Burn fat with these foods

Anjali Mukerjee

Enough has been written over what and how one must eat to assist healthy weight loss. And most of us do know the how-knows of weight loss. Ask anyone who is struggling with weight loss and has been doing it all right — following a proper diet, exercising regularly and still is finding it difficult to lose those extra kilos and inches. He/she would surely be wishing for some miracle. And most of us do wish for some magical potion that can knock of those inches and prevent extra pounds from piling up. Well, here’s a list of fat-burning foods that will speed up burning of calories provided if eaten in moderation

What are these fat burning foods?

Fat-busting foods are rich in protein fibre and low in simple carbohydrates and fats. Proteins, the building blocks of body help build muscle mass and improve immunity. Carbohydrates are the body’s energy currency, whereas fats are the energy-savings account. So when excessive carbohydrates are consumed these are converted to fat for future use. Unfortunately, our overeating backfires and we end up putting on more weight. Protein-rich foods consume more energy as compared to fats and carbohydrates for digestion and therefore assist weight loss and boost metabolism. Fibre-rich foods provide high satiety value, so you feel fuller, longer. So go ahead and make most of these foods and greet the New Year with fitter new you.

Buckwheat: Also known as kuttu, it is actually a seed unlike the popular thought of it being a grain. Unlike wheat and rice, it has lower glycemic index. It is rich in protein and the unique amino acid profile helps regulate the blood sugar levels. Since, the rise in blood sugar levels is not drastic, it prevents rapid conversion of blood sugar to fats. It thus helps prevent chronic diseases like heart diseases, high-blood cholesterol and diabetes.

Beans: There is little wonder that beans are featured at the second level of the food pyramid, alongside poultry, meat, fish and eggs. Beans are low in fats and sodium and rich in proteins and complex carbohydrates. These are extremely beneficial for diabetics and overweight individuals since these rank low on the glycemic index scale. 

Sprouts: Sprouts are highly nutritious. These are germinated form of cereals and pulses and therefore are comparatively lighter to digest. Being concentrated in enzymes, these foods, therefore, have higher amount of vitamin C and B complex vitamins. These are the nutrients that rev up the body’s dormant metabolism and assist in detoxification. Have these in the form of salads, parantha or even dal. 

Barley: The traditional millet is a rich source of soluble and insoluble fibre. Soluble fibre helps the body metabolise fats, cholesterol and carbohydrates, and lowers blood cholesterol levels. Insoluble fibre — commonly called roughage — promotes smooth bowel movements, prerequisite for good weight loss. You can have chapattis  made from barley flour or prepare stew.

Nuts: If you want to lose weight and gain on nutrients “go nuts” literally. Nuts are concentrated sources of vitamin E, iron, calcium, selenium and essential fatty acids. Whenever, our mind starts drifting and craves for some food, just snack on a handful of nuts. 

HoT Chillies: These are full of a compound called capsaicin. These stimulate your body to release some stress hormones, which boost up your metabolism and cause you to burn more calories. But limit your intake to one or two as these may cause heart burn. 

Low-fat dairy products: Many studies have shown that people, who consume a lot of dairy products and are trying to lose weight, burn more fat without putting on additional kilos. These products contain a protein called casein that helps reduce hunger pangs.

Green tea: Many recent researches have linked green tea to weight loss. It is also low in caffeine content. Green tea also has a high amount of catechin and polyphenols which give the body a small boost in burning up calories. Catechins appear to prevent absorption of fat and to stabilise glucose levels in the body.

Eggs: Eggs have the best balance of amino acids which comes closest to human body’s requirements. Several researches have recommended eggs as ideal breakfast option. A breakfast rich in protein fires up the metabolism and boosts the energy levels for the day ahead.  

So stock up your pantry with these foods and you are all set to burn off those fat deposits. Don’t forget to control your portion size or these will add up. 

— The writer is nutritionist, founder director-Health Total. Her website is www.health-total.com