Diet and Nutrition - Fabulous Foods for Fat Loss

Fabulous Foods for Fat Loss Already in Your Kitchen


By Erica Thinesen

Losing weight can be a battle if you don't take the time to learn about diet and nutrition. Make simple changes to your diet by increasing foods that promote healthy fat loss already found in your kitchen.

Take a moment to look around your kitchen. Chances are you have a mix of healthy and not-so-healthy foods. Healthy fat loss starts with education. Learn the basics now so your next trip to the grocery is a healthier one.

Protein

Your body needs to work hard to break down protein. Protein helps build and maintain muscle. Adding more protein to your diet helps burn calories faster. Foods high in protein include eggs, leafy greens such as spinach, beans, broccoli, potatoes, yogurt, oats, onions and watermelon. These high-protein foods may be served at any meal and make a great afternoon or evening snack. Here are some tips for adding protein to your diet:

* High in protein and fiber, lentil beans promote abdominal fat loss. Add lentils and other types of beans to salads, soups, brown rice or serve as a side dish with sautéed onions and garlic
* Use dry beans or canned (rinse canned beans in cool water to reduce sodium intake)
* Purchase whole grain cereals or eat a bowl of oatmeal for breakfast
* Greek yogurt contains 2x the amount of protein as other types of yogurt

Calcium

Calcium helps build and maintain bone strength, helps to maintain energy throughout the day, lowers blood pressure and helps your body digest vitamins such as Vitamin D. Calcium also helps your body burn calories. Foods for fat loss that are rich in calcium include milk, cheese, yogurt, spinach, broccoli, beans, nuts and fish. Try to eat 3-4 servings of calcium-rich food each day. Here are some tips for adding calcium to your diet:

* Serve salad with lunch and dinner each day
* Drink an 8 ounce glass of orange juice that contains calcium with breakfast
* Drink at least one 8 ounce glass of milk each day
* Add fresh fruits and leafy green vegetables to meals and snacks
* Take a calcium supplement

Vitamin C

Vitamin C helps the body break down fat and flush it from your body. Since your body does not product or store Vitamin C, it is essential to get this vitamin from the foods you eat. According to the FDA, you should consume 60 mg of Vitamin C every day. Oranges, limes, lemons, grapefruit and tomatoes are loaded with Vitamin C. Some tips for adding Vitamin C to your diet include:

* Drinking 100% fruit or vegetable juice (8 ounce glass) each day
* Serve fresh fruit as a side dish, dessert or snack
* Take a Vitamin C supplement

Erica Thinesen is a freelance writer specializing in health and fitness topics. Her goal is to provide a "common sense" approach to diet and exercise. Visit http://www.thedietnow.info for information about creating a meal plan that's right for your lifestyle and weight loss goals.

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