11 Healthy Foods That Help You Burn Fat (2024)

Foods high in omega-3 fatty acids, protein, and certain antioxidants may help promote fat loss. Certain beverages, including coffee, also have metabolism-boosting properties.

Boosting your metabolic rate can help you lose body fat.

However, most “fat-burning” supplements on the market are either unsafe, ineffective, or both.

Fortunately, several natural foods and beverages have been shown to increase your metabolism and promote fat loss.

Here are 11 healthy foods that may help you burn fat.

1. Fatty fish

Salmon, herring, sardines, mackerel, and other fatty fish contain omega-3 fatty acids, which may help you lose body fat.

Fish is also an excellent source of high quality protein, which may lead to greater feelings of fullness and can help increase your metabolic rate.

Most organizations recommend consuming two servings (3 ounces (oz) each) of fatty fish per week to see the health benefits.

2. MCT oil

Medium-chain triglycerides (MCT) oil is made by extracting MCTs from palm oil. It’s a type of fat that’s metabolized differently than the long-chain fatty acids found in most foods.

Research suggests that MCTs may help increase metabolic rate, reduce hunger, and promote better retention of muscle mass during weight loss.

Studies suggest that replacing fat in your diet with 1.52 tablespoons (tbsp) of MCT oil per day can boost fat burning. Try to start with 1 teaspoon (tsp) and gradually increase to avoid digestive side effects.

3. Coffee

Coffee is one of the most popular beverages worldwide.

Coffee a great source of caffeine, which may help you burn fat. To get the fat-burning benefits of caffeine without the potential side effects, such as anxiousness or insomnia, aim for no more than 400 mg per day.

This is the amount found in about 4–5 cups of coffee, depending on its strength. Some people are more sensitive to caffeine’s effects and may need to limit their intake.

4. Eggs

Although egg yolks have traditionally been avoided due to their high cholesterol content, whole eggs may help with weight loss.

For one, they are very nutrient-dense and contain a lot of protein, which can help ward off hunger and overeating. For example, a 2017 study found that eating a high-protein diet reduced the subject’s hunger by 16% while increasing daily fullness by 25%.

One of the reasons eggs are so filling may also be due to the boost in calorie burning that occurs during protein digestion.

Eating up to three eggs a week can help you burn fat while keeping you full and satisfied. More than this amount has been associated with a higher chance of heart disease.

5. Green tea

In addition to providing a moderate amount of caffeine, green tea is an excellent source of epigallocatechin gallate (EGCG), an antioxidant that promotes fat burning and the loss of belly fat.

Though research suggests that drinking green tea may help improve your metabolism and lower your body fat, more research is necessary to support these claims.

That said, drinking about 2-3 cups of green tea daily may be optimal for providing the variety of health benefits.

6. Whey protein

Consuming whey protein may help you suppress appetite, especially because it stimulates the release of “fullness hormones,” such as PYY and GLP-1.

Moreover, whey appears to boost fat burning and promote weight loss. For this reason, a whey protein shake is a quick meal or snack option that promotes fat loss and may help improve your body composition.

7. Apple cider vinegar

Apple cider vinegar is an ancient folk remedy with evidence-based health benefits.

Animal research suggests that vinegar’s main component, acetic acid, may help increase fat burning and reduce belly fat storage in several animal studies. However, more human studies are needed to verify this.

Start with 1 tsp per day diluted in water and gradually work up to 1 tbsp per day to minimize potential digestive discomfort.

8. Chili peppers

Chili peppers contain powerful antioxidants. One of these is called capsaicin, and cosuming it may help you achieve and maintain a healthy weight by promoting fullness and preventing overeating.

Consider eating chili peppers or using powdered cayenne pepper to spice up your meals several times a week.

9. Oolong tea

Oolong tea is contains polyphenols, which are compounds associated with helping reduce things like blood sugar and and body weight.

Like other teas, it also contains caffeine, which helps promote weight and body fat loss.

Drinking a few cups of green tea, oolong tea, or a combination of the two on a regular basis may promote fat loss and provide other beneficial health effects.

That said, most research on oolong tea and weight loss is based on animals, so more human studies are needed.

10. Full-fat Greek yogurt

Full-fat Greek yogurt is extremely nutritious. First, it’s an excellent source of protein, potassium, and calcium.

