3 Fat-Burning Superfoods to Include in a Healthy Diet

by Mike Kamo

Apart from being a common source of misery and self-judgment, and although it is haunted by a bad reputation wherever it goes, fat is actually not only good for our skin and tissues, it is essential for our energy and stamina. Animals need fat as a substitute for food when they can’t find any, plants need it as a supplement for sunlight when there isn’t any, and, in general, it is a great source of energy and life. We need it as well, as a source of nutrition mainly, but, of course, the ways in which we consume fat are often far from healthy. It’s not entirely our fault; it’s a hormone named leptin that’s out to get us. This little devil is trying to convince your brain that you need excess fat stores in case hunger strikes, and there is no reasoning with it. As soon as you figure out that fat is nothing but energy, you should also realize that such energy has an expiration date, so start burning it. We’re sharing three fat-burning superfoods that not only give your body a healthy dose of fat but also help turn it into a fat-burning furnace!

Avocado

Although avocados are high in fat, it is all monounsaturated fat, which is good for you! Most of us don’t know what monounsaturated fatty acids are, and what separates them from the regular kind of fat we find in fatty foods. Here is a great study from Harvard Medical School that will help you understand the difference.

The fact that avocados are loaded with potassium, vitamin B, and fiber also helps speed up your body’s fat burning processes and deliver overall faster results. Potassium helps your body to balance out the negative effects of salt, one of the main reasons why you can’t get rid of that belly fat.

There is an ongoing dispute regarding how much vitamin B actually helps when it comes to losing weight, but what is certain is that you can count on all of that fiber to build up your muscles. Of course, this doesn’t mean that simply eating avocado will guarantee you’ll lose weight. It is, however, a great addition to your regular diet.

If you are counting those calories, just be aware that an average avocado, cleaned and sliced, contains around 230 calories.

Salmon

The great thing about salmon is that you can’t find a good excuse not to eat it. Salmon is an excellent source of omega 3 fatty acids – and a tasty one at that!

Have you ever wondered what all the fuss is about those omega 3 fatty acids? Well, in simple terms, fish oil contains docosahexaenoic acid, or DHA, and eicosapentaenoic acids, or EPA. These two types of omega 3 acids actually help your heart sustain its health by reducing the inflammation of the blood vessels. Not only that, but omega 3 fatty acids are also highly recommended for diabetics and psychiatrists evenprescribe them to patients who suffer from depression. Salmon is also rich in vitamin D, B12, B6, and selenium.

An average fillet of salmon contains about 400 calories, and 80% of it is protein.

Spinach

If you are looking for a way to lose weight, burn fat and detoxify at the same time, look no further! Spinach is the superfood that will provide the answers to all your troubles. It’s rich with vitamins A and C, which makes this veggie the perfect antioxidant, and fibers are also present in high quantities so it actually does help you build up your muscle weight.

One factor that is especially beneficial, and one of the main reasons you should add spinach to your diet, is an ingredient called thylakoid. Found in spinach leaves, this helpful little component decreases hunger cravings significantly. Here is an article about a thorough study on that matter, but the most important thing you need to know is that this element helps your digestive system to slow down. This allows time for your hormones to give the signal that you are full and satisfied.

Don’t worry about the calories, because an average portion, or a 20 oz packet, contains just 66 calories. Guess Popeye was right, and we should all eat as much spinach as possible.

 

Your Wellness Tip To-Go:

Looking for more fat-burning superfoods to add to your diet? Stock up your grocery cart with broccoli, beans, whole grain foods, almonds and other nuts, oatmeal, and olive oil. And remember to keep that furnace burning. Munching on these fat-burning superfoods plus including some daily exercise into your routine will have you steps closer to that healthy body in no time!