2015-10-27
Joybynature.com Team
Oct
27

 

Ask people what their biggest struggle in life is, and you’ll be given stories of their attempts to lose weight. In this age of fitness and beauty, the weighing scale has become a significant part of our lives, and every meal is carefully analysed for its nutrients and calories. 

But what if some foods actually helped you lose weight? Yes, that’s right. There are some foods that actually help you burn calories, some through their fibrous nature that involves higher amounts of energy to be burned to digest them while others have a significant thermogenic effect or metabolism-increasing components. 

  1. Whole Grains

Whole foods like oatmeal and brown rice are high in fibre and require twice as much of the body’s energy to break them down, as compared to processed foods.

Explore the range of whole grain options here

  1. Green Tea

Drinking green tea gives a temporary boost to your metabolism. So keep sipping on it through the day for a sustained metabolic high, which will help you burn fat faster. Drink it warm, or cold in the form of iced tea.

Discover the benefits of green tea here

  1. Pulses

When a major nutrient is lacking in our system, our body’s metabolism slows down. This happens to a significant number of us without us even realizing it since iron-deficiency is rampant in our generation. One cup of pulses a day provides you with 35% of your iron requirements, thus helping to put your metabolism back on track. Pulses are also a great source of protein.

Click here to know more about the various types of pulses. 

  1. Red Chillies

Capsaicin, the compound that gives chillies their kick, heats up your system, helping you burn those extra calories. You can eat them raw, cooked, dried or even in powdered form. Go ahead and spice up your meals!

Find out more about chillies here

  1. Coconut Oil

Coconut oil is rich in medium-chained triglycerides (MCTs) which your body prefers to use, thus not leaving them to be stored as fat. To make a healthy meal, cook with coconut oil and use olive oil as dressing.

Click here to read more about coconut oil. 

  1. Cinnamon

This common household item helps move glucose into cells faster so our fat storage hormone insulin is less active. But you need to consume at least a quarter of a teaspoon of cinnamon powder daily for it to have an effect. Start your day with a glass of warm water with cinnamon and honey.

Discover the benefits of this easily available magical stick here

  1. Coffee

Coffee stimulates adrenaline, which sends a message to your body to burn fat. Experts also recommend drinking coffee 20 minutes before a workout, as this helps you train more intensively. Two things to keep in mind though – firstly, always drink it black since milk reduces its fat burning ability, and drinking more than a cup of coffee in a day can interfere in insulin regulation.

Explore the advantages and various varieties of your daily cuppa here

  1. Spices

Tired of eating bland food in your attempts to lose those extra kilos? Well, it’s time to spice things up: Most spices and condiments have thermogenic properties that get your metabolism going. For example, turmeric, mustard seeds, ginger and ginseng will not only add flavor to your food but will also get your weight loss started.

Know more about the large variety of spices available here

  1. Quinoa

Low on calories and high on fiber, quinoa is a good substitute for the regular carbohydrates in your meals. It is a good source of vitamins and ranks low on the Glycemic Index. So switch from those calorie-dense rice and potatoes to quinoa today!

Click here to read more about quinoa. 

Keep going with the healthy diet and exercise routine, but give your efforts a boost by adding these foods to your diet.  

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