Foods That Burn Calories

Foods That Burn Calories as You Eat Them

Are you undergoing a weight loss journey or are you just trying to lose some inches of belly fat, foods that burn calories will help you get your dream body.

So, nutrition is a fundamental part of staying healthy, and there are certain foods that can help you shed pounds if you feel you need to lose weight.

In times that you need to watch the food you eat, some foodstuffs are not necessarily, they are known as “an enemy” but rather key ingredients to achieving your fitness goals.

Foods that burn calories can directly or indirectly impact your body’s fat content.  They are foods high in omega-3 fatty acids, protein, and certain antioxidants that may help promote day loss.

Some beverages, including coffee, also have metabolism-boosting properties. Boosting your metabolic rate can help you lose body fat.

Fortunately, many natural foods and beverages have been shown to increase your metabolism and promote fat loss. Let’s get into the list of these foods.

Foods That Burn Calories

The foods listed below are foods that burn calories when you eat them:

1. Lean proteins

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Lean proteins

One of the health benefits of protein is that it aids in muscle growth and repair because it is made up of amino acids, the fundamental components of muscles.

Additionally, it’s the preferred fuel for burning fat as one of the foods that burn calories.

However, protein plays a role in stabilizing blood sugar levels by slowing down sugar absorption into the bloodstream.

This process helps prevent sudden spikes and drops, curbing cravings and maintaining steadier blood sugar levels.

2. Dark Chocolate

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Dark Chocolate

If you believed that shedding extra fat required sacrificing certain treats, you might be mistaken.

A study from Louisiana State University revealed that gut microbes ferment chocolate in the stomach.

This fermentation produces gut-friendly polyphenolic compounds and a fatty acid that prompts the body to increase calorie burning.

To enhance this fermentation, include fruit alongside a dark chocolate bar. Opt for chocolate containing over 70% cacao content for maximum effect.

3. Cinnamon

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Cinnamon

Increased blood sugar levels cause excess fat to be stored in the body, when this happens it tends to raise the body’s calories.

This makes it more difficult for people to lose weight. But cinnamon can mimic the activity of insulin, changing the metabolism of carbohydrates and sugar.

4. Coffee

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Coffee

Coffee stands as one of the most favored drinks globally, providing a significant caffeine boost known to elevate mood and enhance both mental and physical capabilities.

Additionally, caffeine in coffee has the potential to aid in fat burning. To harness these benefits without encountering potential side effects like restlessness or sleep difficulties, it’s advisable to aim for a daily intake of no more than 400 mg of caffeine.

This quantity is typically present in about 4–5 cups of coffee, varying based on its potency. Some individuals might be more responsive to caffeine’s effects, necessitating a stricter limit on their intake.

5. Ginger

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Ginger

Fresh ginger root has many health benefits packed with beneficial nutrients and relaxes the intestinal tract.

It also helps lower inflammation and cholesterol, improves digestion, provides general relaxation, and burns fat.

However, there are so many other benefits of ginger, too, including muscle pain relief and lowered risk of heart disease.

6. Eggs

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Eggs

Eggs are generally a nutritional powerhouse of many nutrients. Although egg yolks used to be avoided due to their high cholesterol content.

But whole eggs have actually been linked with a reduced risk of heart disease in some studies. Eggs may also help with weight loss.

Different studies have shown that egg-based breakfasts reduce hunger and promote feelings of fullness for several hours in overweight and obese individuals.

7. Coconut (MCT) Oil

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Coconut (MCT) Oil

Coconut and MCT oil offer a multitude of health advantages. Incorporating coconut oil into your diet may elevate your beneficial HDL cholesterol, reduce triglyceride levels, and aid in weight loss.

Most of the fats in coconut oil consist of MCTs, previously recognized for their calorie-burning attributes and ability to suppress appetite.

In a study, overweight men who included around 20ml of coconut oil in their daily meals experienced a waist reduction of 1 inch without altering their diets or increasing physical activity.

Thus, consuming 20ml (equivalent to 2 tablespoons) of coconut oil each day can undoubtedly optimize your body’s fat-burning potential.

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8. Green tea

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Green tea

Green tea stands out as a superb option for promoting overall health.

Research indicates its potential to lower the risk of heart disease and offer protection against specific cancer types.

Alongside providing moderate caffeine content, green tea contains epigallocatechin gallate (EGCG), an antioxidant renowned for promoting fat burning and aiding in the reduction of abdominal fat.

9. Turmeric

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Turmeric

Turmeric includes curcumin, an anti-inflammatory element that inhibits inflammatory signals in various cells such as fat, pancreatic, and muscle cells.

This property can assist in reducing insulin resistance, controlling high blood sugar, managing high cholesterol levels, and preventing weight gain.

10. Quinoa

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Quinoa

Quinoa is a nutritional powerhouse that should be part of your weight loss strategy.

This whole grain offers 8 grams of satisfying protein and 5 grams of fiber per cup, along with essential nutrients like iron, zinc, selenium, and vitamin E.

Cooking quinoa is as simple as cooking rice. For a speedy dinner option, combine it with vegetables, nuts, or lean protein.

11. Watermelon

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Watermelon

Hydrating foods occupy more space in your stomach, signaling your body that you’ve consumed enough and reducing space for other foods.

Numerous raw fruits and veggies contain high water content, offering ample nutrients while being low in calories.

Watermelon serves as an excellent illustration, providing the antioxidant lycopene along with vitamins A and C.

12. Berries

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Berries

Similar to various fruits, berries boast high water and fiber content, aiding in prolonged satiety.

Their natural sweetness helps curb cravings for high-calorie treats like cookies or brownies while offering significantly fewer calories.

Blueberries serve as a prime illustration due to their widespread availability in stores and abundant antioxidant content.

Summary

Certain foods possess the ability that aid in burning calories effectively, such as boosting metabolism, promoting fullness, or requiring more energy for digestion.

Items like lean proteins, whole grains, fruits, and certain spices like chili peppers and green tea are known to have calorie-burning properties.

Adding these foods to your diet may assist in managing weight and optimizing calorie expenditure.