Healthy Diet Plans >> Articles >> Diet and Wellness

Foods That Help You Burn Holiday Fat

Submitted by Nick on January 2, 2012

The holidays are a time when most people indulge in too many sweet treats or miss too many workouts. But can you shed those extra pounds quickly and safely? Yes, with the help of some calorie burning foods! These foods help you burn excess fat and can be added to the daily diet. Here are the top foods for burning your ‘holiday fat’;

Citrus fruits – Include citrus fruits in your breakfast as they supply the body with quick energy and elevate your metabolism.

They are also rich in vitamin C which is known to play an important role in fat metabolism. Citrus fruits such as oranges, apples, kiwi fruit, and tomatoes are high in vitamin C. Since these fruits also taste good, they serve as enjoyable breakfast foods.

You can try out a citrus fruit breakfast for some weeks and notice the changes around your hips and waist. Other fruits are also good weight loss foods which are rich in many nutrients and a healthier alternative to carbohydrate-rich breakfast foods.
Cayenne pepper – This spicy food also helps to regulate insulin secretion, increases metabolism and reduces the levels of blood glucose.
Oats – A large part of the caloric profile of oats consists of insoluble fiber.

Fiber leads to a feeling of satiation and prevents hunger pangs. They also do not add any fat to the body. Besides oats, there are many other high-fiber foods which help in the processing of fat in the body.

Such foods include cereals and raisins.
Lentils – Lentils or edible pulses are both nutrient-rich and filling. They contain few calories and are loaded with proteins and minerals. Lentils are usually inexpensive and can be used in a variety of dishes like broths and soups. Lentils are important sources of fiber and help to reduce the levels of ‘bad’ cholesterol in the body. They are thus beneficial for heart health.
Salmon – A great source of essential fatty acids and protein, salmon is an ideal food for lunch or dinner.
Vegetables – Most vegetables are low in calories and good for weight loss. They also provide important vitamins and minerals. Opt for vegetables such as broccoli, cabbage, carrots, green peas and artichokes. Vegetables do not contain fat and contain a small amount of carbohydrates. The healthiest way to cook vegetables is to steam or stir fry them with beneficial oils such as olive oil or sunflower oil.
Almonds – Almonds are a healthy snack which is full of healthy fats and fiber. Studies have shown that a low intake of healthy fats can lead to more weight gain. These fats are necessary for proper functioning since they make up the cell structure in the body. More on health benefits of almonds
Cinnamon – Add half a teaspoon of cinnamon to your tea or lunch to reduce blood sugar levels. When the blood sugar levels are balanced, there is less insulin secretion and this enables the body to burn fat instead of accumulating it. Cinnamon has a wonderfully sweet flavor and hence can be used to replace sugar.
Eggs – Eggs are not high in caloric content and are full of protein and minerals. Studies have shown that eggs do not add to bad cholesterol levels and may also play a role in elevating good cholesterol levels in the body. Eggs are a versatile food which can be eaten plain or added to a variety of dishes.
Water – Water does not really count as a food, but it must still be mentioned since it’s so important for proper functioning of the body. An adequate intake of water helps to improve the body’s metabolism and thus aids in fat burning.