12 fat burning superfoods for dieting

You can start losing weight now; just by adding some of these great metabolism boosting foods to your diet. Sure half the battle is what we eat; but the other half is exercise, motivation and self-discipline. So undoubtedly it should hold true that as long as you are eating healthy, practicing the self-discipline to help keep you motivated and exercising.

Through doing this, you are helping to empower yourself to not only be the best version of you possible, but surely you will realize through just doing these simple things that you have more energy, generally a more positive outlook on life and can be stronger than you ever imagined. Without further adieu, here are the best 12 nutritional powerhouse foods to start your journey! Enjoy.

1) Kale

Is chocked full of nutrients that aid in suppressing the appetite and detoxifying the liver. Excellent source of Vitamin A, Vitamin K, Vitamin C and rich in fiber. One of the most nutrient rich foods make kale a true superfood. Organic is the best choice and raw Kale can upset the digestive system on certain sensitive individuals; so best to cook it from its raw form.

Studies have shown it best not ‘overcook’ Kale when boiling otherwise many nutrients can be lost. Kale does contain some fat but the good news is that it is the super healthy kind of fat, comprised mostly of omega-3. Just one cup of this superfood contains a whopping 4 grams of carbs, 2 grams of fiber and 2 grams of protein.

You may be surprised that one cup of kale actually contains more vitamin C than a whole orange. Another property of kale is that it is thought to help fight against some forms of cancer and being high in vitamin K means that it helps to clot blood while helping the body fight against heart disease. The fact that kale is low on calories and chocked full of nutrients makes it our top superfood pick.

Kale is a great base for a salad and is so much healthier than other more traditional salad bases.

2) Lean meat

Lean meat is meat that has a low content of fat. Due to less fat, lean meats have lower calories and are thought to be beneficial for those looking for low fat diets that are rich in protein. Lean meats can help the body to boost metabolism, due to the energy required for our bodies to breakdown and digest lean meat. Best examples of lean meat include turkey and chicken. The Protein in lean meat can not only help you feel fuller for longer; they can also provide lots of energy that your body requires.

Skinless chicken is a great example of a lean meat that is also a great source of vitamins and nutrients such as: Vitamins B3, B6, selenium and choline. This combination can benefit the body and cells to eliminate certain free radicals that are known to damage healthy functioning cells, help boost the immune system and even regulate blood glucose.

Lean meats can be a powerful superfood that can help boost the metabolism

3) Avocado

Aid in healthy cell development and with regular consumption also protects cells from future damage. Avocado can help to boost metabolism by enabling those hormones in the body that can shut down fat storage and boost the metabolic rate. Surprisingly, avocado contains more potassium than bananas and this is especially important due to potassium being a nutrient that many people are known to be deficient in. Potassium can actually benefit the heart and is known to help lower blood pressure naturally.

Related: Want to lose belly fat fast? Click here for the 12 step guide

Chocked full of monounsaturated healthy fats that help burn fat by activating the metabolism. Also a great source of antioxidants that facilitate blood flow and lower inflammation. The avocado typically contains 160 calories, 2 grams of protein, 15 grams of healthy fat, 2 grams of carbs and 7 grams of fiber. Avocado contains a huge amount of fat, in fact it’s one of the fattiest plants in existence; but this comes with healthy twist as this fat is comprised mainly of oleic acid variety. This is a monounsaturated form of fat which is known for its ability to help reduce inflammation not unlike olive oil.

The avocado is a great and truly powerful superfood. Chocked full of healthy monounsaturated fats

4) Chili pepper

Capsaicin the active ingredient in chili peppers and other hot peppers has been scientifically proven to boost the metabolism. They work through a process known as thermogenesis and take place within the cells of our bodies. This translates to sweating and a higher body temperature; thus increasing the body’s energy usage and thereby increasing the metabolism.

Related: The best beginner weight loss exercises to start your journey 

Chili peppers are a great way to spice up your meal while also adding great flavour that can really benefit your health in many ways. First of all chili peppers are a great source of iron and because of this they actually can boost mental performance and help guard against age related cognitive decline. They are a great source of potassium also which we know from avocado can help keep cardiovascular disease under control and due to the bright red coloring we know that it has a high content of vitamin A.

Red chilli peppers are a favorable choice for anyone that is interested in losing weight.

5) Brazil nuts

A great example of a food that is very easy to add to meals or just to snack with. Brazil nuts are loaded with a great mineral called selenium that is known in the scientific community to naturally boost and improve fat metabolism.

In fact Brazil nuts are one of the best natural sources of selenium. If you are looking for a great example of an anti-inflammatory food that you can easily add to your diet, Brazil nuts are it. The high content of antioxidants make the Brazil nut extremely powerful in the fight against the buildup of free radicals in the body. They also contain a powerful ellagic acid which is known to have anti cancer health benefits. If that’s not enough reason to add Brazil nuts to your diet then how about the ability to also lift your mood? That’s right, Brazil nuts are known to be a mood enhancer and this is primarily due to the selenium content. This is why Brazil nuts are listed as such a powerful superfood that you should add to your diet.

Brazil nuts are super healthy and a great snack option for those looking to lose weight

6) Chia seeds

One true superfood. Chia seeds are packed full of protein and omega-3 fatty acids. They are known to suppress the appetite and activate a fat burning hormone known as glucagon. The best way to consume these seeds is by first soaking them in water or a sauce because they can swell up to ten times their size and help you to feel fuller faster. Chia seeds also are known to provide tons of energy.

Chia seeds are loaded with fibre and just one 25 gram serving has a whole 9 grams of fibre. This fibre helps aid in digestion and along with the ratio of omega 3, fiber and protein make chia seeds pack that superfood punch, that your body craves. Chia seeds are also a great source of essential amino acids which make them particularly sought after for those on vegan or vegetarian diets.

