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This is an age-old question: what foods should I eat for optimal fat loss? There have been many theories as to what foods you should eat in order to shed unwanted body fat, however as science advances we are finding that what we once thought to be true about fat loss may have been wrong.
Many of us have tried fad diets, low fat diets, low carb diets, high protein diets, and the list goes on and on. All in the plight for a “fat free” body. In reality what we need to have an optimal physique is what we have known for centuries; common sense.
For optimal nutrition we need 6 main nutrients: carbohydrates, protein, fat, vitamins, minerals, and water. If we deplete any one of these, we will be deprived and thus retain weight, either in the form of water or fat. For years we have relied on supplements and different foods sold with the promise of burning fat from our bodies, when the only things that was lighter was our bank account. I want to outline the six best fat-burning foods for you, so you will be able to start on your way to burning off fat, and seeing a leaner, more toned shape.
Protein:
Protein helps us build muscle. The more muscle you have the more revved your metabolism is. Lean protein helps stoke the fat burning fires. Protein actually will rev up your internal temperature (thermogenitic) 20-30 percent. You will actually burn calories in digestion of protein as opposed to carbohydrates. Proteins will also stay with you longer throughout the day, so therefore you will feel fuller longer. As you eat lean protein at every meal, and have 2-3 small snacks throughout the day you are hitting the gas pedal on your metabolism and therefore upping your fat burning capabilities.
Fish:
Fish has always been known as a healthy food option. However, what we are finding now is that it’s not only because fish is healthier because is has fewer calories than say red meat, but it also contains essential fats that help us metabolize in a more effective manner. Fish such as: salmon, black cod, herring, sardines, mackerel, halibut, fresh tuna, and shellfish are the highest in Omega 3 fats. The omega 3’s support a healthy heart, brain, and nervous system. Eating fish high in omega 3’s also send a signal to the brain to tell you that you are satisfied, turn off your appetite, and turn up your metabolism (your fat burning machine).
Olive Oil:
Olive oil has been used for centuries in cooking, and we know that olive oil (in small amounts) is good for us, but do we really know why? Let me tell you what I have come to understand. Olive oil is a fat that when combined with proper diet and an active lifestyle will actually help us to burn fat in a more effective manner because it will actually increase our metabolic rates. I have to caution you here, however, that olive oil is high in monounsaturated fats, and like all fats should be taken in small amounts. Fat is essential in your diet (good fat), however, you must control the levels you are taking in daily. Note: 1 Tbsp of olive oil packs 120 calories; so get the measuring spoons out!
Green Tea:
It’s no surprise that green tea has made the list of get best fat burning foods. Green tea contains catechins, which are natural chemicals that aid in increasing fat burning and stimulate thermogenesis, and when combined with caffeine (which real green tea contains), this effect is boosted even more. It is recommended that you drink 3 cups of green tea a day, but not within two hours of bedtime. Drinking green tea does not allow you to decrease your water intake, so you should drink your 2.5 litres of water daily, along with your 3 cups of green tea.
Milk:
You’ve seen and heard the commercial: “Milk does a body good”. As it turns out, milk really does do a body good. Milk is high in calcium, which is not only good for our bones, but also for our metabolisms. Milk will actually help starve off the “fat” gene, and help keep your fat burning abilities revved all day.
Many times you will see whey proteins advertised in magazines and health food stores, and milk is a natural source of whey protein. So therefore having a glass of milk after a workout is very effective in building recovery, and helping your body burn fat.
Chilli Peppers:
We’ve heard it before: adding spice to your diet will rev your metabolism and therefore help you lose weight. Well as it turns out, not just any heat will do. Chilli peppers contain capsaicin, which is found in most thermogenic supplements. Chilli peppers contain this naturally, and is therefore a better option than any “metabolism enhancing” pill. Although it has not been proved that chilli peppers will aid you in losing weight, they have been shown to lower blood insulin levels in overweight people, and therefore leading to weight loss.
So there they are…the six fat burning superstars. Common sense is key to having and maintaining a healthy, active lifestyle. Eat a good balanced diet, rich in vitamins and minerals, drink lots of water, and get plenty of exercise. It’s that easy.
If you want someone to take a lot of the guess-work out of your diet needs, give the girls at Inches Weight Loss – Healthy Living a call today. Not only can we prescribe complete balanced meal plans, but we can help you with your fitness needs too.
Call or visit us today at:
454-WILL (9455)
naomi@inchesweightloss.com
sherri@inchesweightloss.com
trudi@inchesweightloss.com
Sincerely,
The Girls at Inches Weight Loss – Healthy Living
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