Trimming the extra pounds through clean eating isn't all limp salads and soggy tuna sandwiches. Eating healthy can be delicious, not to mention satisfying, if you know the right fat-burning and metabolism-boosting foods to include in your weight-loss regime.
Super foods, defined by health.com, are nutrient powerhouses that pack large doses of antioxidants, vitamins, and minerals. Eating super foods are said to potentially reduce the risk of chronic diseases and maintain or even lower your weight.
The best thing about super foods is that they are readily available in your local supermarket, so grab a basket and stock up on these three fat-blasting super foods.
When you're feeling peckish for a sweet treat, snack on a few blueberries instead of reaching for a cookie. Rich in vitamin C and potassium, a cupful of blueberries is only 84 calories according to calorieking.com, and still pack quite a flavour punch.
Blueberries are high in fiber and water content that improve digestion and reduce bloating. In fact, research has shown that eating plenty of blueberries may change how your body stores and processes sugar for energy, which in turn can reduce belly fat.
And if that doesn't make blueberries the superhero of fruits, they are also packed with antioxidants that help fight stress, and lower the risk of cancer and the effects of age-related conditions. Blueberries are a great source of vitamin C and potassium, and act as an anti-inflammatory for chronic diseases.
Make It A Meal: Blueberries can be eaten fresh or frozen, and are a flavour boost to an otherwise bland meal. A serving of half to one cup a day is ideal, so sprinkle liberally in your yogurt or oatmeal for a berry satisfying breakfast!
Not all fats are made the same and one super food that melts away the pounds is the fatty salmon. Containing some 2.3g of monounsaturated fats and 2.4g of polyunsaturated fats in a 4-ounce portion, the salmon logs 166 calories of lean protein.
Monounsaturated and polyunsaturated fats include omega-3 and omega-6 fatty acids which are important in lowering cholesterol levels to reduce the risk of heart diseases. Besides good fat, the salmon is also rich in essential minerals like calcium and selenium, and vitamins A, B and D.
By introducing healthy portions of salmon to your diet, you'll give your metabolism a huge boost as the omega-3 acids, vitamin D and selenium will improve insulin sensitivity for more regulated blood sugar levels. And that means no more cravings for unhealthy sugary treats.
Make It A Meal: Enjoy your daily portion of fatty salmon sashimi-style. If you prefer your salmon cooked, remember the salmon is a naturally fatty fish and go easy on the oil. Serve atop a fresh salad for lunch or with steamed vegetables for a light dinner.
From your cream-topped morning coffee to your midday pick-me-up can of soda, swap out these beverages for a hot cup of green tea. Just this simple substitution can help you cut down on your sugar intake and reduce your calorie intake.
Green tea is a super brew rich in antioxidants known to speed up your metabolism and stimulate fat loss. Studies have shown that regular consumption of green tea lowers cholesterol levels and a type of catechin found in green tea, epigallocatechin gallate or EGCG, is capable of inhibiting the growth of cancer cells.
Don't worry about missing out on your daily coffee fix as green tea is also a caffeinated beverage. Caffeine is a stimulant that increases the amount of calories you burn and from that caffeine pep, you'll be moving around more and keeping active.
Make It A Meal: Fit in at least four cups a day to see the metabolic-boosting benefits of green tea. Pop in a couple of ice cubes and a slice of lemon into hot green tea for a refreshing and detoxifying drink. Avoid bottled teas which have been processed and contain lots of sugar!
Information Credits: www.webmd.com, www.health.com, www.mensfitness.com, www.calorieking.com
