5 Calorie-Burning Foods You Should Try To Lose 5 Pounds Fast: Beans, Eggs, And More

1. Beans

Beans like black, kidney, lima, and pinto are all fantastic food choices for weight loss because they are both low in calories and high in fiber and protein to boost your metabolism. "The high fiber content of beans helps promote feelings of fullness, reducing the overall calorie intake. Moreover, the body requires more energy to digest fiber-rich foods, resulting in increased calorie burning," Sabat says. Plus, beans are considered low on the glycemic index. That means they don't have a big impact on blood sugar levels, which can help you regulate your appetite and prevent overeating in the future.

2. Eggs

Another excellent calorie-burning food for weight loss is eggs. This is because of their high protein content. Sabat tells us, "Protein is a macronutrient that requires more energy to digest compared to fats or carbohydrates. As a result, the body burns more calories during the digestion process, known as the thermic effect of food." Eggs are also nutrient-dense and can help satiate cravings, making it easier to control calorie intake. And, there are so many ways to make them: fried, scrambled, sunny side up, and so much more! If you're wondering about the healthiest way to cook your eggs, we asked the experts.

3. Leafy Green Vegetables

Leafy greens such as spinach, kale, and Swiss chard are high in nutrients and low in calories. "They are also rich in fiber, which aids in digestion and helps promote feelings of fullness. These vegetables are considered 'negative calorie' foods, meaning the body burns more calories digesting them than they provide," Sabat explains. Plus, leafy greens are packed with vitamins, minerals, and antioxidants, supporting overall health during weight loss. For a refreshing beverage, you can blend dark leafy green vegetables like spinach into a smoothie or green juice!

4. Lean Proteins

"Lean protein sources like chicken breast, turkey, and fish are excellent choices for weight loss. As mentioned earlier, protein requires more energy to digest, which boosts the metabolism and increases calorie burning," Sabat points out. Likewise, including lean proteins in the diet also helps preserve muscle mass, which is important for maintaining a healthy metabolism. And, if you don't like meat or are vegetarian, experts also recommend Greek yogurt as a lean protein for weight loss.

5. Chili Peppers

Who doesn't love spicy foods? Spicy foods that contain chili peppers, like cayenne or jalapeño peppers, can help boost metabolism and increase calorie burning because of the compounds found in the peppers. "Capsaicin, the compound responsible for the heat in chili peppers, has been shown to have thermogenic properties, temporarily increasing the body's metabolic rate," Sabat says. This can contribute to additional calorie burning. Surprisingly, experts say that hot peppers can help relieve inflammation and chronic pain.

The Bottom Line

So, with the help of calorie-burning foods, staying hydrated, sleeping enough, and getting plenty of exercise through strength training and HIIT, you can boost your metabolism, promote weight loss, and ultimately transform your body. And when it comes to the best options out there, eggs, beans, leafy green vegetables, lean proteins, and chili peppers are all tasty and healthy choices.