Magic Bites

While we all wish for a magic wand that would enable us to lose fat instantly with just a wave, it would not be unreal to believe that this wish has almost come true. While we are struggling to keep up with exercise routines and starving on our diets, by making a small change in our daily struggle we may be able to speed up the fat loss process. Include some of these unexpected foods and enjoy a new found metabolic high.

1. Chilli: Spicy chilli peppers have a chemical compound called capsaicin that can kick the sluggish metabolism right up into fifth gear. Chilli creates a large spike in the heat generation which helps burn more calories and eventually burn fat. So if you can tolerate a 'hot meal' and are free from any digestive issues (like ulcers or reflux), add a tablespoon of any hot spice you like - red chilli, black peppers, ginger or cinnamon to anything you like. Eat it raw, cooked, dried or powdered (just don't deep-fry please). However it is, just remember to spice things up.

2. Water: For years people have imagined the sight of fat melting on drinking hot water. Unfortunately there is no reality in hot water thawing your body's stored fat. However, what is true is warm water helps one stay satiated and maintains hydration. On the other hand, drinking very very cold water requires additional work by the body to work to warm it up and helps burning some extra calories. Isn't it amazing to know that having a glass of zero calorie cold water (which we all love) can eventually help in burning calories (which we all want). Magic!

3. Caffeine: It stimulates thermogenesis. In English, that means it leads to generation of heat and energy from digesting food. A little extra caffeine to your diet can kick start a dull day and may reduce your desire to eat for a brief time. Not really a big surprise for many! However, excess caffeine might cause nervousness, insomnia, nausea, increased blood pressure and other problems. Figure out your sensitivity to caffeine. If it causes any of the above, this natural fat burner is not for you.

4. Acids: Vinegar is a truly sensational ingredient when it comes down to burning fat. It is debatable whether it actually triggers a genetic change or merely increases body temperature to lose weight. Whichever it may be, if interested in trying it, slurp about a tablespoon of vinegar daily, perhaps diluting it with water or soda to make it less acidic and more palatable. If taken alone as a daily tonic, it can be very acidic, and may cause irritation to your throat. There are a range of vinegars available, made from apples or wine or even pure, 100% synthetic, unadulterated all-artificial types.

5. Fat: Eating fat to burn fat might sound like a crazy idea, but omega-3 fatty acids from fatty fish like salmon or good fats from nuts, could be just what the body needs to shed off the fat. The combination of proteins, fibre and good fats increases the insulin sensitivity of the body helping it eventually to rev up the metabolism and give up the stored fats.

6. Cheese: This rich source of calcium can help improve your body's fat-burning machinery. Many detest dairy and dairy products for the sake of fat loss. Unless you are intolerant or allergic to lactose, going off dairy is like shooting yourself in the foot. Calcium helps preserve and build muscle mass. It is essential for maintaining a robust metabolism. To help you feel less guilty when you consume dairy, just substitute high-fat dairy products with low-fat dairy. You will not regret the benefits.

Okay, so maybe my "almost" in the first sentence was a bit of a stretch, but the world will get there. One day!

Somehow it's exciting to imagine that they simply start dissolving body fat on contact unfortunately, things don't really work that way. In the meantime, know that foods definitely can increase metabolism, though only to a minor extent. So far anyway. Most of these ingredients like caffeine, vinegar and spices are very nearly calorie-free and can be easily incorporated into your diet. If you are free of any ailments, just try them for a couple of weeks, keep it moderate and observe the changes. If you are lucky, you may just drop a size.
Stay Healthy!