Five foods that burn calories quickly to lose weight

Five foods that burn calories quickly to lose weight

If you're trying to lose weight, you may think the most important aspect of a healthy diet is eating less and keeping your calorie intake low. However, it is also essential to ensure that you are fueling your body with all the foods and drinks needed to stay happy, healthy, and energetic. This way, you can do all of your fat-burning workouts! One of the most important parts of any healthy diet is food that burns calories, which can help boost your metabolism and speed up weight loss.

To learn more about the best calorie-burning foods to lose 5 pounds fast this summer, we spoke with Mary Sabat, registered dietitian, personal trainer, and founder of BodyDesigns by Mary. She says beans, eggs, leafy greens, lean protein, and chili are great weight-loss foods. This is because they are low in calories and high in fiber and protein to boost your metabolism and help you shed pounds quickly.

But first, let's determine if it is possible and healthy to lose 5 pounds quickly. Sabbat thinks, "Losing 5 pounds in a short period is possible, but it is important to approach weight loss healthily and sustainably. The recommended rate of weight loss is usually 1-2 pounds per week. To achieve a 5-pound weight loss, the framework would be A 2-4 weeks timeline that makes more sense and is achievable for most individuals."

"Rapid weight loss methods, such as reduced-calorie diets or vigorous exercise, can lead to muscle loss, nutrient deficiencies, and metabolic slowdown," she continues. "It is essential to focus on long-term lifestyle changes that include a balanced, calorie-controlled diet, regular physical activity, and healthy habits for sustainable weight loss." Learn more about the five calorie-burning foods you can eat to shed pounds!

1. Beans

Beans such as black, kidney, lima, and pinto beans are great food choices for weight loss because they are low in calories and fiber, and protein to boost your metabolism. "The high fiber content in beans helps promote feelings of fullness and reduces overall calorie intake. Furthermore, the body requires more energy to digest high-fiber foods, increasing calorie burning," Sabat says. In addition, beans are considered low on the glycemic index. This means that they do not significantly affect your blood sugar levels, helping you regulate your appetite and prevent overeating in the future.

2. Eggs

Eggs are another excellent calorie-burning food for weight loss. This is due to its high protein content. "Protein is a macronutrient that requires more energy to digest than fat or carbohydrates. As a result, the body burns more calories during digestion, known as the thermic effect of food," Sabat tells us. Eggs are also rich in nutrients and can help satisfy cravings, making it easier to control your calorie intake. And there are so many ways to make them: sautéed, battered, sunny-side up, and so much more! We asked the experts if you're wondering what's the healthiest way to cook eggs.

3. Green leafy vegetables

Leafy greens such as spinach, kale, and Swiss chard are rich in nutrients and low in calories. "They're also high in fiber, which aids digestion and helps promote feelings of fullness. These vegetables are considered a 'negative calorie' food, which means the body burns more calories than it provides," Sabat explains. In addition, leafy greens are full of vitamins, minerals, and antioxidants, which support overall health during weight loss. For a refreshing drink, you can blend dark green leafy vegetables like spinach into a smoothie or green smoothie!

4. Lean proteins

"Lean protein sources like chicken breast, turkey, and fish are excellent options for weight loss. As mentioned earlier, protein requires more energy to digest, which boosts metabolism and increases calorie burn," Sabat points out. Likewise, including lean proteins in the diet helps maintain muscle mass, which is important for maintaining a healthy metabolism. And if you don't like meat or are a vegetarian, experts also recommend Greek yogurt as a lean protein for weight loss.

5. Chili

Who doesn't like spicy foods? Spicy foods that contain chili peppers, such as cayenne pepper or jalapeño peppers, can help boost metabolism and increase calorie burning due to the compounds in the pepper. "Capsaicin, the compound responsible for the heat in chili peppers, has been shown to have thermogenic properties, which temporarily increase the body's metabolic rate," Sabat says. This can contribute to an increase in calorie burning. Surprisingly, experts say cayenne pepper can help relieve inflammation and chronic pain.

So, with the help of foods that burn calories

By staying hydrated, getting enough sleep, and getting plenty of exercise through strength training, you can boost your energy, promote weight loss, and ultimately transform your body. And when it comes to the best options, eggs, beans, green leafy vegetables, lean protein, and chili peppers are all tasty and healthy options.