Keto Means
Photo: Artem Podrez
11 Healthy Foods That Help You Burn Fat Fatty fish. MCT oil. Coffee. Green tea. Whey. Apple cider vinegar. Chili peppers. Oolong tea. More items...
It typically takes 2–4 days to enter ketosis if you eat fewer than 50 grams of carbs per day. However, some people may take longer depending on...
Read More »
Here are the 6 best sweeteners for a low-carb keto diet — plus 6 you should avoid. Stevia. Stevia is a natural sweetener derived from the Stevia...
Read More »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 help you burn fat. 2. MCT Oil Medium-chain triglycerides (MCT) oil is made by extracting MCTs from palm oil. It is available online and at natural grocery stores. MCTs are a type of fat that’s metabolized differently than the long-chain fatty acids found in most foods. Due to their shorter length, MCTs are rapidly absorbed by the body and go straight to the liver, where they can be used immediately for energy or converted into ketones for use as an alternative fuel source. MCTs have been shown to increase metabolic rate in several studies ( 7 , 8 ). One study in eight healthy men found adding 1–2 tablespoons (15–30 grams) of MCTs per day to the men’s usual diets increased their metabolic rate by 5% over a 24-hour period, meaning they burned an average of 120 extra calories per day ( 9 ). In addition, MCTs may reduce hunger and promote better retention of muscle mass during weight loss ( 10 , 11 , 12 , 13 ). Replacing some of the fat in your diet with 2 tablespoons of MCT oil per day may optimize fat burning. However, it’s best to start with 1 teaspoon daily and gradually increase the dosage to minimize potential digestive side effects like cramping, nausea, and diarrhea. MCTs are high in calories and usually only make up about 5–10% of your total calorie intake. If you’re trying to maintain or lose weight, you should consume MCT oil as part of your total amount of fat intake and not as an additional amount of fat. Summary: MCTs are rapidly absorbed for immediate use as an energy source. MCT oil may increase fat burning, decrease hunger, and protect muscle mass during weight loss. 3. Coffee Coffee is one of the most popular beverages worldwide. It’s a great source of caffeine, which can enhance mood and improve mental and physical performance ( 14 ). Moreover, it can help you burn fat. In a small study including nine people, those who took caffeine an hour before exercise burned nearly twice as much fat and were able to exercise 17% longer than the non-caffeine group ( 15 ). Research has shown that caffeine increases metabolic rate by an impressive 3–13%, depending on the amount consumed and individual response (16, 17 , 18 , 19 ). In one study, people took 100 mg of caffeine every two hours for 12 hours. Lean adults burned an average of 150 extra calories and formerly obese adults burned 79 extra calories during the study time period ( 20 ). 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 ( 21 ). Summary: Coffee contains caffeine, which has been shown to improve mental and physical performance, in addition to boosting metabolism. 4. Eggs Eggs are a nutritional powerhouse. Although egg yolks used to be avoided due to their high cholesterol content, whole eggs have actually been linked with a reduced risk of heart disease in some studies ( 22 , 23 , 24 , 25 , 26 ). Additionally, eggs may help with weight loss. Studies have shown that egg-based breakfasts reduce hunger and promote feelings of fullness for several hours in overweight and obese individuals ( 27 , 28 ). In a controlled 8-week study in 21 men who ate 1,000 calories less than usual per day, those who ate three eggs for breakfast had a 16% greater reduction in body fat, compared to the group who ate a bagel breakfast ( 29 ). Eggs are also a great source of high quality protein, which increases metabolic rate by about 20–35% for several hours after eating, based on several studies ( 5 ). One of the reasons eggs are so filling may be due to the boost in calorie burning that occurs during protein digestion ( 30 ). Eating three eggs several times a week can help you burn fat while keeping you full and satisfied. Summary: Eggs are a high protein food that may help reduce hunger, increase fullness, boost fat burning, and protect heart health. 5. Green Tea Green tea is an excellent beverage choice for good health. Studies suggest that it may help reduce heart disease risk and protect against certain types of cancer ( 31 , 32 , 33 , 34 ). 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 ( 35 , 36, 37, 38 ). In a study of 12 healthy men, fat burning during bicycling increased by 17% in those who took green tea extract, compared to those who took a placebo ( 39 ). On the other hand, some studies have found that green tea or green tea extract has little to no effect on metabolism or weight loss ( 40 , 41 ). Given the difference in study outcomes, green tea’s effects likely vary from person to person and may also depend on the amount consumed. Drinking up to 4 cups of green tea daily may provide a number of health benefits, including potentially increasing the number of calories you burn. Summary: Green tea contains caffeine and EGCG, both of which may boost metabolism, promote weight loss, protect heart health, and reduce the risk of cancer.
Popular keto-friendly wines include Chianti, Tempranillo, Cabernet Sauvignon, Pinot Noir, Shiraz and Merlot. Feb 28, 2022
Read More »
If that happens to you it might be because you didn't let the keto pancake cook long enough before flipping. The trick to making sure the pancakes...
