The mere mention of the word fat is enough a cause to send shivers down the spine of most women. Fat according to the Oxford advanced learners dictionary refers to a natural oily substance occurring in animal bodies, especially when deposited as a layer under the skin or around certain organs. The body requires fat as a major energy source. If fat is the supplier of the energy required by the body, why are most people obsessed with lowering its content in the body? This is solely because of its high caloric content thus justifying the fact that there is a direct relationship between the amount of fat consumed and the chances of getting obese.

In order to curb the extremities of the effect of fat, most people opt to burn them. Burning them yes, but how? Most people opt for the gym as the first choice in their quest to burn the fat. This however is not a good method because of the inconsistency of our daily schedules and in turn leads to a number of absconded sessions whose effect is more harmful. It is in this aspect that fat burning foods come into play.

Most people tend to forget that diet is an important element of life. A person may miss gym sessions but can he miss food for even two consecutive days? Definitely no! Here is where fat burning foods aid since they are easy to use. These foods are divided into three major categories: fruits, vegetables and spices, and dairy products. Not all foods belonging to these categories are fat burning. However, these foods must have fat burning properties, be readily available, easy to prepare, versatile and enjoyable be incorporated into one’s diet with ease.

Fruits

These fruits are rich in or contain vitamin C to stimulate carnitine amino acids which in turn accelerate the body’s capacity to burn stored fat. Vitamin C dilutes fats thereby rendering them less effective as well as assisting in flushing the fats out of the body. Citrus fruits dominate this category ranging from lemons, grapefruit, guavas, papaya, oranges, limes, tomatoes and tangerines to watermelons, apples and blueberries.

Vegetables and spices

Chilies contain capsaicin, a thermogenic food known for fast-tracking the metabolism process. Others include: cabbages which inhibit the conversion process of sugar and carbohydrates into fat thereby facilitating weight loss; garlic and onions which minimizes cholesterol and unhealthy fats through a sulfur compound with anti-bacterial properties; curry leaves which reduces fat and toxin deposits in the body by flushing them out; cardamom which functions like chilies; broccoli which is a zero fat vegetable high in fiber as well as green tea and asparagus that is high in antioxidants but low on calories. Other vegetables and spices include spinach, Brussels sprouts, mustard greens and spinach.

Dairy products

These products are rich in the mineral calcium which is essential in the burning of body fats. The use of dairy products like milk, cheese and yoghurt is more result oriented compared to calcium supplements as proved by various case studies. Other dairy based products used include: coconut milk necessary in the breakdown of unwanted body fats; and almond butter and milk.

Other fat burning foods are cereals such as brown rice and whole grain bread among others. Animal meat particularly lean chicken and fish meat (specifically trout, tuna and salmon) are also efficient.

In conclusion, fat burning foods forms the easiest and cheapest method of burning fat with regards to time and energy consumption.