Research also suggests that eating high protein dairy products can boost weight and fat loss.

Eating 2 servings of dairy such as Greek yogurt daily may provide a number of health benefits. But make sure to choose plain, full-fat Greek yogurt.

11. Olive oil

Olive oil is one of the healthiest fats on earth.

Most of olive oil is composed of oleic acid, which has been shown to have a positive effect on fat and body mass.

To incorporate olive oil into your daily diet, drizzle a couple of tablespoons on your salad or add it to cooked food.

What are some fat burning drinks?

Drinks that may help you lose fat include tea, coffee, certain protein shakes, and vegetable juices.

What foods help burn stomach fat?

Foods that may help losing belly fat include high-fiber foods like fruit and vegetables, high-protein foods like eggs or beans, and fatty fish. Probiotics may also help.

How do I lose 20 pounds (lb) in a month?

To lose weight, you need to create a calorie deficit. This means eating fewer calories, increasing exercise, or a combination of both.

That said, while it’s possible to lose 20 lb in a month, this isn’t sustainable and should only be attempted under the guidance of a doctor. It’s far healthier to gradually lose small amounts of weight over time.

The bottom line

Despite what certain supplement manufacturers may suggest, there isn’t a safe “magic pill” that can help you burn hundreds of extra calories per day.

However, a number of foods and beverages may modestly increase your metabolic rate in addition to providing other health benefits.

Including several of them in your daily diet may have effects that ultimately lead to fat loss and better overall health.

11 Healthy Foods That Help You Burn Fat (2024)

FAQs

11 Healthy Foods That Help You Burn Fat? ›

She said that artichokes and asparagus are the best vegetables to eat to reduce abdominal fat. This is because they are both rich in fiber and antioxidants, and they help maintain a healthy gut microbiome to support weight loss.

What foods flush out fat? ›

Fat-Fighting Foods
  • Greek Yogurt. 1/26. Greek yogurt has almost twice as much protein as other yogurts. ...
  • Quinoa. 2/26. Quinoa (pronounced keen-wa) is a nutritional all-star that belongs in your weight loss plan. ...
  • Cinnamon. 3/26. ...
  • Hot Peppers. 4/26. ...
  • Green Tea. 5/26. ...
  • Grapefruit. 6/26. ...
  • Watermelon. 7/26. ...
  • Pears and Apples. 8/26.
Mar 22, 2024

What drink burns belly fat? ›

  • Mar 29, 2023. Detox drinks and juices to lose belly fat. ...
  • Beetroot juice. Whole beets are low in calories and high in fibre, which can support regularity, slow stomach emptying, and prolong satiety to support weight management. ...
  • Carrot juice. ...
  • Celery juice. ...
  • Cinnamon water. ...
  • Fennel water. ...
  • Ginger water. ...
  • Green vegetable juice.
Mar 29, 2023

What are the 5 foods that burn belly fat? ›

Five foods that may help burn belly fat include:
  • foods with soluble fiber like fruits, vegetables, and legumes.
  • foods with protein like meat, fish, eggs, and dairy.
  • fatty fish like tuna and salmon.
  • foods with probiotics like yogurt, kefir, sauerkraut, and kimchi.
  • green tea.

How to remove belly fat? ›

8 Ways to Lose Belly Fat and Live a Healthier Life
  1. Try curbing carbs instead of fats. ...
  2. Think eating plan, not diet. ...
  3. Keep moving. ...
  4. Lift weights. ...
  5. Become a label reader. ...
  6. Move away from processed foods. ...
  7. Focus on the way your clothes fit more than reading a scale. ...
  8. Hang out with health-focused friends.

What are the two vegetables that destroy stomach fat? ›

She said that artichokes and asparagus are the best vegetables to eat to reduce abdominal fat. This is because they are both rich in fiber and antioxidants, and they help maintain a healthy gut microbiome to support weight loss.

What are the 5 super foods for weight loss? ›

The following are the top five superfoods supported by science for weight loss:
  • Green tea. Green tea is known to be extra powerful as it contains catechins – antioxidants that can hinder fat storage around the belly and aid quicker weight loss. ...
  • Nuts. ...
  • Legumes. ...
  • Grapefruit. ...
  • Potatoes.

