Foods That Burn Calories

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By Karen Danish, LAP

orangesIf you find that you’re struggling to kick your ugly snacking habit to the curb, you are not alone. Millions of people struggle daily to find the right nutritional balance that will improve their lives without sacrificing everything that is blissful about eating. But there’s good news: it is possible to stay healthy and even slim down without declaring war on that which you love most: food!

Is there such a thing as a “guilt free” snacking? Yes!

There are many different types of food that are as delicious as pastries and potato chips but more rewarding. If you want to get back to a healthier, slimmer you, the following foods not only make great snacks, but they burn more calories than they contain.

Celery

Generally underrated vegetable, celery seems invariably destined to be no more than a prop on the set of a fancy summer salad. But celery is not only delicious, it also improves blood pressure, reduces stress and it’s chockfull of Vitamin C, minerals and fiber. Celery is so useful that long before it became Art Deco for salads, it was used as medicine to combat cold and flu symptoms during winter months. So step out of the salad and give it a go! Celery can be dipped in just about anything you can think of and is a great addition to a variety of dishes from soup or stew to stir fry.

Oranges

Packing no more than 50 calories, oranges are yet another invaluable “negative calorie” food source. Rich in antioxidants, Vitamin C, Vitamin A and a slew of fiber and minerals, an orange a day can indeed keep the doctor away. Oranges can help keep bones and teeth healthy and strong, regulate blood pressure, fight viral infections, protect the kidneys and heart from disease and can even support the prevention of cancer. Best of all, oranges are a delightful and filling mid-morning or afternoon snack that will fuel your metabolism.

Apricots

Another great snack alternative that will leave your taste buds happy and your tummy flat is apricots. Though they come in a small package, Apricots are filling, rich in nutrients such as vitamin A and are a fantastic source of fiber. As a bonus, apricots are stewards of healthy eyesight. Make this great little fruit part of your diet and you’ll be looking at the world through new eyes.

Zucchini

Great with just about anything, zucchini can be grilled, stuffed, baked, steamed, boiled and even barbecued. One cup of zucchini has less than forty calories and 10% of the recommended daily allowance for dietary fiber, which gives you that awesome feeling of satisfaction and throws your metabolism into high gear. Zucchini is also an anti-inflammatory that can help lower your blood pressure and cholesterol, improve prostate health and promote heart health while working double time in the department of cancer prevention.

Some other great foods that double as great snacks and burn more calories than they contain are lettuce, tomatoes, cucumbers, watermelon, cauliflower, apples, hot chili peppers, strawberries, tangerines, carrots and even grapefruit. Adding these great alternatives to your weekly diet will not only get rid of your post-snack depression, boost your metabolism and shed inches from your waistline, it will improve your life and make you healthier! So eat up and bon appetite!

– This post was written for Your Health Journal by Karen Danish, LAP. Karen is a licensed acupuncture physician and a valued staff member at http://tampaacupuncture.org, a Tampa Acupuncture Clinic.