The Pros of Protein
Foods that are high in protein can help your body burn calories. That's because protein takes more energy to digest than fat. So the more protein you eat, the more calories and fat you burn. Snack on high-protein foods like lean turkey slices, seafood, low-fat or fat-free cheese, and foods made from soy protein (like faux chicken strips and veggie patties).
Fat-Attacking Citrus Fruit
Experts say keeping blood sugar steady (avoiding spikes and dips) is key for fighting off fat-storing hormones and revving up the fat-burning ones. And studies have shown that vitamin C boosts your fat-burning ability as well. That makes insulin-blocking grapefruit, which is high in vitamin C, an ideal food for banishing fat. If snacking on grapefruit straight doesn't do it for you, try sprinkling some no-calorie sweetener like Splenda on it. Or toss a few pieces of the stuff into your salad for a tropical twist.
Whole Grain Heros
A recent Penn State study found that whole grain eaters were able to blast more belly fat than those who didn't chomp on whole grains! Get a whole grain fix with pretty much anything from the folks at Kashi or with some Quaker oatmeal. You might be surprised to know that even Quaker's instant oatmeal is made from whole grain oats. And check out Quaker Simple Harvest Instant Multigrain Hot Cereal in Apples with Cinnamon (1 packet = 150 calories, 1.5g fat, 4g fiber -- POINTS® value 2*). Packed with THREE types of whole grains and lots of flavor, it's a tasty way to burn fat any time of day.
Dairy Does It!
Research shows that people who regularly consume low-fat or fat-free dairy lose way more weight than those who don't. Experts say it's the combination of protein and calcium that makes it a fat-burning phenomenon.