Fat-burning foods and supplements

We’ve been programmed to think that certain foods cause us to gain weight, which isn’t completely untrue; some foods truly are not fat-burning giants. Overeating unhealthy foods can indeed cause us to gain weight, and when we consume more calories than we need, our bodies keep those extra calories as fat.  The type of fat that is normally of most concern is belly fat, which can multiply your risk for many chronic diseases such as diabetes, heart disease, stroke, high blood pressure, and certain cancers.

However, did you know that there are foods and supplements that can actually help you increase your metabolic rate and burn fat? These fat-burning foods carry a lot of nutritional value as well, so incorporating them into your meals as often as possible will pack a healthy punch that you will learn to crave.

Here are a few powerful foods and supplements that help your body burn fat.

Cayenne pepper

Generally, spicy food will speed up your metabolism and make your body more likely to burn fat, so sprinkle on the cayenne pepper whenever you can. Cayenne pepper contains capsaicin, a molecular compound found in spicy peppers, and it helps to increase the way your body produces heat, a process called thermogenesis.  A study in the American Journal of Clinical Nutrition found that consuming capsaicin daily increased fat burning and helped with losing belly fat.

Fermented foods

Fermented foods like sauerkraut, kombucha, and kvass are natural probiotics that contain gut-friendly bacteria that will regulate your gut function, reduce bloating, and boost your immune system and metabolism. Through the fermentation process, beneficial bacteria are produced and they help detox the body and increase the benefits from the nutrients your body absorbs.  Those beneficial bacteria in your digestive system can lead to accelerated weight loss, fewer cravings, and a more disciplined appetite.

White tea

You’ve probably heard of green tea as a fat-burner, but white tea can work just as well, if not better. White tea will stimulate the enzyme that breaks down fat and will block the enzyme that builds fat cells. In other words, white tea works both ways to help you lose fat. So drink up!

Apple cider vinegar

I’m a huge apple cider vinegar (ACV) fan, mostly because it is a wonder remedy for cold and flu symptoms. But ACV is also a fat-burning machine extraordinaire! It helps you lose weight by making you less likely to crave sugar, is a natural detoxer, and works wonders to bring your stomach’s pH level into balance.  But, most important, research has shown that acetic acid, the main active component of ACV, can reduce fat stored in the body, increase fat burning, and encourage less fat buildup in the body.  

Dark chocolate

Most people don’t expect that chocolate would help you burn fat, mostly because sweet products are associated with gaining weight. However, the antioxidants in cacao can support healthy gut function and help your body burn more fat. Dark chocolate is one of the best treats you can give yourself when you’re trying to lose weight and still satisfy your sweet tooth.

Conjugated linoleic acid (CLA)

Conjugated linoleic acid (CLA) is a powerhouse fatty acid found in dairy foods and grass-fed beef and lamb.  Most people aren’t eating grass-fed livestock, so their CLA levels are low.  CLA’s superpower is its ability to increase metabolic rate and decrease abdominal fat while boosting lean muscle growth and lowering cholesterol and triglyceride levels.  It’s great at getting rid of visceral fat, which lies between our muscles and organs, even when we don’t make many other diet or lifestyle changes.  

Gamma linoleic acid (GLA)

Gamma linoleic acid (GLA) is another essential fatty acid (EFA) that helps the body burn up fat and, by extension, lose weight.  GLA is a metabolism booster that helps activate brown fat, such as adipose tissue, to burn calories for energy.  It also suppresses appetite by increasing serotonin levels and making you feel fuller and less likely to overeat.  GLA’s bonus effect is its ability to keep your skin well toned and moisturized after you burn up all of that fat and lose weight.

I encourage you to begin incorporating these fat-burning foods and supplements into your health routine.

Which of these foods and supplements surprised you the most when you learned of their fat-burning properties?