Comfort Food that Burns Fats

Whenever we think of comfort food, don’t we assume it to be like an indulgence-unhealthy and fattening? Well, the good news is here! Not all of the comfort food we love are fattening; instead, here is a list of them that would burn fats instead if taken in moderation :)

• Hot chocolate

Cocoa is packed with antioxidants which reduces your levels of cortisol, a stress hormone that causes your body to cling to belly fat. Hot chocolate's combination of carbohydrates and protein can also help faster recovery of your muscles after a tough workout. Adding a dash of cinnamon boosts your treat's health benefits even more—it contains compounds that keep insulin out of the blood stream and from storing fat.

• Collard greens

A single serving of this hearty veggie adds up to a mere 46 calories. Collard greens also contains vitamins A and K which strengthens your immune system for a healthy metabolism. A cup of collard greens  is also high in fibre that lowers your body's absorption of calories from carbohydrates. These greens go great with mushrooms, roasted tomatoes and some bacon.

• Chicken noodle soup

People who eat a broth- or vegetable-based soup before their meal consume fewer calories overall as the water in the soup helps fill you up and boosts satiety. Just the act of eating soup also slows your eating down so that your body has time to notice feelings of fullness.Plus, chicken noodle varieties pack the protein, vitamins, and fiber you need to increase your metabolism even after your meal.

• Coffee

Coffee can boost your mood and your metabolism thanks to a healthy dose of the antioxidant chlorogenic acid (CGA) that increases your body's use of fat for energy. The chemical compound in coffee can also slow down the release of glucose into the bloodstream after a meal while lowering insulin resistance to prevent weight gain.

• Pot roast

The moment protein is consumed, it starts fighting fat making your body work harder to break down protein and use it for energy. This helps you burn more calories and keeps your belly fuller for a longer period of time.

• Oatmeal

One cup of warm, gooey oatmeal contains 4 grams of fiber and 6 grams of protein. Oatmeal slows down the digestion of carbohydrates, reduces your insulin response, and keeps you fuller longer. When possible, opt for steel-cut oatmeal, which goes through less processing and has a lower Glycemic Index score, a measurement of how much a food increases your blood sugar.

• Roasted carrots

The high water and fiber content in carrots fills you up fast. Roast them for a better calorie burn and roasted carrots contain three times as many antioxidants as raw carrots.

• Red wine

In addition to being a heart helper, red wine may be a weapon against excess weight. Resveratrol—the renowned antioxidant found in grape skins—inhibits the production of fat cells and calcium pyruvate (found naturally in red wine) helps fat cells burn more energy.

• Pumpkin

Pumpkin is an excellent source of the antioxidant beta-carotene, which fights the oxidative stress and inflammation in the body that's linked to increased fat storage.

• Chili

If soup is filling and protein builds muscle, then chili has all that and more. The combination of the fiber from the tomatoes and the protein from the beans and beef and prevents overeating. Plus, capsaicin, the compound that gives cayenne, chili peppers, and jalapeños their heat, can also burn fat. Spices trigger your sympathetic nervous system—which is responsible for both the fight-or-flight response and spice-induced sweating—to increase your daily calorie burn by about 50 calories.

• Chickpeas/ Garbanzo beans

High in protein and fibre, these beans help to stabilize blood sugar,control cravings, and prevent overeating. They're also a great source healthy unsaturated fats that can reduce your waistline by reducing belly fat.

• Roasted potatoes

White foods contain the disease-fighting chemical allicin that fights inflammation in the body contributing to a smaller waistlines.Plus, research shows that calorie for calorie, white potatoes are more satisfying than any other tested food.

• Mashed sweet potatoes

Eating sweet potatoes can prevent sugar from getting stored around your waistline as fat. Sweet potatoes are rich in carotenoids—the orange and yellow pigments in plants that help the body respond to insulin—as well as CGA (also found in coffee). Carotenoids and CGA slow the body's release of glucose and insulin. Also, sweet potatoes are filled with fiber, which slows digestion and prevents blood sugar from plummeting—and your hunger from spiking.

SOme comfort food can also be healthy but do remember to eat it in MODERATION!

Eat your way to better health today ;)