Z. Johnson
Let’s talk about balanced nutrition made simple: The way how you can finally rev up your metabolism and start burning that unwanted body fat. Sounds easy right? Well, as surprising as it may seem, learning how to eat in a balanced way that can help you boost your metabolism is not that complicated. Unfortunately, for many decades, you may have been taught that counting calories when eating and cutting out food groups is the salvation towards fat burn and weight loss. Oh how crazy is that? But, wait… Our bodies are much more than simple math equations about calories in vs calories out. The most efficient way to keep lasting results (and I’m living proof of it, it’s the way how I teach my clients), is by having your body in fat burning mode. Therefore, let’s dive in to the top fat burning foods.
Why balanced eating is the most effective approach towards fat burn
I know I’ve mentioned this tons of times in previous posts, especially when I refer to having a healthy relationship with food. Having your body in constant restrictive mode will only cause you more stress and the unwanted effect of bingeing and yo-yo dieting. You, therefore, get the opposite results: instead of burning fat, you start storing more fat, as self-defense mechanism. That’s why you should focus on learning about eating a whole variety of foods, focusing on those fat burning foods. These will not only improve your digestion, and energy, but will help to keep your body in fat burning mode.
Fat burning foods: Including them in your regular regimen
Let’s face it: No one is going to be happy in the long run by doing restrictive eating or over binging during the weekends. As always, balance is key! The more realistic approach to getting that trimmed waistline is knowing how to include a variety of foods. Of course, the main focus is to add more foods on a regular basis that will make us feel better and improve our metabolism. Here comes the fat burning foods!
Disclosure: There is no specific food that by itself will cause us to burn fat or lose weight. The ability that we have to burn more fat is based on how our metabolism is working, our eating regimen, and workout routines. This also relies on other lifestyle habits. Check out more on this topic on my other post here. However, I did want to let you know that there are certain foods, when eaten frequently, will boost our metabolism. As a result, you will have that fat burning effect on your body!
Fat burning foods: Those nutrients we need
Ok, so I will highlight the most important nutrients that our bodies need to burn more fat:
Protein:
As I mentioned before, protein is the key macro nutrient to keep our bodies in optimal physical condition. Protein forms the building blocks of our system, our bodies are made mostly of protein. This is the reason why I stress so much on eating good protein sources from whole foods.
If you didn’t know already, protein is also a powerful nutrient to boost your metabolism. Our bodies need more energy to digest protein foods, because they are more complex. That’s why your metabolism will increase, making you burn fat. How amazing is that?
Also, protein will control those blood sugar spikes, while making you feel full for longer. It is the perfect nutrient to help control those blood hormones that cause those cravings, therefore reducing the chances that you store more fat.
I always recommend focusing on lean options, and of course, whole foods, (for example eggs, poultry, quinoa) which are more effective.
Healthy fat:
Can fat really help burn fat in my body? That is a question that still many people ask to this day. I know it may sound off, but trust me, it all depends on the type of fat. And, yes! Healthy fats are one of those great fat burning foods. Remember that our body needs fats for nearly every vital function. The key is to focus on healthy fats, which will help us not only metabolize body fat, but also keep down blood sugar. Healthy fats, like essential fatty acids (omega 3), are crucial to help rev up that metabolism. They also help burn that excess stored fat. As a matter of fact, studies show that mid-chain fats (the ones found in MCT oil) increase metabolic rate. Vegetable oil, avocados and nuts are great sources of healthy fats.
Fiber:
Ok, so let’s dive into fiber foods. For a long time, they have been left in the back burner for some people. Especially when it comes to fitness journey enthusiasts. Fiber is super important for your health overall. The good thing about fiber is that we don’t digest it, but its role on our metabolism makes wonders. Just as protein, fiber takes a lot of energy from our body in the digestion process, because it is not absorbed. But there are so many benefits of fiber that I need to number them:
- You control your blood sugar: Keeping your blood sugar in check is one of the key ways to keep your body in fat burning mode.
- It controls your appetite: Fiber will make you feel full, therefore will help you control those hunger hormones and those cravings for sugar that will make your body store fat.
- Fiber makes you go to the bathroom with ease: Can we say Hallelujah to this? No more constipation problems, besides that, fiber will help you burn fat during digestion.
- Fiber improves your gut health: Fiber is a prebiotic and probiotic, which are foods to your gut bacteria. Did you know that gut bacteria actually help in burning fat from your body? That’s why eating more fermented fat burning foods like yogurt, kefir, and apple cider vinegar will rev up that metabolism.
- It boosts your metabolism: Because you don’t digest fiber, your body works hard to move it down your digestive system. There goes more energy burned!
Fat burning foods from fiber are in so many varieties: Typically the leafy greens, cereals like oats, and seeds like chia and flax seeds are some of my top favorites.
Other fat burning foods I should add?
Now, I will mention some of the foods you already know or heard of that can help boost your metabolism.
Coffee: Caffeine is very effective as a fat burning agent in the body. It not only helps to produce energy, but another effect is that it helps to rev up that metabolism. Here is a study that proves exactly how caffeine burns fat.
A healthier version of coffee? Yes… I tried Krios Coffee Brilliance Blend and one of the things I like about it is how it makes me feel energized, without the negative side effects of caffeine. What makes this coffee different from other brands is that it’s infused with vitamins and adaptogens (natural superfood blends) that enhances your focus and memory. Other great benefits include:
- Stress and anxiety relief
- Immune system boosters
- No jitters no energy crash
This is a perfect option for your wellness and fitness goals
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Tea: Natural herbal teas have been used for centuries, not only for their health and mental benefits, but also for that positive effect on our metabolism. Herb teas are considered fat burning foods for the amount of powerful antioxidants and natural fat burning substances they have. Teas have a significant amount of caffeine. My top favorites are green tea and matcha.
Spices: Loving spicy food? Here’s another reason why you should take advantage of adding more natural herbs and spices to your dishes. Doctors found that adding more spices, like pepper and turmeric can have a significant thermogenic (fat burning) effect on the body.
Probiotics: As mentioned before in my post about probiotics, these fat burning foods have that amazing power to boost your gut bacteria. These are the types of bacteria that will make your body produce more energy and therefore, burn more fat.
In short…
If you are looking to lose weight more effectively and burn fat for good, then you should start focusing on this guide on the top fat burning foods. As you can see, the foods in these groups are very common, of high quality, easy to get and should be part of your eating regimen. If you are still missing out on the best sources, I left you a list of the top boosting metabolism FOODS here. Make sure you grab this list and take note of which foods you should include more often in your pantry and menus. If you need full advice and support on your eating regimen, I also got you covered. I am here to help you achieve your goals! Let me know your thoughts in the comments. Share this article with your friends!
Disclaimer: This post includes affiliate links, and I will earn a commission if you purchase through these links. Please note that I’ve linked to these products purely because I recommend them and they are from companies I trust. There is no additional cost to you.
