Top Five Fat Burning Foods for Male and Female Athletes

By eating the best fat burning foods, athletes will speed up their metabolism more than they would be exercising alone.

When it comes to burning fat, natural is better. I choose to lose or maintain weight in a healthy manner by exercising and eating the right foods rather than by taking supplements that may be harmful.

#1 Salmon

Salmon boosts your metabolism and melts fat because it is full of Omega-3 fatty acids (good fats). In addition, Omega-3 fatty acids are good for heart health.

Protein can help those wanting to lose weight and gives the sensation of being full.

#2 Turkey

Turkey is packed with fat burning protein and is even leaner than chicken. Be sure to avoid turkey that is injected with fats, such as butter.

You will also want to remove any skin from turkey because it is high in fat that is not good for the body.

#3 Broccoli

Broccoli not only burns fat, it is also low in fat. Due to the fiber, calcium and vitamin C in broccoli, it boosts metabolism.

Foods that are high in fiber, such as broccoli, may help with weight control. One study discovered that when females consumed additional whole grains and consistently ate fiber they were less likely to gain weight over a 12-year time period than those who ate less of these foods.

Broccoli is loaded with vitamin C; 1 cup of broccoli contains 135 percent of the recommended daily allowance of vitamin C. Vitamin C is great for the metabolism, but it can also boost the immune system and prevent wrinkles.

#4 Peppers

I love hot, fiery foods such as jalapenos, hot peppers and salsa so I am excited that they boost metabolism. Hot peppers are filled with capsaicin, a substance that causes the body temperature to rise.

There is evolving evidence that hot peppers may help shed unwanted inches around the waistline due to the capsaicin.

For those of you that don't like fiery foods like myself, you are in luck because there are plants that produce a form of capsaicin called dihydrocapsiate (DCT) that is neither hot nor spicy. In fact, a study was done on DCT that suggests it has the same metabolism igniting power as capsaicin.

#5 Asparagus

Asparagus cleanses the body because it is a natural diuretic due to the chemical it contains called asparagine.

Another chemical found in asparagus aids in removing waste from the body by dispersing oxalic acid, an acid that usually glues itself to fat cells. The result of oxalic acid being broken up is a decrease in fat levels.

More from Rebecca Bardelli:

Eat Honey Before, During and After Your Workout

Five Energizing Foods to Get Athletes Moving

Five Foods Every Athlete Should Incorporate into His or Her Diet

All Natural Energy Drinks for Your Pre/Post-Workouts

Rebecca completed courses in Medical Terminology, Administrative Medical Assisting, and Coding and Billing. She is recognized by the National Healthcareer Association as a Certified Billing and Coding Specialist (CBCS) and Medical Administrative Assistant (CMAA). In addition, Rebecca is a former gymnast and is avid about yoga, swimming and other athletic activities.