The idea of eating whatever you want while also burning fat at the same time sounds too good to be true. We’ve always been told that we can’t eat too much of something because it will cause weight gain and potential health risks. However, there are indeed good foods in this world that you can eat as much of and not worry too hard about gaining extra pounds.
Of course, moderation is still important, and each individual has different levels of health, so we talked to Mahmoud Abdelaziz, a pharmacist and health expert at PharmacistMo.com, to learn more about fat-burning foods you can eat as much as you want without worrying about gaining additional weight. Abdelaziz tells us that leafy greens, lean protein sources, and whole grains are the three foods you can eat a lot of without gaining more pounds. Continue reading for more insight from our health expert.
Leafy Greens
Abdelaziz says one of the three foods you can eat a lot of while still burning fat is leafy greens. "Leafy greens such as spinach, kale, Swiss chard, and lettuce are low in calories and high in fiber. They provide essential nutrients and are rich in antioxidants, which support overall health. The high fiber content promotes satiety, reducing the likelihood of overeating," he says. Leafy greens are known to be packed with important vitamins, can boost our immune system, and, of course, help us maintain a healthy weight.
Lean Protein Sources
Another good food option that allows us to eat to our hearts content without feeling guilty is lean protein. Just like leafy greens, there are various options we can choose from. "Foods like chicken breast, turkey, fish, tofu, legumes (beans, lentils), and low-fat dairy products are excellent sources of lean protein. Protein requires more energy to digest, increasing the thermic effect of food and boosting metabolism," Abdelaziz states.
Another great thing about proteins is how well they keep us feeling full for longer without the need to snack until our next meal.
Whole Grains
Compared to refined grains, whole grains offer much more nutrients and benefits for weight loss, regardless of how often we eat them. Abdelaziz says, "Whole grains such as quinoa, brown rice, oats, and whole wheat bread contain fiber, vitamins, and minerals. These complex carbohydrates are digested more slowly, providing a steady release of energy and helping to regulate blood sugar levels. This prevents spikes in insulin and reduces the likelihood of fat storage." Good to know!
Whole grains are an excellent choice of carbohydrates that complement proteins and leafy greens for a well-balanced meal.
Benefits Of These Three Foods
Abdelaziz goes further and breaks down the reasons as to why these leafy greens, lean proteins, and whole grains are effective for burning fat and preventing weight gain. He says, "Leafy greens and whole grains are rich in fiber, which aids in digestion and promotes feelings of fullness. This reduces the overall calorie intake and prevents overeating, ultimately leading to weight loss. Lean protein sources require more energy to digest, which increases the body's metabolic rate. This thermic effect of food contributes to burning more calories during digestion and assists in weight management. Foods like leafy greens, lean proteins, and whole grains are nutrient-dense, meaning they provide a substantial amount of essential vitamins, minerals, and antioxidants while being relatively low in calories. This combination supports overall health and helps prevent nutrient deficiencies during weight loss."
Overall, these foods will offer you a high fiber content, assist in digestion and weight management, and keep you feeling full while making up for any nutrient deficiencies.
Tips On Cooking And Preparation
Finally, Abdelaziz gives us some of his suggestions on how you can cook and prepare these three foods while maximizing their fat-burning effects. For leafy greens, he recommends, "Enjoy them raw in salads, blend them into smoothies, or lightly sauté them with minimal oil to preserve their nutrients and natural flavors." As for lean proteins, he says, "Opt for grilling, baking, steaming, or broiling methods instead of deep-frying. Avoid adding excessive fats or high-calorie sauces when preparing these proteins." Lastly, for whole grains, he says, "Cook them with minimal salt and added fats. Incorporate whole grains into dishes like salads, stir-fries, or as a side dish to increase their nutritional value."
The great thing about these three foods is how well they complement each other if eaten together, so be sure to try these recommendations and eat them as much as you want while also burning fat.
