that are high in calcium reduce fat-producing enzymes and increase fat breakdown, according to the director of the Nutrition Institute at the University of Tennessee at Knoxville. Swiss has more calcium that other cheese.


Spinach
Foods such as raw spinach contain bulk. Therefore, the space they leave in your stomach - partly because of their high water content so they fill you up. They are also packed with iron, foliate, calcium and vitamins A., B, C, and E that helps you to lose weight.


Grapefruits
Grape fruits help you lose weight fast. They are powerful fat fighters due to their fiber content. Without added sugar, a grapefruit has fewer calories than an orange of the same weight.


Apples
Eating several apples a day is a great way to lose weight. Hard fruits like apples take time to chew and fill you up.


Celery
You burn more calories chewing and digesting celery than it actually contains. Celery has vitamins E and C.


Legumes
Protein packed legumes such as black beans, chickpeas, lentils are not just low in fat and rich in soluble fiber, they digest slowly and keep blood sugar levels steady so you stay full longer.


Low Fat Milk
Calcium rich foods and drink such as low fat milk can boost metabolism. It has been found that women and girls who consume dairy products regularly tend to lose weight easily and have less body fat than those who do not.


Fish
The omega-3 in fatty fish, such as salmon and mackerel can curb overeating. The protein mixed with the fat in fish is also known to curb your eating.

Thanks to Self magazine for some of the helpful information in this posting.

No comments:

Post a Comment