Making the decision to join the gym or embark on a serious bodybuilding regime is not an easy one. There are lots of different aspects of your lifestyle you’ll need to take into consideration. From the type and frequency of exercise you want to follow, then there’s your gym wear and shoes, but most importantly it will require some big changes to your diet. Gone will be the days of cakes, crisps, and sweets but that doesn’t mean your diet has to become plain and boring.
We’ve taken a look at the top ten fat burning foods which can be easily added your weekly diet and exercise plan so you can get started on the right foot. The foods we’ve chosen increase your metabolism, taste great and promote fat loss.
1. Oatmeal
Often our stomachs can hold fat we desperately we want to be rid from around this area. Oatmeal helps to burn fat when you swap it for other food items which have a higher calorie content. Half a cup of oatmeal only contains 133 calories and provides almost 5 grams of dietary fiber. It makes a great snack any time of the day and doesn’t just need to be a breakfast supplement.
2. Blueberries
Blueberries are a super food when it comes to burning stomach fat. They also lower cholesterol as an added bonus making them a great food to consume when you’re focusing on cardio. These little treats from nature can be added to salads and Greek yogurts which also contain fat burning properties and have been shown to improve blood sugar levels. Blueberries also liven up oatmeal at breakfast or snack times.
3. Apple Cider Vinegar
The best way to consume Apple Cider Vinegar is to add 2 or drops to a glass of water about an hour before you want to eat. The properties it contains help to curb your appetite, so you won’t feel the need to overeat. It’s also famed for reducing fat as it decreases blood triglycerides and the best thing is that’s it’s totally natural.
4. Eggs
Another of natures super foods eggs are awesome for burning fat as they’re packed with essential vitamins, healthy fats, and high-quality protein. Eggs can be cooked in so many different ways you’ll never be bored with them on your plate. Each egg contains roughly 78 calories and can be added to salads or eaten as a snack for extra protein.
5. Chili Peppers
Variety is the spice of life and Chili Peppers definitely bring a touch of zest to any meal. They contain Capsaicin which promotes fat burning and can reduce your appetite, so you don’t feel the need to consume extra calories. You can crush them, dry them and shred them, leaving you to add them any meal that might need a little wake up for the taste buds.
6. Olive Oil
Olive oil has often been considered a gift from the gods because it has so many health benefits. The Spanish diet isn’t one of the best in the world for no reason. Extra Virgin Olive Oil offers a high percentage of omega fats which are good for both the body and the mind. You can use it as a dressing on salads and even eggs to add taste, meaning you get all the goodness from the monounsaturated fats and antioxidants it contains.
7. Turkey
Turkey is often overlooked when in fact, it makes a perfect and tasty substitute for Chicken. It has the added advantage of containing essential vitamins your body requires, such as Vitamins B-6 and B-12, Zinc, Niacin, and Choline. The thing to remember with Turkey is to go for a fresh bird and avoid it in processed forms. Turkey soup can be made from the leftovers and provides a tasty alternative at snack or meal times. Turkey contains fewer calories than other meats and lets you focus on burning off that excess fat.
8. Limes
Limes and be added to water for drinking which works a meal substitute as it’s low in calories and has been shown to reduce appetite. Lime boosts your immune system as the Vitamin C content is so high, and it easily breaks down excess fat within the body. This natural fruit also works as a super tasty salad dressing, especially with fatty fish such as Tuna or shrimp which are both packed with highly beneficial omega 3.
9. Oysters
If you love seafood, then oysters are perfect for burning fat, add a dash of fat burning homemade chili sauce and lime for a little extra spice. Oysters are a great source of protein and super low in fat. It’s also a little known fact that Oysters contain vitamins and nutrients that help to increase tissue growth and repair tissue damage. They’re also healthy for your heart as they contain Magnesium, Potassium and Omega 3 fatty acids which lower blood pressure, in turn, decreasing the risks of strokes and heart attacks.
10. Shrimp
Tasty and versatile, shrimp are fantastic for burning fat. You can add these to salads with olive oil and lime for a fresh and exciting taste. When you eat Shrimp, you’re also ingesting Vitamin D, Selenium and B Vitamins which all promote health and help your metabolism to break down unwanted body fat. A 3-ounce portion of shrimp contains on average just 101 calories. This works with the rule of thumb that you need to expend more calories than you consume to lose weight and get rid of unwanted body fat.
We understand that when you make the decision to change your lifestyle for the better, it can take a big period of adjustment, which is why we hope these awesome foods will help you stay on the right track. It doesn’t matter if your bodybuilding or fitness training, making these small changes to your diet will help you to achieve the results you want to see from the new you.