9 Ways to Burn Fat Naturally

Since 1980, obesity has more than doubled worldwide. Being overweight negatively affects your health, but there are ways to burn fat naturally and safely. Forget quick fixes and fad diets!

Regular exercise plays a key role in weight reduction, of course – but your diet is also crucial in helping you to maintain a healthy body. T aking care of your health and eating the most nutritious foods you can is of paramount importance. Here, we’ll share with you 9 natural fat burning foods and drinks that are easy to eat every day.

1. Green tea

You’ve probably heard about this one. It’s difficult to escape the adverts touting its fat burning prowess. But you don’t need fancy supplements. This infusion is one of the most effective fat burners you could want. How does it work? Green tea helps control your weight because it accelerates your metabolism. This reduces the absorption of fat from foods as well as helping eliminate the fat. It’s suggested that green tea can burn between 35 and 43% more fat than similar beverages.

2. Soya milk

Most soya milk is fortified with calcium and this calcium is more readily absorbed by the body – especially the bones – than that of dairy products. In fact, contrary to accepted wisdom, dairy has been shown to actually leach calcium from bones. When you add a cup of soya milk to your daily diet, you’re increasing your consumption of saponin. These magical compounds can block fat absorption and increase your metabolism. Bonus: soya milk won’t give you spots, either, the way that dairy products have been shown to do!

3. Citrus

Foods that contain loads of naturally occurring vitamin C can kick-start your metabolism, which means an increased rate of fat elimination. Citrus fruits also boost your immunity against things like common colds, anaemia and high blood cholesterol. That’s called a win-win.

4. Chilli peppers burn fat

Capsaicin is the secret star of the chilli realm. This chemical compound helps regulate the amount of fat that is stored in the body and reduces inflammation. Its outstanding vitamin C content accelerates thermogenesis, which is the rate at which the body burns fat.

5. Lecithin

A lipid is a type of fatty acid that has a direct effect upon the ability of the body to metabolise fat – and it just so happens that lecithin helps to burn it more efficiently. It can also boost your memory, lift your mood and control your appetite. Looking for ways to introduce it to your diet? Try organic tofu (there’s a massive variety of flavours and textures) and delicious edamame.

6. Coffee

Good, old coffee! Is there anything that it can’t solve? By increasing fat oxidation, your cuppa acts as a thermogenic that quickens the metabolism and burns calories – both of which lead to fat loss. You don’t need to drink more than one cup a day to benefit, so this is not an excuse to camp out by Caffe Nero. Drink too much and your blood pressure may rise or you could experience other unpleasant effects such as tachycardia (fast heartbeat).

7. Almonds

Snack on 23 almonds every day and you could build muscle and burn fat. These scrumptious beauties are not only filling, but they’re full of magnesium – which is the bit that helps build muscle. In fact, there’s scarcely room here to discuss all the merits of almonds. Their plant sterol content is another main contributing factor to burning fat and losing weight. Plus, they’re just plain healthy because they’re packed with vitamin E and manganese. They’re touted for their ability to ward of Alzheimer’s, regulate blood sugar and build strong bones. Impressive!

8. Tempeh

Although less well-known than its soya cousin, tofu, tempeh deserves some room on your plate and in your belly. Its high protein stimulates fat burning by forcing your body to use fat reserves for energy and this process leads to muscle (as opposed to fat). In addition, its protein is easy to digest – unlike that of better known sources such as read meat. Tempeh contains a dizzying array of nutrients, from isoflavones to iron and calcium. As such, this nutritional powerhouse has been shown to lower cholesterol, reduce the risk of heart attack and increase resistance to breast, prostate and colon cancers.

9. Cold water

Unbelievable though it may seem, there are some studies that suggest that your body’s metabolic processes can be accelerated simply by drinking cold or iced water. This increase in the metabolism eliminates more calories and fats. To benefit, make sure to drink at least 500 refreshing millilitres every day.