Let's Burn That Fat Away!

Here is a little info that may be helpful as we try to cut back on the calories for 2010.  I don't know about you, but I have quite a few pounds I need to shed before putting on my bathing suit this summer!!

These are some food items that basically help your BODY to burn fat more efficiently.

GREEN TEA - A crucial compound in green tea is EGCG which has been shown to speed up metabolism. The caffeine content helps with that as well. Green tea contains about five times the amount of fat-fighting EGCG as black tea, BTW. And get this... Green tea specifically targets visceral fat, a.k.a. belly fat.

FAT FREE AND LOW FAT DAIRY -  Protein and calcium are the power-duo in this equation. These two nutrients help keep your body's muscle mass intact while promoting weight loss. Studies have shown that people on lower-calorie diets that included dairy lost more weight than people who ate the same amount of calories without dairy. Plus, research suggests probiotics found in some low-fat dairy can help your body fight fat. 

BEANS - Beans have the double-whammy of protein plus fiber. Consuming protein is a great way to help your body burn fat -- it gives your metabolism a boost and keeps you feeling full and energized. And dietary fiber, among other things, can help regulate your appetite. One type of bean in particular worth trying is soybeans. They contain helpful compounds that assist in keeping the cells in your body from accumulating fat and also break down fatty deposits.

WHOLE GRAINS - Munching on whole grains adds fiber and complex carbohydrates (much better than refined, white carbs) to your diet. When the carbs are complex, they break down more slowly, keeping them in your system longer. Since your body processes them slowly, you don't crash. This also keeps your insulin levels steady -- a good thing, since insulin spikes tell your body to hold onto fat.

SALMON AND TUNA - These fish contain omega-3 fatty acids. In addition to being good for your heart, hair, nails, etc., those omegas can help control the amount of leptin in your body. Leptin, a protein hormone, is linked to appetite and metabolism.

Here are some additional tips to help with the weight loss:

DRINK WATER - When you're drinking water, you're NOT drinking soda, juice, or another calorie-packed beverage. And here's a fun fact: In one study (albeit it a small one), researchers found that the metabolic rates of study participants went up about 25% after drinking a couple cups of water. 

SPICE IT UP - Just 1/4 - 1/2 tsp. of cinnamon added to your food can help prevent insulin spikes (which, as you just read, are BAD). The capsaicin in chilies gives your heart rate a boost and jump-starts your metabolism, so try some cayenne or chili powder. Ginger expands your blood vessels, which helps to  increase the metabolism.

EAT YOUR FRUIT -  Research has found that people with low levels of Vitamin C in their systems burn fat less efficiently. So eat citrus fruit! Grapefruit, a super source of vitamin C, also has fiber and not too many calories.


(from Hungry Girl website)