What food burns fat at night? ›

12 Best Foods to Eat at Night for Weight Loss
  • Protein Shake. The best bedtime snacks are filling but not too heavy. ...
  • Turkey. Ever feel especially tired after a big Thanksgiving feast? ...
  • Banana & Almond Butter. ...
  • Nuts & Seeds. ...
  • Yogurt or Cottage Cheese & Fruit. ...
  • A Bowl of Oatmeal. ...
  • Egg Wraps. ...
  • Popcorn.
Apr 18, 2024

What burns the most belly fat? ›

Aerobic exercise includes any activity that raises your heart rate such as walking, dancing, running or swimming. This can also include doing housework, gardening and playing with your children. Other types of exercise such as strength training, Pilates and yoga can also help you lose belly fat.

What is the no. 1 weight loss drink? ›

When choosing a better beverage, our No. 1 drink pick for weight loss is green tea. Although all teas offer potential health benefits, here is why green tea wins out.

How can I reduce my tummy in 7 days? ›

Additionally, check out these tips for how to burn belly fat in less than a week.
  1. Include aerobic exercises in your daily routine. ...
  2. Reduce refined carbs. ...
  3. Add fatty fish to your diet. ...
  4. Start the day with a high protein breakfast. ...
  5. Drink enough water. ...
  6. Reduce your salt intake. ...
  7. Consume soluble fiber.
Jun 3, 2019

What to drink first thing in the morning to lose belly fat? ›

The warm water can also help to flush out toxins from your body, promoting overall health.
  • Green Tea. Green tea holds numerous health benefits and the common of all is weight loss. ...
  • Ajwain Water. Ajwain seeds, also called carom seeds, help in boosting metabolism. ...
  • Cucumber Juice. ...
  • Cinnamon Water. ...
  • Aloe Vera Juice.
Apr 7, 2024

Does lemon water burn fat? ›

Lemon water can promote fullness, support hydration, boost metabolism and increase weight loss. However, lemon water is no better than regular water when it comes to losing fat. That being said, it is tasty, easy to make and can be used as a low-calorie replacement for higher-calorie beverages.

What food not to eat to lose weight? ›

Generally, it's a good idea to limit deep-fried foods, baked sweets, ultra-processed foods, sugary drinks, refined grains, processed meats, artificial sweeteners, alcoholic drinks, and candy.

What are the 5 worst foods for belly fat? ›

Worst Foods for Your Belly
  • Doughnuts. 1/21. Can't resist fresh doughnuts? ...
  • Ice Cream. 2/21. You do get some calcium from ice cream. ...
  • Chips. 3/21. A serving of 15 chips has 160 calories. ...
  • Bacontini. 4/21. This co*cktail is as fatty as it is trendy. ...
  • Beer. 5/21. ...
  • Hot Dogs. 6/21. ...
  • Fatty Red Meat. 7/21. ...
  • Meat-Topped Pizza. 8/21.
Apr 24, 2022

How to flush out fat from body? ›

How can I reduce visceral fat?
  1. being physically active for at least 30 minutes most days.
  2. eating a healthy diet.
  3. not smoking.
  4. avoiding or reducing your consumption of sugary drinks.
  5. getting enough sleep.

What burns fat the fastest? ›

Here are 14 of the best ways to burn fat quickly and promote weight loss.
  • FILL UP ON FIBER. ...
  • CUT DOWN ON REFINED CARBS. ...
  • INCREASE YOUR CARDIO. ...
  • DRINK COFFEE. ...
  • TRY HIGH-INTENSITY INTERVAL TRAINING (HIIT) ...
  • ADD PROBIOTICS TO YOUR DIET. ...
  • INCREASE YOUR IRON INTAKE. ...
  • GIVE INTERMITTENT FASTING A SHOT.

What is the fastest way to get rid of body fat? ›

Methods of weight loss that scientific research supports include the following:
  1. Trying intermittent fasting. ...
  2. Tracking your diet and exercise. ...
  3. Eating mindfully. ...
  4. Eating protein with meals. ...
  5. Cutting back on sugar and refined carbohydrates. ...
  6. Eating plenty of fiber. ...
  7. Balancing gut bacteria. ...
  8. Getting a good night's sleep.

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