A good diet and exercise are always part of the equation if you are looking to lose weight, but did you know that there are some fat burning foods that can help you along the long way?  Read on to discover what they are.

Eggs

Eggs are high in protein and are vital to helping you burn fat.  Eggs may contain cholesterol but they do not help to raise your blood cholesterol levels.  Eggs also contain vitamin B12, which is key to helping your body break down and burn fat.

Low Fat Dairy Products

One study has shown that women that eat low fat dairy products three to four times a day lose 70 percent more fat that those that consume a low amount of dairy.  Another shows that those who consume three cups of low fat milk a day gain less weight than those on low calcium diets.  Essentially, low fat dairy products increase the fat breakdown in cells.

Beans

Beans are excellent sources of protein, fibre, and iron and some of the best beans to eat are navy beans, white beans, kidney beans, and lima beans.  Avoid baked beans or refried beans as they are high in fats and sugars.

Oatmeal

Oatmeal will help to lower your blood cholesterol.  This is because it is rich in soluble fibre – which flushes bad digestive acids out of your system and thus lowers cholesterol.

Olive Oil

Olive oil is one of the good fats that your body needs.  In fact, it is so good for you that it actually helps you to burn fat and keep your cholesterol levels down.  It is rich in monounsaturated fat, a type of fat that provides a whole range of health benefits.

Wholegrains

The body does need carbohydrates to function. The key is to choose the right ones.  Processed carbohydrates such as those found white breads and other refined foods are the ones that you need to avoid.  Wholegrain carbohydrates contain the fibre and minerals that your body needs.

Lean Meats

Lean meats are great for building muscle and boosting the immune system.  Always look for the leanest cuts of meat you can find.  Salmon and tuna are also excellent sources of protein and contain the healthy omega 3 fatty acids.

Citrus Fruits

Citrus fruits such as oranges, lemons, and limes contain high amounts of vitamin C.  Vitamin C actually has a fat burning quality.  In fact, 500mg of vitamin C per day can increase your fat burning potential during exercise by 39 percent.  Vitamin C improves the body’s ability to oxidise fat.  The mechanism behind the vitamin C effect is linked to the role it plays in the manufacture of carnitine, an amino acid necessary for the transport of fatty acids.  Carnitine is important for fat oxidation, and the reduced ability to oxidise fat creates fatigue and the retention of body fat.  It also helps to reduce cholesterol deposits.

Soybeans

Soybeans contain lecithin, a chemical that shields the cells from accumulating fat.  It acts like a shield to prevent fat from forming on the cells and also breaks down fatty deposits in the body.

Apples, Berries, and Fresh Fruit

Apples contain pectin, a chemical that is also found in berries and most fresh fruit.  It limits the amount of fat that your cells can absorb.  It also has a water binding property, absorbing watery substances which in turn bombard the cells and make them release fat deposits.

Garlic

The oil or juice from garlic has protective qualities on the body’s cells, helping to reduce fatty deposits.  When taken, it reduces the levels of fats.

Spicy Foods

Spicy foods such as chilli and cayenne pepper burn calories by triggering a thermodynamic reaction in the body that lasts for hours after eating.

Cinnamon

As little as a ¼ teaspoon of cinnamon added to your food can help your body to metabolise sugar up to 20 times faster and lower the body’s blood sugar levels.

Ginger

Ginger is a vasodilator – expands the blood vessels – and increases body heat and metabolism by 20 percent.  It works in all its forms – ground, pickled, candied or fresh.

Bananas

Bananas are rich in potassium, a naturally occurring substance that boosts the body’s metabolism and regulates the body’s water balance.