10 Foods That Burn Fat (Slideshow)

Celery contains cellulose, which gives it the taught, rope-like texture that makes it tough to chew. Because this vegetable requires a lot of energy to masticate and move through the digestive system, we may burn more calories eating and digesting it than it contains.

Egg whites are extremely low in fat and calories and high in protein. Our bodies love protein, the building blocks of all cells and tissues, and take their time to break it down. The more time it takes to digest, metabolize and use up food, the more calories we burn.

Chili peppers contain dihydrocapsiate (DCT), a compound which research shows increases the temperature of the body thereby causing a thermogenic boost that burns more calories. Thermogenesis is a natural process the body undergoes to burn stored fat. With a little added spice, the thermogenesis process becomes stronger and we burn more calories. Hot peppers also speed up heart rate, which can result in greater calorie torching.

Beans and legumes are very high in fiber. High fiber foods make us feel full for longer. They can also take longer to digest than other foods. The consequence? We are inclined to eat less, which naturally results in the consumption of fewer calories. 

Chia seeds contain omega-3 fatty acids, fiber, anti-oxidants, and protein. When you mix chia seeds with water, they gel and make you feel fuller. (Try a Matcha tea with chia seeds!) Additionally, chia seeds regulate insulin, preventing insulin resistance and sugar spikes. Finally, omega-3s turn on glycogen, a fat-burning hormone. Omega-3s also have an anti-inflammatory effect, which helps reduce metabolic disorders.

Salmon also contains omega-3s and stimulates the production of insulin and thyroid hormones. Insulin extracts glucose from our cells to keep our blood- sugar levels stable. Thyroid hormone speeds up our metabolism and thereby may burn calories. People with a hyperthyroid condition produce an excess of thyroid hormone and tend to lose weight. When people have an under active thyroid the metabolism slows down and they often gain weight.

Coffee is a stimulant that increases adrenaline secretion. Adrenaline puts us into fight or flight mode, a state in which our bodies use more energy to execute challenging tasks at hand.

Cinnamon helps move glucose through our system, avoiding the buildup of blood sugar and conversion of glucose to glycogen or fat.

Green tea contains EGCG, which is said to cause the nervous system and brain to work faster, helping to burn calories. The more we think, feel, and do, the more we burn! It also contains catechins, a phyto-chemical which may briefly speed up metabolism.

Ice water demands that our system work extra hard to maintain correct body temperature. As the body works to heat up, it burns more calories.