31 Super Foods That Burn Fat and Help You Lose Weight (2)
Read the first part of the article
17. Pine Nuts
Pine nuts contain a phytonutrient that actually helps suppress your appetite. It’s a nutrient that boosts ghrelin levels. Ghrelin is a hormone that’s often referred to as the “hunger hormone”. To put it simply, the higher your ghrelin levels are, the hungrier you are. In certain studies, researchers found people given the hormone ate significantly more than their usual food intake. This particular hormone is mainly produced in the stomach and works by signaling the brain to let it know the body wants food.
By adding pine nuts to your diet there will be no need to ever think about expensive diet pills with nasty chemicals. All you have to do is keep a supply of pine nuts available. Since pine nuts are tiny and crunchy you get to eat a lot of them without having to worry about ruining your weight loss efforts.
18. Beans
Beans are a staple weight loss food. They are touted for their ability to help regulate blood sugar levels and help with digestion due to their fiber content. Try adding a can of organic black beans as a side to your next meal, especially if it can replace a more carb-laden item like bread or rice. Many restaurants keep black beans on hand as a substitute for a side, so they’re a great go-to item when you’re out with friends and want to eat well without looking like you’re on a diet.
19. Lentils
Lentils are gaining more popularity as a weight-loss friendly food. Their high-fiber content helps to keep you feeling good between meals and will help keep your blood sugar levels from spiking. If you’re going vegetarian you can use lentils as a good protein source. You can also use them as a side dish to compliment another protein. Lentils also help to keep your cholesterol in check.
20. Asparagus
Asparagus aids weight loss in a few ways. First things first, it’s a natural diuretic, meaning it can help rid the body of excess fluid. Second, asparagus is a detox food, meaning it can help expel toxins and other waste from the body. Lastly, it benefits digestion by feeding the gut’s good bacteria (AKA probiotics). That’s not to mention that it’s a superfood that contains plenty of vitamins and minerals that help you all-around.
A lot of dieters like the way asparagus tastes and it’s very easy to prepare.
21. Avocado
If you’re a fan of guacamole then eat up! It’s one of the most effective weight loss snacks out there because of the main ingredient – avocado! Avocado is a unique green fruit that’s rich in mood-boosting vitamin B and can lower stress hormones. Since high levels of the stress hormone cortisol has been linked to weight gain, this is just one reason avocados are so great for weight loss. Additionally, according to researchers, avocados may prevent body fat distribution around the belly and crush cravings.
22. Mushrooms
There are several different types of mushrooms. They include white button mushrooms, portabella mushrooms, crimini mushrooms, and maitake mushrooms. While they all offer their own unique characteristics (from their appearance to their nutrients), they all have one thing in common – they aid weight loss.
Mushrooms are low in calories, have virtually no fat or sugar, and are loaded with beneficial nutrients such as potassium. Additionally, researchers at The University of Buffalo studied the impact portabella mushrooms have on weight. After their two-week study, they found portabella mushrooms can help people lose weight by regulating blood sugar levels.
Mushrooms are great salad toppers, can be eaten raw like chips, or can be used in cooked dishes. Next time you buy mushrooms, try branching out from the popular white button mushroom.
23. Broccoli
Turns out your mom and your grandma were right – broccoli is really healthy for you! Along with providing your body essential vitamins and minerals it needs to function properly, the popular veggie can also help you shed fat. How? Well, broccoli is low in calories and fills you up! Although, it’s not just a filler. It has loads of nutrients per pound and it’s also packed with fiber so it keeps you regular, which keeps you feeling good. Bump up the flavor with spices or peppers. Skip the broccoli cheese soup, though, as that doesn’t work for weight loss!
24. Spinach
Spinach is low in calories and carbohydrates, yet high in fiber. That’s a great combination if you’re looking to lose weight! Plus, Swedish researchers found women who consumed spinach for three months experienced a drop in weight, hunger, and cravings. You can eat spinach in several different ways, fresh as a salad or cooked. Along with fresh spinach, you can also get it frozen. It works for weight loss by adding bulk to your stomach without packing on the calories.
