18 Fat-Burning Foods That Will Help You Shed Pounds

When it comes to lose weight, food is always the enemy, but experts say that instead of cutting down on what you eat, you should load up foods that have fat-burning properties. Here're 18 foods that keep your metabolism burning all day.

1. Apples

Apples are a "good carb." They're packed with fiber and make your stomach feel fuller, so you'll eat less during the day.

2. Almonds

Raw almonds (not salt) are high in fat helping reduce heart disease. Studies have shown that almonds, eaten in moderation, helps lose your weight.

3. Broccoli

Broccoli is a great snack you can eat raw or steamed. It lowers cholesterol, gets rid of toxins and is packed with vitamin D, vitamin A and vitamin K.

4. Low Fat Plain Yogurt

Non-sweet yogurt is low in calories and high in protein, perfect for maintaining a healthy diet. It's also filled with "good" bacteria that can help relieve digestive problems.

5. Canned Tuna

Tuna is packed with vitamin and protein. It's low in fat and loaded with omega-3 fatty acids that have huge antioxidant benefits.

6. Edamame

Edamame is a fancy name for soybeans that are boiled. It's low-fat and low-calorie snack that's full of protein and dietary fiber.

7. Cottage Cheese

It may not be delicious but has many benefits for you health. It's high in antioxidants, protein, calcium, potassium and zinc. It's also a low-carb food that helps regulate blood sugar.

8. Beef Jerky

They're filled with protein, but you'd better buy a brand that's low in sugar and sodium. You should also avoid "smoked" or "barbecue" flavored jerky as these tend to have a lot of additives.

9. Blueberries

Blueberry is one of the highest antioxidant-containing fruits and is packed with vitamin K, vitamin C and fiber. It also helps you recover muscles.

10. Asparagus

Asparagus has rich nutrients and antioxidants and takes more energy to chew and consume. It's great for boosting your metabolism.

11. Cheese

Natural cheese contains butyric acid which helps reduce obesity, hunger and boost metabolism.

12. Avocado

Avocado contains monounsaturated fats which plump cell membranes enabling them to to work better with fat-burning hormones.

13. Egg Whites

Egg Whites are a great source of Leucine, an amino acid used for weight loss and raising your base metabolic rate. Be careful to avoid eating it raw.

14. Water

While water isn't necessarily a "snack," it's a required part in our daily life. Studies found that drinking water increases your metabolic rate by 30%.

15. Spinach Salad

Spinach protects yourself against osteoporosis, heart disease, colon cancer, arthritis and other diseases.

16. Whey Protein

Whey is an ideal snack for boosting metabolism. It's quickly digested and can help you burn an extra 150 to 200 calories per day.

17. Oatmeal

Oatmeal is rich in fat soluble fiber which requires a lot of energy to break down. It also decreases your cholesterol levels and the risk of heart disease.

18. Lean Meat

Lean Meat contains relatively low fat and sodium, and high in protein, vitamin B, vitamin E, iron and zinc. Skinless, boneless chicken and turkey cutlets are the finest choices for you.