4 Fat-Burning Foods, Plus Healthy Recipes: Chicken, Quinoa, Broccoli, Chia Seeds

Feb 26 2016
Finding foods that are both delicious and healthy makes us super happy. And when those foods also help us burn fat? Jackpot!



Skinless Chicken Breast

4 oz. uncooked: 136 calories, 3g total fat (0.5g sat. fat), 51mg sodium, 0g carbs, 0g fiber, 0g sugars, 25.5g protein -- SmartPoints® value 2*

Here's something you might not know about chicken breast: Lean proteins like this have a high thermogenic effect, meaning your body burns more fat simply from absorbing protein than it does when it absorbs carbs or fat. Pair that fact with protein's satiating and energy-boosting properties, and it's an ideal food for weight loss or maintenance.

Quinoa

1/4 cup uncooked (about 3/4 cup cooked): 170 calories, 2.5g total fat (0g sat. fat), 5mg sodium, 30.5g carbs, 3g fiber, 1g sugars, 5.5g protein -- SmartPoints® value 5*

This seed -- that's right; it's a seed, not a grain -- is packed with nutrients, particularly B vitamins. And those Bs help your body run more efficiently and burn through fat faster. Quinoa is pretty calorie dense, though, so keep an eye on those portions...

Broccoli

1 cup raw chopped: 31 calories, <0.5g total fat (0g sat. fat), 30mg sodium, 6g carbs, 2.5g fiber, 1.5g sugars, 2.5g protein -- SmartPoints® value 0*

This cruciferous veggie contains a nutrient called sulforaphane, which is a disease-fighting phytonutrient. And research suggests sulforaphane stimulates enzymes and tells your fat cells to burn fat. Go, sulforaphane! One more reason to eat your broccoli…

Chia Seeds

1 tbsp.: 59 calories, 3.5g total fat (0.5g sat. fat), 0mg sodium, 4.5g carbs, 4.5g fiber, 0g sugars, 2.5g protein -- SmartPoints® value 2*

These little seeds have come a long way since being primarily known for growing green sprouts on ceramic figurines. Chia has been reported to regulate blood sugar and insulin levels, which helps the body burn fat. Plus, the omega-3s and fiber it packs squash hunger pangs.

Hungry for More?

Click here for four more fat-burning foods and sixteen more recipes made with 'em!



Chew on this:

Happy National Pistachio Day, February 26th. We're pistachio freaks over here -- have you tried the Sweet Chili flavor by Wonderful Pistachios? Swoonworthy…

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*The WW Points® values for these products and/or recipes were calculated by Hungry Girl and are not an endorsement or approval of the product, recipe or its manufacturer or developer by WW International, Inc., the owner of the Points® trademark.

Questions on the WW Points® values listed? Click here.

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