25. Green Tea
Green tea contains the antioxidant ECGC, which triggers the release of fat from cells, helping to speed up your liver’s ability to turn fat into energy. Sipping a few cups of this tea every day can also help rev your metabolism. If you are someone who also works out, you will reap even greater benefits. In a recent study, researchers found people who drank 4-5 cups of green tea every day and worked out 25-minutes a day lost an average of two pounds more than non-tea drinking athletes.
Tip: Make sure you’re reaching for regular green tea and not a bottled tea filled with sugar. Since green tea is a popular tea, there are a lot of bottled versions on the market. The best thing you can do is brew your own green tea. That way you know exactly what you’re drinking.
26. Coconut Oil
A spoonful of coconut oil provides you with 14 grams of fat, 12 of which are saturated fats. While sat fats were once viewed as “bad” fats, today, we know not all sat fats are created equal. According to researchers, the saturated fats found in coconut oil are mostly beneficial lauric acid, which is considered an extremely healthy medium-chain fatty acid (MCFA). MCFAs are easily digested. They are also immediately converted into energy, which means they aren’t stored as fat. In fact, researchers found people who consume coconut oil have smaller waistlines because it can fight belly fat. Plus, MCFAs help to stimulate the metabolism, which leads to weight loss.
In one study conducted by the University of Geneva, researchers fed eight healthy young men between one to two tablespoons of MCFAs or LCFAs before meals. At the end of the study, researchers found the men who ate the MCFAs experienced an increase in energy expenditure by 5 percent, totaling a loss of about 120 calories per day.
In a separate two-week study, researchers looked at how eating MCFAs affected appetite. They fed six healthy men a diet high in MCFAs and found they immediately ate 256 fewer calories per day. So, as you can see, in the long run adding coconut oil to your meals can help you eat fewer calories throughout the course of a day.
27. Olive Oil
While olive oil is not full of MCFAs, it’s still considered a healthy fat. This oil, which was nicknamed “liquid gold” has powerful anti-inflammatory benefits and is loaded with nutrients that benefit weight loss. Plus, olive oil can take the place of salad dressing and other oils that are considered “bad” fats. Simply swapping out bad fats for good ones can make a world of difference for your waistline and body fat.
28. Eggs
Over the years, eggs have gotten a pretty bad reputation. Some people avoid eggs altogether because they believe the high fat and cholesterol content make them unhealthy. It’s important to remember that not all fats and cholesterol are created equal, though. Eggs are actually a great source of healthy fats and good cholesterol. Plus, eggs are a great source of lean protein, which can help you burn fat throughout the entire day. Studies show eggs support weight loss hormones.
29. Greek Yogurt
Greek yogurt has been getting attention as a healthier form of yogurt. This is because it packs a bigger protein punch, with less sugar than ordinary yogurt. In addition to eating Greek yogurt straight out of the container, you can also use it to replace other “unhealthy” toppings. For example, you can use it as a reasonable substitute for sour cream and shave off plenty of calories and fat grams. You can also use it in your baking to replace other fats and oils, but this might take some trial and error.
30. Flax Seeds
You can sprinkle flax seeds on almost anything and immediately bump up the nutritional value! That’s because flax seeds contain vitamins, minerals, and other nutrients that help your body. For example, flax seeds are a good source of omega-3s and fiber, which both help you feel full. It’s the essential fatty acids that also work to give your metabolism a boost. As a side bonus, it also lowers bad cholesterol levels.
31. Peanut Butter
Peanut butter gets special mention for weight loss because it’s a good fat and rich in protein. It tastes great, can crush cravings, and keep you feeling full for longer. In The Abs Diet, peanut butter is recommended for use in smoothies and is labeled a superfood.
Almond butter is also a good fat to have that can provide a lot of creamy goodness, but it’s generally more expensive than peanut butter. In any instance, opt for the organic varieties so you’re only getting peanuts and possibly sea salt.
yogaesoteric
September 21, 2018