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

What are 10 foods that burn fat? ›

What foods help burn fat?
  • Nuts.
  • Oily fish.
  • Yogurt.
  • Split peas.
  • Eggs.
  • Chili peppers.
  • Coconut oil.
  • Adding fat-burning foods to the diet.

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 are the top 5 fat burning foods? ›

12 Metabolism-Boosting Foods to Aid Weight Loss
  1. Fish & Shellfish. Metabolism-Boosting Powers: Fish (salmon, tuna, sardines and mackerel) are rich in omega-3 fatty acids and protein. ...
  2. Legumes (Also known as beans) ...
  3. Chili Peppers. ...
  4. Lean Meats. ...
  5. Low-Fat Milk. ...
  6. Broccoli. ...
  7. Lentils. ...
  8. Oatmeal.

What drink burns belly fat? ›

Here are five drinks that, when combined with a healthy diet and regular exercise, may help you achieve your goal of losing belly fat:
  • Cucumber and mint infused water. ...
  • Ginger tea. ...
  • Green tea. ...
  • Lemon water. ...
  • Apple cider vinegar (ACV) drink.
Apr 4, 2024

What foods burn belly fat? ›

Following a low-carb diet also means consuming more protein. Studies indicate that a diet rich in high-protein foods, such as eggs, fish, seafood, legumes, nuts, meat, and dairy results in overall less abdominal fat, more satiety, and an increased metabolic function.

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.

How do I lose fat ASAP? ›

Here's how to whittle down where it matters most.
  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 food burns fat at night? ›

Best Foods to Eat Before Bed for Weight Loss
  • Whey Protein Shake. First and foremost, protein is important for weight loss, whey protein included! ...
  • A Warm Bowl of Oatmeal. ...
  • Greek Yogurt with Berries or Cherries. ...
  • Half a Turkey Sandwich. ...
  • Egg Wrap. ...
  • Smoked Salmon Bagel. ...
  • Cottage Cheese and Fruit. ...
  • Peanut and Nut Butters.
Aug 29, 2023

What is the #1 way to burn fat? ›

Running, walking, cycling, and swimming are just a few examples of cardio workouts. Studies show that the more aerobic exercise people get, the more body fat they tend to lose. Cardio may also help reduce waist circumference and increase muscle mass.

How to reduce belly fat in 7 days? ›

  1. Eat plenty of soluble fiber. ...
  2. Avoid foods that contain trans fats. ...
  3. Moderate your alcohol intake. ...
  4. Eat a high protein diet. ...
  5. Reduce your stress levels. ...
  6. Don't eat a lot of sugary foods. ...
  7. Do aerobic exercise (cardio) ...
  8. Cut back on carbs — especially refined carbs.

What are the big 3 for fat loss? ›

The 'Big 3' lifts refer to the barbell Squat, Bench Press, and Deadlift. This workout will show you how to practice and get proficient with them quickly.

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.

What should I drink first thing in the morning to lose weight? ›

5 Morning Drinks that May Help You Lose Weight
  • Warm lemon water. Drinking lukewarm lemon water in morning helps with digestion, boosts metabolism and promotes weight loss. ...
  • Green tea. ...
  • Cumin seeds water. ...
  • Herbal detox tea. ...
  • Apple cider vinegar drink.
Oct 20, 2023

How to lose belly fat in 2 weeks? ›

BEAT BELLY FAT
  1. Eat more fiber. Foods that are high in refined carbs and sugar don't actually tame your hunger, so you end up reaching for more. ...
  2. Walk every day. If you don't have an established exercise routine, “walking is a pretty good entry point for people,” says Gagliardi. ...
  3. Begin strength training.
Oct 24, 2023

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.

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