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Can foods really burn fat? While there is no magic answer to the weight loss fight, new studies suggest that certain foods can raise metabolism, helping the body get rid of calories faster and more effectively. Here are some examples of foods that are rumored to help with weight loss.
Grapefruit
. The grapefruit diet has been around for years and while the diet itself is not a great idea because of its limitations, grapefruit does have some favorable weight-loss qualities that are worth mentioning. While scientists do not fully understand how it works, a study at the Scripps Clinic in California found that people eating a grapefruit before an actual meal lost more weight than people who didn't.
Green and orange vegetables, such as pumpkins.
These vegetables are great for weight loss purposes because they are high in fiber and water content. Fiber takes longer to digest and keeps you satisfied for a longer time, preventing overeating. A good example of a food high in fiber is lentil soup, which contains a high level of liquids and fiber and it's a great way to start off any meal.
Herbs and spices.
A 2003 Virginia State University study found that by eliminating 10 grams of fat, or a little less than one tablespoon of butter per day, and flavoring food with various herbs and spices can contribute to a possible 10 pound weight loss by the end of a year. This is because certain herbs, such as chili, evening primrose, and mustard, have a "warming effect" that affects circulation and raises the metabolism for as long as three hours after eating.
Nuts. At 165 calories for a handful, you would think that nuts are bad for your waistline, but it's just the opposite. Because they are high in fat, they provide a feeling of satiety, helping people eat less of other, more fattening foods later on. Nuts also speed up the metabolism by about 12 percent, resulting in quicker weight loss with no added exercise.
While there is no magic answer to weight loss, eating the foods above can help you lose weight, especially when combined with regular exercise.
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Even though nuts are very fattening for children and adults, there is a way how to lose weight with the nuts but very difficult for the people who are not energetic.
By anon154444
— On Feb 21, 2011
When it comes to losing weight the one part of the body which is most important is your brain. The brain controls everything. It decides when you are hungry and when you are full, along with all the complex tasks it performs day in and day out. Most people skip their breakfast, thinking that they are giving their weight-loss program a kick start.
This is when the brain moves in and says look here fatso, you had your last meal at 8pm, exactly 12 hours ago and I am not sure when the next morsel will be coming. So our friend the brain asks the body to store some food for use later. We all know how it is stored, as fat under the skin. Just to make sure that it is doing enough, it slows down your metabolism. So that is a double whammy.
When you eat meals at regular intervals, the brain knows that there is a regular supply and it does not need to store. Throughout the night, when you sleep, your brain slows down everything so that your body can revive and rebuild. When you wake up, all systems start up slowly. Then when you eat a good breakfast, it is like switching on the ignition of your car. You start burning gas (calories). 45 minutes after breakfast your engine is still at fast idle.
Now you hit the gym or go for a run. Now your car is no longer idling. It is as though you have floored the gas pedal. Your metabolic rate is way up there and your system is ripping through those calories. Your body remains in this state throughout the day. Make it a point to eat small meals throughout the day rather than three large meals. Drink plenty of water throughout the day. If you don't drink enough water your body will store it (there goes that wicked brain again).
Plenty of water will keep your face looking lean. Avoid sugary canned juices and carbonated colas. Start every meal with a big salad (avoid oily, rich, calorie laden dressings. Nothing better than salt and lemon and a good toss). Don't forget to include fiber rich foods in your diet. Also remember that boiled eggs are like a wonder food for those on a weight loss program. Don't forget the age old saying, "Breakfast like a king, lunch like a queen and dinner like a pauper. All the best.
By anon22958
— On Dec 13, 2008
Complex carbs force our metabolism to work in double time to digest them. Brown rice is the premier form. Vegetables in the state that they grow, make our systems work harder to break them down and therefore we burn more calories,also they make us feel fuller due to their bulkiness. Walking is a great exercise because it is one of the least strenuous on our joints. Walking at a speed that in 20 minutes of walking it becomes difficult to have a conversation, is said to be the optimum pace for top results(getting a physical from a doctor is first is recommended). And last, but certainly not least, drink lots of water, water, water!
By laluna
— On Nov 18, 2008
Surprisingly enough, some new studies suggest eating carbohydrates will actually help with weight loss. In moderation, foods like potatoes, pasta, and beans can, and should be on the menu even when trying to loose weight.
It seems that some hormones in our stomachs are stimulated by these foods, and we get a sense of fullness, but in addition they help burn fat.
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