Fat-Burning Response With Food

• Eating fat-burning foods does not need to mean eating chilis.Jupiterimages/Photos.com/Getty Images
  
  Many supplement companies provide pills which provide a thermogenic (fat-burning) effect. But studies have shown that regular, whole foods can also trigger the fat burning process and increase metabolism. High protein foods cause around one-third of the contained calories to burn during the digestion process. This could help you to burn calories more efficiently, causing less of them to store as body fat.
  
  

Lean Protein as Fat Burners

• The food that causes the biggest rise in body temperature and requires the most calories to digest are lean proteins including chicken, lean cuts of pork, beef and non-oily fish such as canned tuna or tilapia. These sources of lean protein, because they are digested slowly, promote a feeling of fullness which means you won't be tempted to snack on junk food later in the day. These unprocessed meats are also very low carb and low in starch, which means they help to regulate blood sugar levels which, in turn, leads to lower body fat levels and storage.
  
  

Vegetables for Starch-free Fat Burning

• Broccoli is a fat burning, starch-free vegetable.Jupiterimages/Goodshoot/Getty Images
  
  Vegetables can also promote fat burning in the body. Fibrous vegetables are difficult to digest, so the body spends a lot of calories processing and breaking them down. Some of the best vegetables are broccoli, kale, asparagus, spinach, celery, zuccini and salad greens. These vegetables have high amounts of fiber and a relatively low nutritional value. They also contain large amounts of water which can be used by the body. They are starch-free, so do not promote rises in blood sugar levels, and they contain fat-burning nutrients and vitamins.
  
  

Water to Promote Fat Burning

• Water's properties as a fat burner are over-looked, to the detriment of our health and our wallets. Water is available and inexpensive. Every time you drink a glass of water, it raises body temperature slightly and boosts metabolism which helps you to burn more fat and calories during the day. Studies have also shown that dehydrated muscles are less efficient than fully hydrated muscles. Low muscle activity can lead to lethargy and cause you to store more of your calories as fat, rather than burning them off. Aim to drink at least 2 to 3 liters of water per day (0.75 to 1 gallon). Another advantage is that water is totally calorie free, so you can go crazy drinking the stuff.