12 Fantastic Fat-Burning Foods

12 Fantastic Fat-Burning Foods

On the quest to create the perfect fat-burning diet, there are a number of obstacles in the way. One of the biggest ones are non-fat foods, which should actually be avoided because they are usually high in sugar and other additives. Here are some great and mostly natural ways to fight fat that can be easily and effortlessly be integrated into your daily diet.

1. Greek Yogurt This tangy and filling yogurt is praised for a number of its health benefits, one of them being its fat-burning powers. Greek yogurt contains higher than normal levels of protein, which stays in the stomach longer to keep you feeling full and satisfied. The protein not only suppresses your feelings of hunger, but your body burns more calories digesting protein than carbs. Try and buy the low-fat, low-sugar or non-fat renditions to maximize the fat-burning properties. 2. Quinoa A grain that hails from dryer climates in South America, quinoa is a great way to get your carbs into your slimming diet. The grain has about 8 grams of protein that fights off hunger and 5 grams of fiber in just one cup. Quinoa is a great substitute for rice or pasta, and is just as easy to make! It also contains nutrients like iron, zinc, selenium and vitamin E that are important for any balanced diet. 3. Cinnamon It's not secret that this popular and full flavor spice is one of the healthiest out there. Cinnamon is noted for its ability to stabilize the blood sugar, which could curtail appetite, especially in people with diabetes. Although the taste may be overwhelming for some, gradually adding it to your diet, either at breakfast or in your favorite desert is a great way to sweeten things up without adding extra calories. 4. Hot Peppers You may not be a fan of hot peppers, but their fat burning qualities are remarkable. Hot peppers contain a compound called capsaicin that curbs your appetite and can speed up your metabolism for a short time. Although hot peppers probably don't have a significant impact on weight loss, many nutritionists and doctors believe that when you eat spicy foods, including hot peppers, you tend to eat less. 5. Grapefruit A favorite for a light breakfast or healthy snack, grapefruits do not actually burn fat, but are so filling that you are sure to feel satisfied for a few hours. Grapefruits not only taste great and have almost a cleansing feel to them, they are super low in calories and high in good types of soluble fiber. So eating grapefruit for breakfast or drinking a glass of fresh-pressed grapefruit juice before a meal is sure to help you pack on fewer calories during the day. 6. Watermelon A summertime treat, watermelons are high in sugar, but also water content so they take up more room in your stomach. When you eat enough watermelon, your body sends out signals that it can't take in anymore food and you feel less hungry. But sugar and water aren't the only things watermelon has in store; it is rich in an antioxidant called lycopene, which has been shown to prevent some common cancers, and is a great source of vitamin C too. Just watch out on how much and how often you eat watermelon because it is high in sugar. 7. Sweet Potatoes Sweet potatoes are the regular potatoes lost and often forgotten cousin. When you order a loaded baked potato at a restaurant, you are just asking to pack on the pounds with the sour cream, cheese and bacon bits. Instead, try eating a sweet, delicious and filling sweet potato that are low in calories and full with great nutrients like potassium, beta carotene, vitamin C and loads of fiber. 8. Eggs Although eggs have been tabooed as a high cholesterol food, they are actually one of the healthiest foods, when eaten proportionately, that you can add to your daily diet. Certain studies suggest that eating protein, especially eggs, in the morning will keep you hungrier than if you ate a carb-loaded meal. One egg contains only 75 calories, but also has 7 grams of protein and other important nutrients that you need to keep your body strong. 9. Oatmeal If one thing is for certain about oatmeal, eating it in the morning will keep you feeling fuller longer. It is also rich in a slew of healthy benefits such as: fiber, whole-grain oats, water, and its hot. According to most nutritionists, hot foods are better to eat when you are on a diet because they take longer to eat, and because they usually contain a lot of liquid that will help you feel full. Oatmeal is also simple and easy to make, so don't buy the pre-made kind that is usually full of sugars and other additives. Instead, make your own and sweeten with cinnamon (another fat-fighting food mentioned above), nutmeg or honey. 10. Vinegar Adding vinegar to your salad dressing may actually help fight fat cells, according to recent research. Although the studies have yet to be confirmed, it is believed that vinegar may have ingredients that help the body break down fat. It is also full of flavor and makes your salads taste more satisfying, so you don't go back for more. Also, it is calorie free! 11. Nuts Eating nuts is a great way to curb hunger between meals and they are full of tons of great nutrients! An average nut is high in protein, fiber and heart-healthy fats that can promote weight loss and improve cholesterol levels. It is important to buy nuts that are not salted or roasted, because they are usually soaked in oil that piles the fat back on. Having a handful of nuts daily is a great way to control how much you eat at meals! 12. Beans Most people shy away from beans because their high carbohydrate content makes them feel sluggish and tired. Well, the belief that beans are a carbohydrate is actually a myth! They are a vegetable, a protein and a great source of fiber that should not be missed in your daily diet. They also help keep you full longer and have very few calories. Beans are a great addition to soups and salads, or they can be mashed up and used as a dip.