Regular exercise and a good diet are essential to maintaining a healthy weight. Thankfully, there are several foods out there which help you burn fat at an increased rate. Try to incorporate the following foods into your meals to help burn more calories. You’ll be feeling and looking fabulous before you know it!

Go Nuts!

Nuts are the perfect snack food. They contain fibre, protein and fats that are good for the heart. The protein content helps suppress appetite, meaning just a handful of these little treats will keep the hunger at bay between meals. Avoid salted nuts, as too much sodium can increase blood pressure. Almonds are a great starting point.

Wholesome Wholegrains

While some people warn against eating carbs, moderate wholegrain consumption actually helps your body burn fat. Your body burns twice as many calories breaking down whole foods than processed foods. On top of that, wholegrains contain a lot of fibre which will keep you full for hours, reducing snacking. Quinoa, wholegrain rice and oatmeal are all fantastic additions to your diet.

Green Tea

Green tea has a ton of benefits. Most importantly, it’s rich in antioxidants which speeds up metabolism and enhances calorie burning. I’m a big green tea drinker and can assure you that you do feel results! Be careful when buying bottled tea, as many have high sugar rates.

Beans and Legumes

Beans aid muscle growth and fat burning, and help regulate digestion and blood sugar levels. They have low calories and are packed with protein and fibre, helping to curb hunger. Try to swap meat for beans one dinner a week to lower your saturated fat intake, and add them to soups during winter.

Eggs

Despite the hard rap that eggs have previously received, they’re a great source of protein which is excellent at burning fat. Your body actually burns more calories digesting protein than carbs or fat. Start the day with a poached egg on wholegrain toast to reduce cravings and give you energy for the day ahead. Remember to check with your doctor if you have a high cholesterol.

Eat Your Greens

Spinach, broccoli, kale and other green veges not only contain a heap of vitamins and minerals but are loaded with fibre and have very few calories. They also help clear toxins from the body. Try to incorporate green veges into your diet twice a day – it’s easier than you think with juices, salads, soups and side dishes all easily containing greens.

Lean Meats and Fish

Meat has a lot of protein in it, so keeps you full longer. Red meats contains iron and essential fatty acids, but can be high in fat so be careful on the cuts you select, and trim excess fat. Skinless chicken breast is a good option, while fish is great as its low in fat and high in protein.

Avocados

Who doesn’t love avocados? As well as containing a host of monounsaturated fats which are great for the heart, avocados have a high fibre content. This keeps you full longer and reduces snacking. Bonus: they’re delicious!