Foods that Burn Fat - Add to Your Meal Plan Today!

If you are living a healthy lifestyle, complete with nutritious foods and daily exercise or you’re just starting to make some changes in your life for the better, your attention please! Did you know that you can actually lose weight simply by choosing certain foods that burn fat? I know what you’re thinking and the answer is, “No”. Nowhere on this list is alcohol, chocolate or chips. But the foods that you can add to your diet will be just as satisfying and will actually help you in your weight loss journey rather than hinder you.

Click Here for the Official 'Strip That Fat' Guide

There are plenty of fat burning foods out there. And like most things in life, you could probably write the list if you thought about it for a minute. There is not much on the list that should be a surprise. These foods form the basis of any healthy eating guide and if you’ve been eating well, then chances are you’re eating many of these foods already!

These foods are called “fat burning” for different reasons. Some contain lots of protein. Your body requires more energy to break down and digest protein, and so your body expends more calories to do this. Other foods contain key vitamins and minerals such as calcium and fiber. But, no matter what the reason is behind the food’s fat burning properties – add a few to your meal plan and begin to notice a difference. You’ll feel full longer and you’ll feel overall healthier because you’re eating well. Incorporating a few of these foods does not mean that you can laze on the couch after supper, though. You still need to continue your regular workout routine (or start one!).

Some yummy foods that burn fat to add to your menu today:

• apricots
• artichokes
• beans
• blueberries
• cabbage
• celery
• cherries
• cranberries
• eggplant
• fish
• garlic
• grapefruit
• lemons
• okra
• olive oil
• papaya
• radishes
• raspberries
• tangerines
• watermelon

Fat-burning breakfast ideas

If you want to burn the fat away, try one of the following breakfasts or incorporate the foods that are described, in a way that makes sense to you.

• A bowl of oatmeal, topped with skim milk and sweetened with fresh blueberries
• A hot cup of coffee, 2 slices of whole grain toast and sliced strawberries
• 1-2 hard boiled eggs, half of a whole grain bagel, a serving of low fat / low sugar yogurt and a cup of green tea

Fat burning lunch ideas

These are some quick and easy lunch suggestions that you can have at home or pack up and take to work. Add a glass of skim milk, or a cup of coffee or tea to drink…and a piece of fresh fruit.

• A tuna wrap, with fresh tomatoes and crunchy lettuce on a whole grain wrap
• An egg salad sandwich on whole grain bread with a little bit of lite mayo, cucumbers and tomatoes
• A baked chicken breast served on a whole grain Kaiser bun, with a side salad

Fat burning supper ideas

• A baked pork chop, served with oven roasted sweet potatoes, squash and carrots
• Broiled salmon, served with a spinach salad
• Chili, made with lean ground beef and a whole grain roll on the side

Fat burning snack idea

• Most nuts (in moderation) are great snacks (almonds, peanuts etc.)
• Peanut butter on apple slices
• Smoothies
• A variety of fruits and berries: peaches, nectarines, plums, bananas, grapes, oranges, pineapple spears, watermelon and cantaloupe
• A variety of fresh vegetables: carrot sticks, cherry tomatoes, cucumber slices, pepper slices (red, orange, green or yellow), broccoli and cauliflower

Fat burning spices

The properties of some spices make them a positive addition to a healthy diet. Sprinkle any of the following onto or into your foods for an extra kick of flavor and boost to your diet.

• Cayenne pepper
• Cinnamon
• Ginger

You may have noticed the reoccurring theme of whole grains, fresh produce and low fat dairy and protein sources. As I mentioned before, all these foods are a part of a healthy diet and are present on any food guide to healthy eating. Just in case you’re a little inept in the kitchen, I have a couple of recipes to help you on your way.

Chili

Ingredients

• ½ - 1 lb extra lean ground beef, turkey or pork
• 2 large jars of low fat pasta sauce (homemade also works great)
• 3 peppers (one green, one red and one orange ~ all diced)
• 1 large onion (diced)
• 1 large package of white mushrooms (diced)
• 2 large cans of red kidney beans (rinsed)
• Cayenne pepper (to flavor)
• Chili powder (to flavor)

In a large skillet, brown the beef (turkey or pork).

When the meat is cooked, add the onions, peppers and mushrooms until the vegetables are cooked.

In a large pot, put the beef/veggie mixture. Add the pasta sauce and kidney beans. Depending on your tastes, add anywhere from ¼ teaspoon - 3+ teaspoons of the cayenne and chili spices. (You can always start with a little, tasting until the chili is as spicy as you’d like.)

On low, allow the pot of chili to lightly simmer (stirring occasionally) for an hour or so.

This recipe makes a large pot of chili. It makes a great fat burning lunch or supper and freezes wonderfully!

Fat Burning Smoothies

Smoothies are great for a quick snack. They are healthy and versatile and you can experiment with different flavors to find the kind that you like the best.

Peach Smoothie

• 1 - 2 cups of skim milk
• ½ cup peach yogurt
• 1 - 2 cups of frozen fruit (peaches and mango)

Strawberry –Banana Smoothie

• 1 - 2 cups of skim milk
• 1 banana
• ¼ cup strawberry yogurt
• 1 - 2 cups of fresh or frozen strawberrie

Add ingredients to a blender and puree until smooth. Add more fruit or yogurt if you like a thicker smoothie and add more milk if you’d like a thinner smoothie.

A healthy diet and lots of exercise are the only ways that you’ll really burn fat. But be sure to add some of these foods to burn fat to your menu to give yourself the edge needed to lose the weight. Making these fat burning foods a part of your meal plan will serve you well on your journey to lose those lingering pounds!

Click Here for the Official 'Strip That Fat' Guide