Four non-spicy, fat-burning foods

When you think of ‘fat-burning food’ your mind probably diverts to something hot and spicy that can literally melt away fat. This is true for spicy foods but there also exist alternative fat-burning options for people who have a hard time enjoying spicy food. The four foods, below, are palatable foods that you probably already enjoy eating.

Plums are nutritionally-rich fruits that can be consumed fresh or dried. In their dried state, they can help with constipation and osteoporosis among other health conditions. Fresh plums are typically reddish-purple in colour indicating that they are rich in anthocyanins.

Anthocyanins are a type of flavonoid that has antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties and also give plums their rich colour. Research suggests that this flavonoid slows down weight gain and reduces body fat.

That’s right, dark chocolate can help you burn fat and it’s a much healthier alternative to other sugar-loaded versions of chocolate. This cocoa-rich chocolate is actually one of the most powerful sources of antioxidants in existence and, to reap its full benefits, try and go for dark chocolate with a cocoa content of 70% and above.

A study on a sample instructed to eat 42 grams of dark chocolate (81% cocoa) daily over a few weeks resulted in them experiencing significant weight loss.

Oats are a rich source of fibre, antioxidants as well as key minerals and vitamins. They are additionally whole-grain making them one of the healthiest grains to consume. A study on the Effects of Oats on Obesity, Weight Management, and Satiety found that oats can help regulate body weight by making you feel full for longer.

Peanut butter is a popular spread made from roasted peanuts which are ground into a paste. Peanut butter is rich in nutrients, antioxidants and healthy fats. This creamy spread can help control your appetite and suppress your blood sugar, which ultimately helps with weight loss.

When buying peanut butter, go for natural, organic options to avoid excess sugar, salt and preservatives found in other brands. One study on nut consumption and long-term weight change suggests that incorporating nuts into your diet may help with weight control.?