There’s a good chance that you already have a little knack for nutrition, even if you aren’t a food scientist. You probably understand that certain foods are better for you than others, and some may not be as ideal.
Whole foods? Check.
Highly processed Frankenfoods? Maybe not.
However, some foods have a certain reputation for being nutritional powerhouses. These foods, which cram an impressive amount of health benefits inside them, are known as “
superfoods.”
Superfoods are filled to the brim with not only essential vitamins and nutrients but also antioxidants and fatty acids. And the health benefits don’t stop there.
There’s new research on the horizon that has revealed that these incredible foods can also help with the obesity epidemic. With nearly 40 percent of all adults
overweight or obese, finding a reliable and lasting solution to this expanding health crisis is essential.
Enter: superfoods.
These five superfoods have been shown to help
burn fat fast and calories. If you partake in them on a regular basis, they can definitely help you keep unwanted pounds off for good.
1) Avocados
The humble avocado used to be known only as of the first step in making guacamole. These days, however, they're sneaking into salads and adorning toast on a daily basis.
That’s not all they’re good for, though.
Avocados have been shown to help keep you slim and svelte. One
longitudinal study revealed that over an 11-year period, avocado consumers were able to avoid excessive weight gain.
Conversely, those who didn’t eat this delicious, creamy fruit gained significantly more weight than their avocado-loving peers.
Furthermore, another study showed that just by consuming avocados on the regular, a person could
maintain a lower BMI (body mass index) and reduce their risk of metabolic syndrome.
Lesson learned? Don’t fear the healthy fats found in avocados!
2) Green Tea
Green tea used to lurk casually on natural food store shelves. Then, the studies came out that sang all of the virtues of this ancient drink. Suddenly, people were clamoring to get their hands on it – and for a good reason, too!
Not only can green tea help improve mental function, fight off cancer, and even improve your cholesterol levels, but it can also help you maintain a trim physique.
Several studies have provided evidence that by simply sipping on a hot cup of green tea every day, you can shed unwanted body weight and boost your metabolism.
Even better, the weight you lose isn’t just water weight. It’s fat. Through fat oxidation, the green tea can help literally melt unwanted adipose tissue from your body.
Sip it hot or cold, plain or with a spoonful of honey, but no matter how you serve it, green tea can help you remain slim and healthy for life!
3) Cinnamon
There’s nothing quite like the strong, fragrant aroma of cinnamon.
Whether you’re nose-deep in a mug of steaming chai, or you’re admiring the display of cinnamon rolls at a nearby bakery, cinnamon has one of those scents that can invoke cozy, warm memories.
Cinnamon isn’t just a treat for your nose, though. It has also been demonstrated to help you burn off unwanted fat on your body, whittling your waistline down.
Meta-studies of this spice have revealed that cinnamon can successfully reverse weight gain in overweight and obese participants.
Cinnamon also has a specific type of compound inside it called "cinnamaldehyde." This is the part of the plant that gives it its distinct flavor and odor, but it's also the part of cinnamon that has been shown to
rev up the metabolism and completely blast body fat.
Improve the flavor of your oatmeal with a sprinkle of this spice, or mix it in with your fresh fruit. Either way, you can’t go wrong by including cinnamon in your diet!
4) Berries
If you’ve ever had your fingers or tongue stained a deep blue after munching on a handful of blueberries or blackberries, you have anthocyanins to thank. Anthocyanins are the vibrant pigments that lend berries and other fruits their trademark blueish-purple hue.
These flavonoids aren’t just for making your blueberries look delicious, though. They can also help you shed fat and regulate your body weight.
Blackberries have been shown to not only prevent weight gain... they can also help burn fat and keep it from piling up in the first place. The same can be said for blueberries, too. Adding them to your diet can help you avoid gaining weight, even when eating in dietary surplus (i.e., overeating).
Blend them in a smoothie or pop them into your mouth one by one; there’s really no incorrect way to enjoy berries!
5) Dark Chocolate
You know I saved the best for last. Mmm, chocolate.
After all, life without chocolate is no life to live. After a long and stressful day, there’s nothing more pleasurable than sitting down, unwrapping a square of dark chocolate, and slowly savoring it.
The only thing that could make chocolate consumption better is learning that chocolate can also help you keep your waist slim and your body fat down.
Well, guess what. It can!
If you love chocolate, you’re in good company. Three million tons of the good stuff is
consumed every year. But what if you’re ignoring chocolate because you think it’ll make you fat?
Think again. Studies have shown that people who fit dark chocolate into their lives are more likely to have a lower BMI. The more you eat, the slimmer you’ll be!
Sneak in about an ounce of dark chocolate per day to
keep your weight and fat down. That’s about one or two squares of yumminess to enjoy daily.
Eat More to Lose Weight
There’s a common misconception that you have to starve yourself to burn calories and shed body fat. That couldn’t be further from the truth!
Instead of restricting and denying yourself the simpler joys in life, instead, look into adding foods to your diet.
A handful of blueberries here. An ounce of dark chocolate there.
Not only is it more sustainable, but you’ll be slimmer (and happier!) in the long run…all without the fuss and stress of painfully strict dieting!