Combat Fat! (article)

toots99

I read this in Self magazine, and thought others might find it helpful too:

"Your allies in battling bulge? Foods that do the work for you. These edibles have proven lipid-melting powers that help you slim. That's a win.

Almonds

Almond joy! Dieters who ate 3 ounces of these nuts every day reduced their weight and body-mass index by a solid 18 percent compared with an 11 percent drop in the no-nut group, a study in the International Journal of Obesity found. Almonds are high in alpha-linolenic acid, which can speed the metabolism of fats. Stick to 12 per serving.

Berries

Vitamin C–loaded fruit such as strawberries and raspberries can help you sizzle up to 30 percent more fat during exercise, suggests research from Arizona State University at Mesa. Blend a vinaigrette of 1 cup berries and 1/4 cup balsamic vinegar.

Cinnamon

This spice could make your waistline nice. Sprinkling 1/4 teaspoon on your food may prevent a postmeal insulin spike—this increase normally occurs after you eat and "signals the body that it should store fat rather than burn it," explains Lauren Slayton, R.D., of New York City. Add a dash to your oatmeal, yogurt or coffee.

Mustard

Hello, yellow. The spice that gives mustard its color, turmeric, may slow the growth of fat tissues, a study in the journal Endocrinology notes. Eighty-six mayo in favor of any mustard; sprinkle turmeric on cauliflower and roast for a tangy side.

Oranges

Prevent pound creep with this citrus star: It contains fat-torching compounds called flavones. Women who ate the most flavones had a significantly lower increase in body fat over a 14-year period, a study in the American Journal of Clinical Nutrition finds. Snack on slices or drink freshly squeezed OJ (with pulp!) for the biggest payback.

Soybeans

These green gems are rich in choline, a compound that blocks fat absorption and breaks down fatty deposits. Add 1/2 cup edamame to a salad.

Sweet potatoes

Trade up to sweet taters. They're high in fiber, which means no drastic insulin jumps and thus less fat packed onto your hips. Bake a small sweet potato—think of two bars of soap as a portion size—and top with a dollop of lowfat or nonfat cottage cheese.

Swiss cheese

Holy cow: "Calcium-rich foods reduce fat-producing enzymes and increase fat breakdown," says Michael B. Zemel, Ph.D., director of the Nutrition Institute at the University of Tennessee at Knoxville. Put toe to toe with some of its cheesy counterparts, Swiss is a heavy hitter in the calcium department; layer a slice on a lunchtime sandwich, or stack some on high-fiber crackers."

slimmingmom

Interesting! Thank you for sharing! I like almonds a lot but they always take up so many calories but I will prob start eating a bit more of them now :happy: The other things are interesting as well...but would vinager and berries really taste good together??? :noway: Hmmmm....I sopose I could try it sometime, lol!

arewethereyet

:flowerforyou:

April0815

I buy the 100 calorie pack of Almonds,

cardigirl

Interesting! Thank you for sharing! I like almonds a lot but they always take up so many calories but I will prob start eating a bit more of them now :happy: The other things are interesting as well...but would vinager and berries really taste good together??? :noway: Hmmmm....I sopose I could try it sometime, lol!

I think the article meant that you could make a viniagrette (salad dressing) by pureeing berries and balsamic vinegar together. Rather than adding sugar to the vinegar, like most dressings do, use the sweetness of the berries to intermix with the tang of the vinegar.

I'll have to try that for my next spinach salad. Sounds yum!

toots99

Interesting! Thank you for sharing! I like almonds a lot but they always take up so many calories but I will prob start eating a bit more of them now :happy: The other things are interesting as well...but would vinager and berries really taste good together??? :noway: Hmmmm....I sopose I could try it sometime, lol!

I think the article meant that you could make a viniagrette (salad dressing) by pureeing berries and balsamic vinegar together. Rather than adding sugar to the vinegar, like most dressings do, use the sweetness of the berries to intermix with the tang of the vinegar.

I'll have to try that for my next spinach salad. Sounds yum!

That does sound good!