Losing those pesky and unwanted kilos after a big holiday of eating and drinking is probably high on your New Year’s resolution list.
But even though you have some idea of what you should be eating, mixing the right foods together and balancing everything on the food pyramid can be stressful and overwhelming.
Unfortunately, no food will magically make you lose weight – but if you know the best for fat-burning, you may just be one step ahead of the game!
In fact, some foods can keep your cravings at bay, while others boost your metabolism – making it work faster and harder.
Foods that are high in fibre, protein, and healthy fats break down faster than sugar (no surprises here) – so it’s best to drop the doughnut and pick up something nutritious instead!
OK! have come up with 15 of the best fat-burning foods and you’ll want to pop these on your shopping list ASAP!
Chillies
Chillies
That burst of heat you feel after eating a spicy curry is all down to capsaicin – a component of chilli that has metabolism-boosting properties. (Source: Getty)
Green Tea
Green Tea
Green tea contains almost no calories and is also high in catechins, which may assist weight loss. No wonder it’s a hit with celebrities like Jennifer Aniston, who drinks green tea ‘throughout the day’. (Source: Getty)
Yoghurt
Yoghurt
A recent US study found that eating yoghurt before a meal may be a ‘feasible strategy to improve post-meal metabolism’. (Source: Getty)
Protein
Whey Protein
Adding a (Kar)dash of whey protein to your next smoothie may influence the release of the hormone cholecystokinin, which reduces appetite and increases feelings of satiety after a meal. (Source: Instagram)
Olive Oil
Olive oil
Olive oil contains aromatic compounds, which may slow the absorption of glucose into the bloodstream – preventing the kind of sugar crashes that often lead to increased snacking! (Source: Getty)
Lola Berry on how to live healthier
Nut butter
Nut Butter
While peanut butter is relatively high in calories, it also contains protein, fibre and healthy fats – and studies have found it may play a role in boosting your metabolic rate.
Fish
Fish
While all kinds of fish are great for weight loss, tuna and salmon are high in omega-3 fatty acids, which may switch off belly fat genes. What’s not to love? (Source: Instagram)
Turmeric
Turmeric
Studies suggest turmeric may aid weight loss by blocking fat cells from forming and expanding, while also making your cells better at energy metabolism. (Source: Getty)
Quinoa
Quinoa
Quinoa is packed with nutrients and has a low GI – meaning slower rises in blood sugar and increased feelings of fullness after a meal.(Source: Getty)
Grapefruit
Grapefruit
Studies have found that simply sniffing grapefruit can curb your appetite, while compounds in the fruit may also help your body burn calories more effectively. (Source: Getty)
Raspberries
Raspberries
Raspberries, which are low in calories and packed with vitamin C, get their signature scent from ketones – chemical compounds which may potentially help with the breakdown of fat. (Source: Getty)
leafy greens
Leafy Greens
Vegies like spinach, broccoli and brussels sprout are high in phytochemicals, which are linked to numerous health benefits including weight loss. (Source: Getty)
avocado
Avocado
The monounsaturated and oleic fatty acids in avocado oil may help to reduce abdominal fat. (Source: Getty)
eggs
Eggs
Eating a diet full of high-protein foods like eggs may help you burn an extra 80 to 100 calories a day. No wonder egg-white omelettes are a celebrity staple! (Source: Getty)
milk
Milk
One CSIRO study found that dieters who consumed dairy food or supplements lost an extra 1.5kg of fat mass compared to participants who did not. (Source: Getty)