5 Best Fat Fighting Foods:

Dear Margaret,

     Your "healthy summer gratin" looks amazing.. I'll have to order that cookbook stat!

     So, I want to share with you some valuable info I found from this Cooking Light article about top fat fighting foods (adding my two cents and additional research, of course:) Research shows that some foods make you feel full longer and raise the body's metabolism so you burn more calories though out the day. Here are the top 5 fat fighting foods and a little bit about them:

1.) Berries:

-Fiber rich and low calorie

-The most antioxidant rich foods you can eat

-Increase the production of hormone (adiponectin) that stimulates fat burning

*Bonus* The antioxidants in blueberries protect you from premature aging

-Tip: Buy organic whenever you can. Frozen is just as beneficial as fresh. So good over Noosa honey yogurt!

2.) Eggs:

-Help combat cravings and control hunger all day long (very important to eat a protein rich breakfast)

-6 grams of protein per large egg plus healthy fats

-only food naturally containing important nutrient Vitamin D

*Bonus* Promotes healthy hair and nails due to the high sulphur content

-Tip: Make a batch of hard boiled eggs at the beginning of the week so can take with you on the go. I like to have mine in the morning mashed up with a little butter, salt, and pepper and serve with my favorite gluten free millet bread.

3.) Greek Yogurt:

-2X as much protein and 1/2 the sugar as regular yogurt

-Contains priobiotics for digestive health and the much needed Calcium

*Bonus* Helps you lose total body weight when eaten regularly, but especially belly fat!

-Tip: I prefer Fage brand 2% and 0%. Can be served with fruit and cereal at breakfast, with salad at lunch, a yogurt smoothie as a snack, added to salad dressing at dinner, with honey and fruit for dessert.. the options are endless:)

4.) Green and Oolong Tea:

-Caffeine and catechins rev metabolism and boost fat burning

-Calorie free and antioxidant rich

-Been proven to help fight cancer, aid in depression, and relax the body/mind

*Bonus* Shown to help with wrinkles and signs of aging!

-Tip: try to drink either green or oolong tea throughout the day, iced or hot. Great with lemon and mint or with a splash of cream/almond milk/(any milk or substitute of choice).

5.) In-shell Pistachios:

-6 grams of protein per ounce, plus healthy fats to keep you satiated

-Study shows that eating in-shell pistachios resulted in eating 41% less calories compared to those who ate shelled nuts (shells trick the brain into thinking you've eaten more than actually have)

*Bonus* Contain vitamin E, which aids in healthy and beautiful skin!

-Tip: I buy the snack packs in bulk from Costco, Sams Club or Amazon.com from Wonderful brand.. that way they are already portioned out for me and I can take them anywhere! Great for a pre or  post workout snack with a piece of fruit.

xoxo,

Kara