How to Spice Up and Burn Calories

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You may have heard that spicy foods can help you lose weight. While the science behind this is shaky, there is plenty of anecdotal evidence to suggest that this is the case.

Spicy foods can slash your cravings by overpowering your taste buds. The fiery flavor causes you to eat less than you normally would.

Certain spices are thought to have a thermogenic effect, which means they speed up the rate at which your body converts calories into energy. Chili peppers in particular are believed to boost your metabolism by as much 50% for a couple of hours.
The faster your metabolism, the more calories you burn – and the faster you lose weight!

How to Spice Up and Burn Calories

Why a Veggie Sandwich May Not Be the Best Choice
Vegetables are nutrient-dense and low in calories, making them a dieter’s best friend. They also make fine sandwich toppings, but you might want to add a little protein to keep your hunger under control.
If you eat a sandwich made from bread and vegetables, you’re getting quite a lot of carbohydrates. While the veggies (and possibly the bread) contain some fiber, the sandwich probably won’t satisfy your hunger for very long.

That’s because the sandwich contains no protein or fat. Protein is important for nourishing your muscles and helping your body burn carbs at a slower rate, keeping your blood sugar stable. Fats do the same thing, and they help you feel fuller longer.
If you still want a 100% veggie sandwich, add some heart-healthy fats like avocado slices, 2% cheese slices, or olive oil to keep you satisfied.

The Truth about Negative Calorie Foods

Are there actually foods that contain negative calories? That depends on how you define “negative calories”. While all foods contain a certain number of calories, many dieters like to fill up on foods that are high in fiber and low in calories – negative calorie foods.

The reasoning is that it takes more calories to digest these foods than the foods actually contain, leading to a net loss of calories. Dieters also favor foods that are rumored to speed up the metabolism, like chili peppers.
So what are some examples of negative-calorie foods? Celery, oranges, tangerines, lettuce, cucumbers, strawberries, and carrots are some of the most popular. Look for fruits and vegetables that contain few calories and plenty of water or fiber. These foods will fill you up and leave you with a calorie deficit for the day.