5 Foods That Burn Fat

Losing weight generally comes down to burning more calories than you consume, but you may be surprised to learn that diet restriction and exercise aren't the only ways to shed unwanted pounds.

Certain foods will help you burn fat more than others, and many of them you can easily add to your daily diet.

1. Lean meat

Lean proteins not only have fewer calories than fattier meats, but they also produce what is called a high thermogenic effect. When foods have a thermogenic effect, they help increase your metabolism, which means you'll burn about 30 percent of the overall calories you consumed just by digesting this type of food.

2. Low-fat dairy

Low-fat dairy products will save you calories and they can also burn fat. Calcium plays a critical role in how the body regulates the calories it consumes, and many studies have shown that people who eat more dairy are leaner than people who don't.

3. Hot peppers

Capsaicin, an active component in red chili peppers, raises your body temperature and stimulates fat burning. You can eat peppers raw, cooked, or use their powdered or dried forms.

4. Green tea

Drinking green tea increases your levels of EGCG, a compound that temporarily helps boost your metabolism. Tea drinkers may also naturally consume less sugar and fat than coffee drinkers.

5. Lentils

Lentils can add a rich source of iron to your diet - a mineral most of use are deficient in. A lack of certain nutrients can slow down your fat burning, while lentils are also rich in fiber, which helps keep you full longer and may lower your blood sugar.

Source: Health