There’s a peculiar statement from the science of Nutrition that claims that the less food you consume, the more weight you’ll gain. It might seem as completely false, yet in truth it’s an attempt at proving the inconsistency as well as the ultimate harm caused by dieting.
Most of these food plans force people to eat less by restricting certain foods. They tend to work on a short term basis because the reduced calorie intake makes the body begin to burn muscle in order to function. That’s the weight that’s lost. But the problem lies in the fact that no fat is being reduced.
Low-calorie diets encourage the organism to target muscle while storing fat. So when people quit those diets they find themselves gaining all the weight they’d lost. Not only that, but they will also have damaged muscle tissue and other health concerns.
So instead of trying a diet that will ultimately hurt you in the long run, why not try actual food? Not just any food, but the following 12 low-calorie, fat-burning foods that happen to be delicious too.
Dried fruit and nuts
Pecans, almonds, and all their varieties, as well as dried fruit, help suppress hunger. Between meals, when your stomach starts begging for sustenance, try these to keep your cravings in check. If your digestive system is constantly at work, it will keep burning fat. According to the Abs diet, 2 ounces of almonds is enough to reduce your appetite.
Beans
Their high fiber and low calorie content make beans and legumes into efficient and natural fat burning foods. They’ll make you feel full while avoiding you from overeating. Try different kinds such as soy, pinto, white, black, garbanzo, etc.
Spinach
Green vegetables, particularly spinach, share the same properties as beans. However they’re also rich in vitamins, minerals, and antioxidants. You can add broccoli, romaine lettuce, watercress, endives, or pak choi to salads and stir-fry.
Oat Flour
Oatmeal is another great source of fiber to have between meals. A study by Penn State showed that it stabilizes sugar levels more than other food. Start your day with a bowl of instant oatmeal, made from oat flour. Have it with water or skim milk and a pinch of stevia. You can also use oats to make bread, cookies, or any other baked goods.
Eggs
We used to think that eggs were bad because of their high cholesterol. But more recent studies have proven that having one or two eggs a day does not raise fat levels. In fact, they are a better source of protein compared to other options. They are also full of B12 vitamin, which is essential for weight loss.
Fish
These kinds of proteins are a delicious alternative to meats that are high in fat. Salmon is full of Omega 3 and other healthy fats your body needs. Research has shown that fatty fish help control hunger pangs.
Flaxseed
Another great source of Omega 3, the British Journal of Nutrition found that this food is a perfect helper for weight-loss.
Peanut Butter
This delicious spread is high in monosaturated fats and is recommended for those who want to strengthen muscle mass while also burning fat in a natural way. However, because of its sugar content, daily intake should not surpass three tablespoons.
Raspberries
Berries have fiber and pectin to help you feel satisfied longer. But remember that berries contain high levels of natural sugar, so don’t consume more than the recommended amounts.
Apples
These fruits help speed up metabolism and are highly beneficial to the body. They contain pectin which is a gelatinous fiber that sticks to toxic compounds in the organism and helps get rid of them through urine. One of these fat absorbing apples a day will help you feel healthier and lighter.
Green Tea
This refreshing drink contains antioxidants that also burn fat by accelerating the metabolism and the speed with which the liver processes toxins. Its recommended to drink four to six cups per day, or make it in a pitcher with ice and enjoy it throughout the day.
These foods are included in Nutrition expert David Zinczenko’s Abs diet. According to him, by consuming these foods, instead of punishing yourself with diets, you can lose fat and achieve a flat stomach.
Translated by María Suárez