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6 December 2009
7 Foods that Burn Fat, Build Muscle
And Prevent Holiday Weight Gain
Susan Rodriguez
Look out! Even the best of us have been known to pick up a few extra pounds during this joyous, but all too often fat-filled, exercise deprived time of the year. Here are 7 of the most potent fat-burning, muscle-building foods you can eat.
And the best part? By eating these you may be able TO stave off that inevitable holiday weight gain.
If you learn nothing else this holiday season, learn to recognize that you probably will splurge on your diet. So prepare yourself with some nutritious, fulfilling, fat-burning and muscle-building to indulge in this season. With a little luck and some extra planning you can put the brakes on any weight that wants to inch back on you.
1. Whole eggs.
Surprised? You shouldn't be. If you consider you have all the nutrients, nourishment and other essential building blocks of life, you'll realize how wonderful these guys are. And now recent research says they actually increase our good cholesterol. It just doesn't get any better than this!
2. Butter.
Not margarine. Here's another one that's not really surprising, but we need reminded of every now and then. Keep your hands off that margarine!
3. Wraps.
Use wraps, specifically whole grain wraps, with sandwiches instead of white bread. Not only will it infuse your sandwich with a whole new taste, but you'll be filling your body with a minimum of 3 to 4 grams of fiber and 20 grams of total carbohydrates. What a welcome alternative to the 20th century sandwich.
4. Berries.
Berries. And more berries. I just can't emphasize this enough. They are among the most antioxidant rich, phytochemically plush and nutritionally packed foods you can find. They are so healthy that if you can't find them seasonally, I advise you -- no urge you! -- to buy them frozen. Yep, they're that important!
5. Spaghetti sauce. (Tomato based …NOT cream)
Okay, so maybe you think this one is a little off the wall. But let me explain my choice. No doubt you've heard the news of how it's one of the best sources of an antioxidant called lycopene. It's worth buying just for that reason alone. But stack that up with the fact that its delicious taste and relative low calorie count, make any food you eat with it taste like a gourmet treat. It's true. Try it with a baked potato and mozzarella cheese.
These are only a tenth of the foods I have in reserve for "I know I can't resist temptation" days. And these are the foods that get me full, satisfied and well . .. within my weight range!
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