Thermogenic Foods for Fat Burning

When it comes to “thermogenic” foods, people often put the cart before the horse, focusing on supplements and exotic herbs before establishing a healthy fundamental diet. Though it is shown that supplements and foods like cayenne, guarana and chili pepper can help speed the metabolism, it is recommended to master your nutritional fundamentals prior to learning these details. Working on the details, while skipping meals and not maintaining a regular workout schedule will not get the results you want.

“Thermogenic” foods are foods which cause the body to use energy to digest them. Though all foods could technically be labeled this way, there are many foods which work more efficiently with your body in this manner. Lean proteins are the best types of thermogenic foods.

Examples of Great Lean ProteinsChicken Breast
Turkey Breast
Lean Sirloin
Salmon
Tuna
Shrimp
Egg Whites
Tofu
Whey Protein

Although whey protein is best and most easily consumed in the form of a protein shake, it is very important not to lose focus on the goal to maintain a healthy diet of real, whole foods.

Bodybuilders have been combining the thermogenic effects of lean proteins with the right balance of essential fats, fiberous green vegetables and some starchy carbs and whole grains to speed their metabolism to lose fat and gain muscle for years. However, these techniques are not just for bodybuilders. Anyone can use these basic ideas to meet their fat-burning goals.

Diets which starve the body of necessary nutrients may show short term effects, but can be more harmful in the long run. For example, completely eliminating carbs from your diet can deteriorate muscle. Instead, try a healthier approach of limiting intake of carbs to a minimum for two to three days and increasing on the following day. That will help reduce the amount of carbs you are eating to induce fat burning, but still provide your body with the essentials it needs to build or keep your muscle tone.

For example, when planning a meal, select a green vegetable such as broccoli, green beans or salad vegetables and combine them with one of your lean proteins. On the days that you need the most energy for your workout – such as weight training or functional training day, as opposed to cardio-only day – combine these meals with a beneficial carb, such as brown rice, wheat pasta or sweet potatoes to the degree that your body needs and can use up the energy and calories.

The two basic rules to carb consumption are:

Always eat beneficial, wholesome carbs: Low-glycemic index carbs such as oatmeal and wheat products are always a good choice. Make sure that your foods are natural not overly processed with added flavors or colorings.

Eat your carbs early in the day: Try to keep your carb consumption to your earlier meals, rather than at night. A post-weight training carb can also be beneficial.

Follow some of these basic rules and combine them with a proper exercise plan. You will notice the effect of reduced body fat without losing valuable muscle tone.

For information on fitness and nutrition, go to www.bootcamp619.com.