Thermogenic foods, also referred to as fat burning foods provide a natural way to reduce those extra pounds. These foods when consumed produce heat, which help to burn fat deposits. So, in order to lose excess weight, including these foods in the diet is highly recommended.
Foods that Burn Fat
Foods that contain a high amount of lean protein are highly thermogenic. Lean protein increases the heat production capability of the body. Protein-induced thermogenesis helps to melt a great deal of stored fat in the body. Following are the foods that are considered to be a good source of lean protein and promote thermogenesis:
- Egg whites
- Fish
- Chicken breast
- Turkey breast
Apart from protein foods, include these foodstuffs (mentioned below) in your diet to get a fat burning meal:
- Ice water, lemon juice, and green tea
- Fruits such as apples, grapefruit, berries, and peaches
- Green leafy vegetables like broccoli, Brussels sprouts, cauliflower, lettuce, spinach, and cabbage
- Spices like chili peppers, ginger, parsley, and cinnamon
Benefits
Promotes Weight Loss
Being overweight means accumulation of excess fat in the body. Thermogenic means one that releases heat. So these foods are essentially heat-producing foods that help to burn stored fat. Once these foods are ingested, they generate heat in the body, which speeds up the breakdown of fats.
Boosts Energy
People who are consuming thermogenic foods on a regular basis, experience increased energy levels. Why does this happen? The fat burnt due to intake of these ‘heating producing’ foods is directly converted to energy. With daily consumption of these fat burning foods, the process of conversion of fat into energy gets a stimulus. As more and more fat is being turned into energy, one feels less tired after a hard day’s work.
Stimulates Metabolism
Yes, this is what these foods exactly do. Metabolism is a process of conversion of food into energy. Doctors often say that in order to decrease weight, it is essential to speed up metabolism. As thermogenic foods make it simpler to burn fat obtained from daily diet, these foods definitely assist to increase metabolism.
Controls Food Cravings
Certain foodstuffs like egg whites help to curb the appetite. So, those looking to reduce their food cravings can certainly rely on these fat burning foods. When the desire to eat food reduces, this in turn decreases overall calorie intake, which eventually results in weight loss.
Along with these foodstuffs, if cardiovascular exercises (30-45 minutes) are also incorporated in the daily routine, then speedy weight loss is inevitable.
