Top fat-burning foods

Fat Busters: The top foods to help you lose weight

MF editorial team

12 Mar 2015

mis à jour le 4 May 2019 à 02:50

If you view food as a nemesis of weight loss, superfoods might change your mind. Here are some that burn more calories than they contain.

1/8
Celery
While 75% of a celery stick contains water, the other 25% is fiber. Hence this superfood has far fewer calories than it will take for one’s body to digest the vegetable.In addition to burning more calories than it contains, celery is a good source of fiber that helps one to feel full for longer periods, reducing the urge to snack.The fiber content increases bowel movements and boosts digestive health. A diet high in celery can improve the appearance of your skin.
2/8
Half a grapefruit
This sweet and sour fruit is essentially all water with a small proportion of roughageSimilar to celery, grapefruit is about 60% water and the remainder is healthy fiber that enhances digestive health and promotes feelings of fullness.The type of fiber found in grapefruit is pectin that not only promotes fullness but also reduces arterial hardening and protects the body against heart disease.
3/8
Watermelon
The popular fruit on a warm day is the refreshing watermelon that contains virtually no fat, is extremely low in calories and assists dieters to shed weight.One reason why watermelon can help you to lose weight is that it is a very rich source of vitamin B that boosts energy levels and reduces the need to eat extra food.Watermelon is also a great source of lycopene, an antioxidant that may protect the body against womb, breast and colon cancers.
4/8
Broth
Unlike gravy and other food, a bowl of broth can give one the needed boost without added calories. Not only is broth easily digestible, it suppresses one’s appetite by adding a feeling of fullness.
Spruce up a bowl of vegetable broth by adding a variety of vegetables such as leafy vegetables, onions, celery, tomatoes, mushrooms and carrots.
5/8
Yogurt
Although yogurt contains slightly more calories than other fat-burning food, it can help to regulate bowel movements and keep the bones strong.If weight loss is on the top of the agenda, look for a yogurt brand that contains a healthy balance of sugar and fat.Be wary when choosing a yogurt brand. One might think that reduced fat yogurt is the healthiest option to lose weight but most manufacturers add huge amounts of sugar to improve the overall taste of yoghurt.Alternatively, choose a fat-free yogurt brand with no added sugar and mix it with some dried fruit, nuts and cereal. Fat-free yogurt is also an excellent addition to healthy smoothies (a substitute for full fat milk).
6/8
Broccoli
Broccoli is one of the most low-calorie foods that contain only 30 calories per serving.The vegetable is enriched with fiber (helping one to feel full) and protein (the protein is equal to that found in rice).Broccoli is also a rich source of beta-carotene, zinc and selenium that boosts immune system functions. The carotenoid lutein content in broccoli also fights against arterial hardening, thereby cutting the risk of heart diseases.
7/8
Coffee
Although coffee should be consumed in moderation, this superfood is a real asset when looking for foods that burn more calories than they contain. A serving of coffee (without sugar) contains zero calories. It is only with added sugar, syrup and milk that pile on calories.Black coffee may taste very bitter but it can change the levels of certain hormones in the digestive system. The caffeine compound also increases the metabolic rate, allowing the body to burn more calories even at rest.
8/8
Chili Peppers
Chili peppers are enriched with capsaicin, a compound that accelerates metabolic rate by heating up the body and helping to burn more calories for longer periods. Since chili peppers contain so few calories, they help you to burn way more than they actually contain.People also tend to feel less hungry after consuming meals that are soaked with chili; hence peppers are a good addition to curby your appetite.Whether you prefer sliced chilies, hot sauce or chili flake, don’t hesitate to add chili products to your food.

There are a few miracle foods that are purported to be negative in calories as these superfoods contain more water, making them essentially calorie-free.

Fat-burning foods have a high thermogenic effect that accelerates metabolism and they also contain nutrients and compounds that stoke metabolic fire. So, perhaps it's high time to make some changes in your diet?

Roshni Kapur

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