Nearly half of Americans are actively working toward a weight loss goal and with an abundance of weight loss programs and theories available, no two journeys are the same.  Navigating your options and deciding where to begin can be tricky.  Nutrition is the perfect place to start for your weight loss journey and is going to help you see the most rapid results.  Let’s look at 5 of my favorite fat blasting foods that you need to incorporate into your diet.

Grass Fed Beef

Am I really suggesting red meat?  Absolutely!  I am also suggesting you become a bit of a snob about the type of red meat you indulge in.  Skip the lower grade beef and invest in a quality beef that is grass fed.  Grass-fed beef naturally contains much higher levels of CLA (conjugated linoleic acid) than grain fed beef. The CLA is known to contribute to weight loss and is often used in supplements promoting weight loss.  This is a wonderful, natural source. This beef also contains quality protein as well as vitamins A, B and D.  In addition, grass-fed beef contains a more desirable ratio of anti-inflammatory omega-3 fatty acids to omega-6 fatty acids than grain fed beef.

Green Leafy Vegetable

Vegetables such as kale, arugula, spinach, collard greens and romaine are rich in Vitamins A, C, E, and K.  Vitamin C helps lower cortisol, which is known for turning on fat storage.  These vegetables are also loaded with other essential nutrients and minerals including iron, fiber, magnesium, and potassium.  The iron is going to help boost your energy.  The extra fiber helps regulate your appetite and even promotes healthy levels of estrogen in the body. [1]   

Grass Fed Butter

Yes, you can eat grass fed butter and yes, it is a healthy fat.  It is important to recognize that not all butters are created equal and we need to be selective about what we consume.  Grass-fed butter is loaded with healthy fat and nutrients. The quality and amount of healthy fat and nutrients are determined by the source of food the cow ate.   The fatty acids provided are derived equally from the feed for the cow and the microbial activity in the rumen of the cow.  A frequently recognized fatty acid, known for contributing to weight loss, found in grass-fed butter is CLA (conjugated linoleic acid).  Butter can range in color from white to yellow.  Yellow butter is recognized as healthier because the color is a result of an animal being grass fed and an indicator that the cow is getting a diet rich in beta-carotene.  Grass-fed butter contains zero carbs, zero sugars, and zero trans fats.[2]

Fermented Foods

If your goal is to lose weight, or maintain a healthy weight, do not leave fermented foods out of your diet.  Some healthy fermented foods to include: Kefir, kombucha, sauerkraut, pickles, miso and kimchi.  Fermented foods promote healthy gut bacteria that helps keep the digestive system strong and fights unwanted bacteria notorious for slowing down weight loss.  These tasty foods are known for containing natural anti-oxidants, are anti-inflammatory, promote lower blood pressure and even anti-microbial and anti-fungal.[3]  

Coconut Oil

Medium Chain Triglycerides (MCTs) are absorbed and utilized differently than long-chain triglycerides.  They are known for promoting fat burning and even potentially reducing the time it takes an individual’s body to transition from sugar burning to fat burning.[4]  An excellent natural source of MCT oil is Coconut Oil.  It is imperative to select quality products, with virgin, unrefined and organic being your best option.  In addition to MCTs, coconut oil also contains caprylic acid, a fatty acid credited for antibacterial, antifungal and anti-inflammatory properties.[5]   Our nutrition specialists will teach you how to incorporate these 5 fat burning foods into your diet to optimize your weight loss. Call Custom Health Centers at (844)789-8446 today or click here to schedule your free consultation!


Medically reviewed and written by:

Dr. Jason Olafsson D.C.

Founder & CEO Doctor of Chiropractic Life University

References

[1] https://www.ars.usda.gov/plains-area/gfnd/gfhnrc/docs/news-2013/dark-green-leafy-vegetables/

[2] https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC2596709/

[3]  https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/28945458

[4] https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/30049949

[5] https://www.healthline.com/health/caprylic-acid-coconut-oil, https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/29951312

February 12, 2021 — Dr. Jason Olafsson