Originally published October 19 2010
Eat Foods with Fat Fighting Ingredients to Lose Weight and Increase Energy
by Fleur Hupston
(NaturalNews) Certain foods speed up the metabolism, making weight loss attainable without feelings of deprivation and hunger. For those desperate for a snack when trying to lose weight, try foods that actually help the body to burn more calories.
With winter on its way, many tend to snuggle inside and feast on comfort food. Try these healthy and fat fighting tips this fall and winter.
Almonds Rev Metabolism
According to the International Journal of Obesity, dieters who snacked on almonds every day reduced their weight by 18% compared to 11% for those who didn't. Almonds contain alpha-linolenic acid, which can help to speed up the metabolism. According to Sian Porter of The British Dietetic Association, nuts are high in protein and keep one fuller for longer, keeping hunger pangs at bay.
Sweet Potato Halts Food Cravings
A high fiber, low-fat choice, sweet potatoes are high in carotenoids, which help to stabilize blood sugar levels and lower insulin resistance. Sweet potatoes are filling and can reduce cravings.
Carotenoids enhance muscle cell recovery after workouts thus helping you to improve your muscle growth.
Eat more Calcium rich Foods
According to Sian Porter, "If you don't eat enough calcium, it affects the production of vitamin D, which appears to have an effect on fat metabolism." Research shows that adults on a calorie restricted diet with only a little calcium (500mg per day) lost far less weight than those with an increased calcium intake. Calcium rich foods include raw milk and vegetables such as cabbage, spinach, broccoli and cauliflower.
Burn Fat with Oranges and Grapefruits
Oranges contain flavones, said to help burn fat. In a study conducted by the American Journal of Clinical Nutrition, women who ate the most flavones had the least increase of body fat over the 14 years during which the study was undertaken. Include orange segments in a mixed-leaf salad for something a little different.
Naringenin, a flavonoid in grapefruit, balances out blood sugar levels and helps to prevent metabolic syndrome, a pre-diabetic condition associated with weight gain around the waist. Scientists at the University of Western Ontario found it worked by programming the liver to burn up excess fat, rather than store it.
Cinnamon Keeps Cravings at Bay
Eating high GI foods such as cakes and bread made with white flour and other processed products causes blood sugar levels to spike. This causes cravings as well as triggering insulin, which stores calories as fat. Cinnamon has been proven to control post-meal insulin spikes. Try to consume at least a teaspoon of cinnamon a day. Cinnamon sprinkled over oats porridge in the morning with a spoon of raw honey makes a delicious breakfast.
Turmeric Attacks Fat
Turmeric encourages the release of digestive enzymes, which can help to break down fats and carbohydrates. Add to stir-fried vegetables or add a spoonful when cooking brown rice.
Eat plenty of foods that require the body to work hard to break them down, such as apples, asparagus, broccoli, cabbage, carrots, onions, pineapples, strawberries and tomatoes.
http://www.naturalnews.com/027480_grapefruit...
http://muscle.iuhu.org/2010/04/sweet-potatoe...
http://www.bda.uk.com/foodfacts/index.html
http://www.medicinenet.com/script/main/art.a...
About the author
Fleur Hupston is a professional freelance writer. She is passionate about natural, healthy living and is currently studying to be a naturopath. She divides her time between writing for Natural News and various other sites, home schooling her children and studying part time.
All content posted on this site is commentary or opinion and is protected under Free Speech. Truth Publishing LLC takes sole responsibility for all content. Truth Publishing sells no hard products and earns no money from the recommendation of products. NaturalNews.com is presented for educational and commentary purposes only and should not be construed as professional advice from any licensed practitioner. Truth Publishing assumes no responsibility for the use or misuse of this material. For the full terms of usage of this material, visit www.NaturalNews.com/terms.shtml