Read More »6. Whey Protein Whey protein is pretty impressive. It’s been shown to promote muscle growth when combined with exercise and may help preserve muscle during weight loss ( 42 , 43 ). In addition, whey protein seems to be even more effective at suppressing appetite than other protein sources. This is because it stimulates the release of “fullness hormones,” such as PYY and GLP-1, to a greater extent ( 44 , 45 ). One study had 22 men consume different protein drinks on four separate days. They experienced significantly lower hunger levels and ate fewer calories at the next meal after drinking the whey protein drink, compared to the other protein drinks ( 46 ). Moreover, whey appears to boost fat burning and promote weight loss in lean people and those who are overweight or obese ( 47 ). In one study of 23 healthy adults, a whey protein meal was found to increase metabolic rate and fat burning more than casein or soy protein meals ( 48 ). A whey protein shake is a quick meal or snack option that promotes fat loss and may help improve your body composition. Summary: Whey protein appears to increase muscle growth, reduce appetite, increase fullness and boost metabolism more effectively than other protein sources. 7. Apple Cider Vinegar Apple cider vinegar is an ancient folk remedy with evidence-based health benefits. It’s been credited with reducing appetite and lowering blood sugar and insulin levels in people with diabetes ( 49 , 50 ). What’s more, vinegar’s main component, acetic acid, has been found to increase fat burning and reduce belly fat storage in several animal studies ( 51 , 52 , 53 ). Although there isn’t much research on vinegar’s effect on fat loss in humans, the results from one study are pretty encouraging. In this study, 144 obese men who added 2 tablespoons of vinegar to their usual diets every day for 12 weeks lost 3.7 pounds (1.7 kilograms) and experienced a 0.9% reduction in body fat ( 54 ). Including apple cider vinegar in your diet may help you lose body fat. Start with 1 teaspoon per day diluted in water and gradually work up to 1–2 tablespoons per day to minimize potential digestive discomfort. Summary: Apple cider vinegar may help suppress appetite, promote loss of belly fat, and reduce blood sugar and insulin levels. 8. Chili Peppers Chili peppers do more than add heat to your food. Their powerful antioxidants may reduce inflammation and help protect your cells from damage ( 55 ). In addition, research suggests that one antioxidant in chili peppers called capsaicin may help you achieve and maintain a healthy weight. It does this by promoting fullness and preventing overeating ( 56 ). What’s more, this compound may also help you burn more calories and lose body fat ( 57 , 58 ). In a study of 19 healthy adults, when calorie intake was restricted by 25%, capsaicin was found to counteract the slowdown in metabolic rate that typically occurs with decreased calorie intake ( 59 ). One large review of 20 studies concluded that taking capsaicin helps reduce appetite and can increase the number of calories you burn by about 50 calories per day ( 60 ). Consider eating chili peppers or using powdered cayenne pepper to spice up your meals several times a week. Summary: Compounds in cayenne pepper have been found to reduce inflammation, help control hunger, and boost metabolic rate. 9. Oolong Tea Oolong tea is one of the healthiest beverages you can drink. Although it receives less press than green tea, it has many of the same health benefits, thanks to its content of caffeine and catechins. A review of several studies found that the combination of catechins and caffeine in tea increased calorie burning by an impressive 102 calories per day, on average ( 61 ). Small studies in men and women suggest that drinking oolong tea increases metabolic rate and promotes weight loss. What’s more, one study found that oolong tea increased calorie burning twice as much as green tea did ( 62 , 63 , 64 ). 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. Summary: Oolong tea contains caffeine and catechins, both of which have been found to increase metabolic rate and promote fat loss.
The 12 Best Foods to Eat in the Morning Eggs. Eggs make a simple, nutritious breakfast choice. ... Greek yogurt. Greek yogurt is a great option if...
Read More »
Veggies like broccoli, Brussels sprouts, potatoes, zucchini, mushrooms & onions, and cauliflower all turn out incredible in the air fryer. You can...
Read More »11. Olive Oil Olive oil is one of the healthiest fats on earth. Olive oil has been shown to lower triglycerides, increase HDL cholesterol, and stimulate the release of GLP-1, one of the hormones that helps keep you full ( 74 ). What’s more, some studies have shown that olive oil may boost metabolic rate and promote fat loss ( 75 , 76 , 77 ). In a small study of 12 postmenopausal women, eating extra virgin olive oil as part of a meal led to an increase in the number of calories burned in the 8 women who had abdominal obesity ( 78 ). To incorporate olive oil into your daily diet, drizzle a couple of tablespoons on your salad or add it to cooked food. Summary: Olive oil appears to reduce the risk of heart disease, promote feelings of fullness, and boost metabolic rate.
So How Did Melissa McCarthy Lose Weight? Melissa lost 70 lbs on a medically supervised all-liquid diet plan around 2003. “I'd never do that again....
Read More »
When intermittent fasting, it's recommended to avoid beverages that contain calories as well as sugar-free drinks like diet soda. But you can...
Read More »
In some cultures around the world, such as those in the Caribbean — where I live — washing meat is a common practice that's considered an indicator...
Read More »
Final thoughts on keto and weight loss Generally, you'll need to adhere to a caloric deficit of around 500 calories per day. At this rate, you...
Read More »