Chia seeds are a great addition to a healthy fat burning diet.

7) Fresh wild salmon

Not only is it a great source of protein the fatty acids in salmon can jump start insulin sensitivity that in turn burn fat in the abdominal region. Salmon is a great source of lean meat which is great for providing your body with that lean protein it craves. Salmon can act to keep you feeling full for a longer period of time, this helps to allow your body to build lean muscle easier. Just one serving of salmon, 3.5 ounces, can provide a whopping 22-25 grams of protein.

Salmon is loaded with B vitamins that can help your body to lower inflammation. In fact, just one serving of salmon may contain up 50% of the recommended daily intake of many B vitamins. This includes vitamin B3, B6 and B12. These vitamins are know to play a crucial role in cognitive functions, which many are unknowingly deficient in. The added benefits are shown in some studies to reduce the inflammation associated with heart disease, so stock up on this great source of lean protein, for your health. Fresh wild salmon is best not only for the nutritional benefits but also the taste!

Wild salmon is a great source of protein and chocked full of Omega fatty acids.

8) Whole grains

Are an excellent source of healthy fiber and can help you feel fuller for longer due to their slow absorption rate within the body. Quinoa is a great example of grain which is a great source of complete protein. The proteins can actively help burn fat by revving up the metabolism. Whole grains are proven to be a much healthier alternative to enriched white bread and offer a whole host of nutritional benefits.

As mentioned before they are loaded with fiber, B vitamins, antioxidants, protein and essential minerals. Whole grains are very effective at fighting heart disease, one study proposed a reduction of up to 22% in the instances of heart disease in those who consumed just three one ounce servings each day. The results were even better when carb intake was reduced at the same time, to a whopping 47% lesser risk factor for developing heart disease.

Whole grains can reduce the risk of obesity. This is in part due to the fiber content of whole grains as opposed to enriched carbs. Whole grains fill you up faster and keep you feeling full longer.

Whole grains offer a very nutritious alternative to typically unhealthy white breads.

9) Lentils

Have so many great benefits to our diets and best of all; our health. They are loaded with vitamin B3 and iron and can promote an ideal condition for boosting the metabolism. In Just one cup you have 35 percent of your daily need for iron and lots of both protein and dietary fiber.

Lentils can have a profound effect on heart health. This is in part due to the high levels of folate and magnesium. Folate helps to lower the levels of homocysteine, while the magnesium works to improve blood flow, helps with oxygen absorption and the body’s ability to uptake nutrients.

Lentils can also help to regulate blood sugar levels, this in part due to the fiber content. They are low in calories and fat but high in protein and fiber, this in part makes them a top superfood.

Green lentils can easily be added to many traditional recipes for a super healthy kick.

10) Oysters

Are a superfood with respect to the great source of Zinc and its ability to help suppress the appetite. oysters are a great source of Omega 3 fatty acids and due to its ratio to Omega 6 it can naturally lower cholesterol and promote heart health. Zinc is extremely important for proper development, help to strengthen the immune system and oysters have more zinc than just about any other food.

Oysters are a known superfood because of their nutrient content with respect to omega-3 fatty acids, potassium and magnesium. These nutrients are know to help prevent heart disease including lowering risk factors for heart attacks, strokes and aiding in lowering blood pressure. Due to oysters having such a high content of iron, they are known to help increase oxygen delivery in the body leading to more energy and aiding to lower bad cholesterol while raising healthy cholesterol.

Oysters are particularly helpful for weight loss, this because they are both low in calories and fat while at the same time being extremely high in protein. This helps you to feel fuller and for longer. All the more reason to add this superfood to your diet today!

Oysters have great superfood qualities. (they are also well-known as an aphrodisiac, if you needed another excuse)

11) Coconut oils

Are not only great for cooking with, they are also loaded with medium chain triglycerides that are much more easily used by the body as energy rather than being stored as fat like other cooking oils. Studies have shown that when compared to olive oil more fat loss is possible with coconut oil. See this link for the  study here

With respect to coconut oil, more than 90% of the fat is the variety which is medium chain triglycerides and this means that they are very easily converted to energy used by the body rather than being stored like other fats. If that’s not enough reasons for this to be a super food read on for more benefits!

Coconut oil is heart healthy and can lessen the risk factors for heart disease. This is primarily due to its abundance of healthy cholesterol (HDL) in the form of this healthy saturated fat. This form of fat can actually fight against and convert unhealthy cholesterol (LDL) into the healthier heart protecting (HDL) version. Coconut oil is even able to fight inflammation while working to increase metabolism.

Coconut oil is a great substitute for butter or other less healthycooking oils

12) Cinnamon

Cinnamon is an amazingly powerful superfood that can alter the metabolic rate of sugars and carbs. This can in turn help your body to not store carbohydrates as stored fat. Miraculously cinnamon actually is known to target admittedly the worst type of fat; abdominal fat. So not only can it  help to boost your metabolism it can also help you to lose belly fat. Aim for a quarter teaspoon a day to fully reap the rewards of cinnamon boosting the metabolism.

Cinnamon has anti-inflammatory properties. This means that it can actually help your body fight against infections while also repairing tissue damage. Not only that but it’s also heart healthy. Just as little as 120 mg per day can help you fight heart disease, the number one cause of premature death. it has been shown to also reduce blood pressure and lower bad cholesterol (LDL) while helping the body to raise the heart healthy (HDL) cholesterol.

Cinnamon is another great example of a super-food. So tasty and healthy at the same time.

Looking for great healthy recipe ideas? Have a look at this alkaline cookbook which is centered on both weight loss and metabolism. Click here to learn more