Self Magazine recently came out with an article on foods that can actually help your body in fighting fats. These eight foods have been shown to help keep the weight off and maintain a slim figure. And who doesn’t love that?
1. Almonds. We have learned from past articles that nuts are a healthier snack choice, but more specifically, almonds are one of the best choices. They contain high amounts of alpha-linolenic acid, which can speed up the metabolisms found in fatty foods. Self recommends 12 per serving.
2. Berries. Fruits that contain a lot of Vitamin C- such as strawberries and raspberries- can help burn off 30% more fat while exercising.
3. Cinnamon. Just ¼ teaspoon of this spice on your food can prevent a postmeal insulin speak. This increase usually occurs after a meal and “signals the body that it should store fat rather than burn it,” explains Lauren Slayton, R.D., of New York City.
4. Mustard. A study in the journal Endocrinology shows that this condiment may slow the growth of fat tissues.
5. Oranges. This fruit is packed with flavones, which help burn off the body fat according to a study in the American Journal of Clinical Nutrition. Self suggest snacking on orange slices or drinking freshly squeezed juice with the pulp to see the best results.
6. Soybeans. Soybeans contain choline, which is a compound that blocks fat absorption and breaks down fatty deposits.
7. Sweet potatoes. These are high in fiber, which means there will be no dramatic increase in insulin, so less fat will go on your body.
8. Swiss cheese. Swiss is one of the cheeses that is highest in the calcium content, and “Calcium-rich foods reduce fat-producing enzymes and increase fat breakdown.” That comes from Michael B. Zemel, Ph.D., director of the Nutrition Institute at the University of Tennessee at Knoxville.
What is great about these fat fighters is there is no need for a drastic diet change. Most are small tweaks that can be introduced, and others can be eaten as snacks between your main meals. Head to Self Magazine for the full article.
Direct Link: http://shine.yahoo.com/channel/health/8-fat-fighting-foods-533949/
November 19, 2009
