It is believed that certain foods and spices can help boost your metabolism which results in burning more calories and helps to turn your body into a fat burning machine. Of course, an exercise routine and a healthy diet are extremely important but if you can throw a little extra kick into your fat burning efficiency then why not utilize some of nature’s most powerful nutrients to enhance your goals toward getting lean, ripped and sexy. Many of these foods like celery and grapefruit have not been scientifically proven to increase metabolism yet are still strongly believed to help this process by many holistic professionals. Apple cider vinegar is another favorite with many health benefits and one of them includes fat burning.
Vitamin C is said to have a fat burning effect so by adding citrus fruits to your diet you will be benefiting yourself in many ways along with getting an extra immune boost. Choices like lemons, oranges, grapefruits and limes are excellent on their own or they can be added to different foods. There are lots of different recipes which utilize these items and their great citrus taste is an extra bonus. Don’t forget tomatoes which are also a fruit that’s high in vitamin C. Pectin is a nutrient found in fruits such as apples and berries. Like the lecithin discussed below, this nutrient will help against fat absorption into the cells.
It is true that when bodybuilders are going through extreme “leaning out” stages during contest preparation, they eliminate fruit from their diet to some extent but many still eat some types of fruit during the earlier stages of their dieting plan and some will still have grapefruit right up to contest time. For general health, try to avoid eating too much fruit every day and you should be just fine! 1-2 pieces of fruit per day is encouraged, while filling the other 7-8 servings with fresh vegetables for a total of 8-10 servings of fruit and veggies per day as suggested by the government guidelines.
Soybeans and soy in general have been controversial in the media but soybeans are a source of lecithin which many people purchase in capsules at their local vitamin or health food store. By eating soybeans you will get some of these important nutrients the natural way! Lecithin is believed to help in the breakdown of fats in your system and also helps to block the cells from fat deposits.
Garlic is a blood thinner but also seems to have the ability to breakdown fat. Most people can enjoy garlic by adding a few cloves to their meals. Even in smaller amounts, garlic will help with your fat burning goals while taking advantage of a number of other healthy benefits. Garlic is also a diuretic so it can naturally help with water loss.
Essential Fatty Acids (EFAs) are fats which ironically aid in fat burning and weight control. Products such as omega-3 oils (Udo’s Oil), flaxmeal, flaxseed oil, and most nuts and seeds actually contain EFAs (hemp, pumpkin, sunflower, primrose, olive, borage, pistachio, avocados and almonds). These foods are essential when you are trying to burn fat because they help keep you satisfied and feeling full. Eliminating all fat from your diet is not healthy so try your best to replace the bad fats with the healthy ones!
Natural diuretics can also help if you are the type of person who holds onto large amounts of water causing bloating issues. Dandelion is one plant which can be taken by capsule but many ethnic groups such as Europeans and Asians will eat the leaves of this plant steamed, boiled or with other foods which is very healthy. Green tea is another wonderful herb which is much more than just a regular tea and does so many other things like helping to boost the metabolism and increase energy levels.
Kelp can be taken by capsule or consumed in its natural form. The Japanese use this in different foods and soups but they use the kelp in its dry, cold and shredded form. Kelp is excellent in aiding in water loss.
Onions, pearl onions, shallots and leaks are all related foods which are great natural diuretics and help to make your food taste better. Cabbage, Brussel sprouts, asparagus, carrots, celery, beets, cucumber, radishes and lettuce are also said to aid in fat elimination from the minerals they contain which vary between them (magnesium, iodine, sulphur, asparagine, carotene, calcium, and iron).
Peppers such as chilies, cayenne, and horseradish are also said to help aid in boosting the metabolism. All of these items listed in this article have cleansing effects which makes them ideal additions to your daily menu and overall nutrition plan!
