When it comes to weight loss programs, nothing is more important to your success than your diet! You can slave away at the weights and on the treadmill, but failure to eat the right foods will always hold you back. So what should you eat? There are tons of different diet programs out there, but some foods should be included in any nutritious meal plan. Here are the top seven foods for fat loss.
1. Grass-Fed Beef
Cows that have been pasture-raised and fed their natural diet of grass produce some of the healthiest meat available. Some people like grass-fed beef because it's leaner, but it's the fat that really contains the good stuff. Compared to grain fed beef, it's higher in Omega-3 fatty acids, as well as conjugated linoleic acid – a special fat that can you drop excess weight.
2. Broccoli
Eating broccoli is a delicious way to fill up without consuming extra calories. It has also been shown to lower estrogen and raise testosterone in men, creating the ideal hormonal balance for a lean physique. If you're not a fan of broccoli, any fibrous green vegetable is just as good.
3. Eggs
You'll need plenty of protein in your fat loss diet, and there's no cheaper way to get it than eggs. Don't go throwing out your yolks, either. Studies have actually shown no correlation between egg consumption and elevated blood cholesterol. Plus, the yolks have all of the vitamins, minerals, and flavor!
4. Salmon
Fatty fish like salmon are great sources of protein and Omega-3 fatty acids. If you can't afford to eat the fresh stuff, go for the cans. Since canned salmon is usually wild-caught, it may even be better for you than the farm-raised stuff sold behind the fish counter.
5. Berries
Berries are some of the most potent sources of antioxidants you can get. They're also rich in fiber and lower in sugar than most other fruits, so they won't cause your blood sugar to spike. Fresh berries can be expensive, even in season, but the frozen bags are just fine when you're on a budget.
6. Coconut Oil
Coconut oil is almost nothing but saturated fat, but don't let that fool you into think it's unhealthy! Its specific fatty acids are actually rapidly absorbed by the body, giving you an instant source of energy. In fact, recent studies suggest that eating coconut oil can actually signal your body to burn its excess fat.
7. Coffee
While technically not a food, coffee is a potent fat-loss stimulator. Besides, if you live in America, chances are you're already hooked on the stuff! While any form of caffeine can help your body to burn fat, coffee also contains certain compounds which can improve your body's insulin sensitivity. Insulin is the hormone which regulates fat storage, and proper management is one of the keys to successful weight loss programs.
