I don't mean to get all sci-fi on you, but let's assume the concept of a parallel universe is more fact than theory. So, with the presence of alternate realities emerges the possibility that there exists a world out there, where the more you eat the more weight you lose. Chill guys, I know that's not how any of it works, but a girl can dream, right? Well, if you also fantasise about this seemingly impossible cause-effect relationship between eating and weight loss, let me put your mind to rest. Our dream has come true in reality. In fact, it always was.
But you know why I didn't realise this sooner? Because I never looked past meaty burgers and cheesy pizzas while imagining this dream scenario. But as it turns out, there are some lip-smacking foods which also pack a seriously healthy punch, that let you lose weight and burn fat, all while you stuff your face. Seriously, I'm not making this up. Diffuse that cloud of doubt floating around your head, by taking a bite of the natural fat burning foods we've listed down below!
1. Avocados
Loaded with essential soluble fibre, avocados have been pitted under the category of superfoods for a while now. Despite being rich in carbohydrates, avocados are also keto-friendly and extremely effective at giving your metabolism a hefty push. The same soluble fibre we mentioned earlier makes you feel full with smaller portions, and thus curbs your appetite for unhealthy junk and munchies. Studies have also indicated that avocados have a weight loss effect coupled with the ability to reduce belly fat.
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2. Grapefruit
You know there's a famous supposedly super effective diet based on just consuming grapefruits? Yep, they're that potent in aiding weight loss. In addition to quick-acting fat-burning enzymes, grapefruits are naturally heavy in water content which helps you stay full for longer by consuming a lesser count of calories. Several diet based studies have demonstrated that participants who have half a grapefruit before lunch lost substantially more weight than those who went straight to the meal instead.
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3. Spinach
Turns out all this while Popeye was serving us straight facts, while we kept disregarding them as the antics of a cartoon. As has been seen by several experts, spinach is more than just being a healthy leafy green; it's also an excellent calorie-burner. Spinach is highly rich in fibre, vitamins, minerals and antioxidants, all while being reasonably low in fats. This translates to the ingredient keeping a check on your calorie consumption and keeping you fuller and for longer with fewer bites. Spinach is also an incredible natural source of "thylakoids", a nutrient known for suppressing appetite and curbing the urge to munch.
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4. Cottage Cheese
I know cheese is usually synonymous with excessive weight, but not the cottage kind! This low-calorie mildly flavoured cheese is a powerful source of proteins and other essential nutrients. One cube of cottage cheese is mostly protein with very minor traces of carbohydrates and fat, which means it's a great thing to include in your diet when you want to up your protein intake. Highly satiating and appetite curbing, regular consumption of cottage cheese will help you reach your fitness goals faster! I mean, there's a reason it's one of the most consumed foods by pro-level athletes.
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5. Salmon
Bengali stereotypes aside, I'm honestly not a fan of eating fish, whatever type it may be. But one look at the long list of health benefits brought to your body by salmon, and I'm ready to adjust my stance. Along with being a wonderful reserve of lean protein, Salmon is a fish rich in omega-3 fatty acids. These qualities of this natural fat burning food help you in retaining your muscle mass, while also boosting your weight loss attempts. A diet rich in protein helps your body considerably in burning more fat!
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6. Walnuts
An extremely powerful source of sustained energy, walnuts are packed with heart-healthy unsaturated fats that help you in shedding weight instead of gaining more. Regular consumption of walnuts is especially advised for those looking to trim down their waistline, quickly burn the fat they've gained, as well as keep their cholesterol levels in check. Experts have also proposed that walnuts stimulate a specific region of the brain, which in turn curbs appetite and snack cravings. Additionally, walnuts contain an antioxidant compound called ellagic acid that keeps your gut in proper shape and health, thereby boosting your metabolism.
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7. Bananas
You know there's a reason most gym instructors would ask you to snack on a banana before your workout, right? It's because they're so loaded with vital nutrients and fibre, which work together to give you a boost in energy without magnifying your calorie consumption. The chemical properties of Bananas also aid in reducing bloating in your body, along with suppressing appetite and cravings for processed sugar.
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8. Coconut Oil
Coconut oil is one thing most Indian households will have tucked away in a drawer somewhere. And there's good reasoning behind this importance being accorded to the ingredient. Rich in fatty acids that both reduce appetite and accelerate the process of burning fat, replacing your regular fat sources like the oil you cook your veggies in with two teaspoons of coconut oil, will be extremely helpful for your attempts to cut down belly fat and tone your body weight.
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9. Chia Seeds
Did you know you could meet around 40% of your recommended daily fibre intake, with just two tablespoons of Chia Seeds? No wonder they're frequently slotted amongst the best superfoods one can and should include in their diet. Chia seeds also come with a host of other health benefits like improved digestive health, faster metabolic rate and appetite suppression, all of which are linked to a reduction in body fat. Especially if you're targeting your belly region in particular, start crunching on these seeds for quicker results!
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10. Coffee
At the cost sounding just a tad superficial, every time someone asks me why I love coffee as much as I do, a huge part of me wants to emphasise on its weight loss promoting properties. I mean think about it, one mug of black coffee no sugar has less than 5 calories. Not to mention, it stimulates your digestive tract to process food faster, along with draining out excess water weight. Several scientific studies have linked the consumption of black coffee to reduced belly fat, especially in the case of women.
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So, kick-start your fitness transformation by....eating? Wow, if that doesn't sound like a dream come true, I don't know what does!