38 Fat-Burning Foods to Help You Lose Weight

There's no magical way to lose weight instantly. But paired with exercise, these foods have the power to torch fat you just can't seem to get rid of.

dairy products: cheese, yogurt, and milk
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Milk, yogurt, and cheese

Secret fat-burner: Calcium

There are a lot of dairy myths circulating online, but as it turns out, milk really does do a body good—as do yogurt and cheese. A 2016 review of 33 studies found that increasing calcium intake through supplements can reduce body weight in subjects who have a normal BMI.

And you don’t have to opt for low-fat versions. A 2016 study of 18,438 middle-aged women found that  consumption of high-fat dairy, but not low-fat dairy, was associated with reduced likelihood of becoming overweight through the years. One theory why: Fat is satiating, so keeps you fuller longer.

ears of wheat, rye, barley and oats
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Oats and barley

Secret fat-burner: Fiber

Let’s settle this once and for all: As long as you eat the right kinds, carbs are actually healthy. In fact, they are one of the fat-burning foods you should add to your diet—starting as soon as you wake up. A 2016 study in the Journal of the American College of Nutrition found that people who ate instant oatmeal at breakfast ate fewer calories later in the day, compared to people who ate a ready-to-eat breakfast cereal.

Eating whole grains keeps you full and stops you from overeating. Barley, in particular, is known to raise blood sugar slowly, so you skip the sugar spike and crash that leaves you hungry soon after a meal, notes a 2016 study from Lund University in Sweden.

cup and mug of tea with bowl of dried tea and mint leaves
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Green tea

Secret fat-burner: Catechins

Brew up a cup. A 2015 report in the journal Scientific Reports that showed lower carb absorption after people downed a green tea extract. It’s likely that catechins in green tea are responsible for this effect.

Brown eggs in and out of container, one opened
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Eggs

Secret fat-burner: Protein

Protein helps with weight loss in a number of ways. First, your body uses more energy—think calories—to break down protein foods than it does to break down other foods. Protein also helps you hang onto muscle mass as you’re losing weight, and since muscle burns more calories than fat, you want to keep as much of it as you can. Eggs in particular are a great choice.

A single egg has six grams of protein, making them one of the top foods that burn fat. Use these tricks to eat more healthy protein without even trying.

Bowl of walnuts, nut cracker, one opened walnut
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Walnuts and almonds

Secret fat-burner: Good fats

Plenty of studies point to nuts—aka the best disease fighter in your pantry—as one of the fat-burning foods you should add to your diet (as long as you don’t go overboard). Chalk it up to their fiber, their protein, and their good fat, which may increase the body’s sensitivity to insulin, aiding weight loss, according to the American Council on Exercise. Walnuts are one of the best non-fish sources of omega-3 fatty acids, and almonds provide an extra benefit in the form of bone-building calcium. Check out more non-dairy sources of calcium that give you the nutrients you need.

Salmon

Secret fat-burner: Omega-3’s

Eating fat might sound like a crazy idea when you’re trying to lose fat, but getting more omega-3 fatty acids from fish like salmon could be just what the diet doctor ordered, according to a 2015 study in PLoSOne which found omega-3 supplementation resulted in a lower waist-hip ratio.

Aim to eat salmon or another oily fish, like mackerel, herring, or canned tuna, at least twice a week. If that doesn’t sound appealing, substitute the fish for other fat-burning foods that are rich in omega-3s.

Pears and apples in wooden box on table
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Apples and pears

Secret fat-burner: Flavonoids

What do these foods have in common? They contain flavonoids, natural chemicals in plant foods that may have fat-fighting effects.  Women who consumed the most flavonoids had significantly lower increases in body mass index over a 14-year period than women who ate the least, according to a 2016 study of more than 9,000 women in the American Journal of Clinical Nutrition. “Animal studies have shown that these flavonoids can increase energy [calorie] expenditure, increase glucose uptake into muscle, and increase fat burning,” says Laura Hughes, MSc, the study’s lead investigator and a nutritional epidemiologist at Maastricht University in the Netherlands. Find out the best fruits for weight loss.

Bowl of whole flaxseeds, two wooden spoons full of flaxseeds
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Flaxseed

Secret fat-burner: Lignans

These shiny, fat-burning foods pack a secret weight-loss weapon: lignans. As estrogen-like compounds, they also make flaxseed one of the superfoods all healthy women need in their diets. Lignans are associated with less weight gain, according to a 2015 study in the American Journal of Epidemiology. Try grinding and adding a tablespoon of flaxseed each day to cereals, yogurt, or salad dressing.

balsamic vinegar in a bowl with salt, peppercorns, and garlic
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Vinegar

Secret fat-burner: Acids

You already know that vinegar has super helpful uses around the house, but it could do your body some good, too. Researchers say vinegar is one of the foods that burn fat because it turns on genes that produce enzymes that help the body break down fat. Interested in trying it? Add vinegar to salads and marinades. Read up on the 13 fat-releasing foods that help you lose weight fast.

bowl of cherries, cherries on table, and cherry juice
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Tart cherries

Secret fat burner: Melatonin

Tart cherries contain high levels of the hormone melatonin, key to healthy sleep. And good quality sleep is crucial for maintaining your weight. “Research shows that when we don’t get enough sleep and we feel tired, we crave more high-calorie foods. We’re probably also less active because we’re tired,” says Erin Palinski-Wade, RD, a nutrition and diabetes expert, and author of the 2-Day Diabetes Diet. “I generally recommend that people consume the tart cherries—fresh, dried, or in juice—within two or three hours before bed.”

sweet potatoes, whole and halved
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Sweet potatoes

Secret fat burner: Beta carotene

Sweet and starchy foods are often off-limits to dieters, but sweet potatoes satisfy both those cravings—plus, they’re foods that burn fat too. Unlike other sweet and starchy foods, sweet potatoes are high in fiber. A medium tuber packs about 3.8 grams of dietary fiber, a carb that help you feel fuller faster.  In particular, sweet potatoes have a sort of fiber called resistant starch, that, according a 2015 study, can help reduce the risk of obesity. You can actually increase the amount of resistant starch by allowing the tubers to cool before you eat them.

Cooked brown rice in a bowl
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Brown rice

Secret fat burner: Fiber

“People can burn up to 100 more calories a day when they eat whole grains versus fluffy white ones,” says Samantha Cassetty, RD, a nutritionist based in New York City. “Eating foods in their most natural state is how our bodies are designed to handle them,” she explains. “Bodies are less efficient at processing foods in their natural state, so that’s what gives you an advantage.” A 2017 study from Tufts University found that people who consumed whole grains – an amount that matched the recommended daily allowance for fiber – lost almost an extra 100 calories per day than the participants who consumed refined grains without much fiber. Here are some more easy ways to get fiber in your diet.

cut onion and garlic, black pepper on a wooden board
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Garlic and onions

Secret fat burner: Allicin

Allicin, the same compound that gives onions and garlic their very strong distinctive taste and smell, also delivers fat-fighting properties. Both these vegetables contain volatile oils and allicin—although garlic has a lot more allicin than onions. Research provides clues that the oils in both vegetables can help control fat accumulation and body weight.

Half of blood orange and orange
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Blood oranges

Secret fat burner: Vitamin C

“Blood oranges have one of the highest vitamin C contents of all citrus fruits,” says Palinski-Wade. “And when you have high levels of vitamin C in the bloodstream, stress levels return to normal faster.” Why is this good for fat-busting? Because high levels of stress hormones such as cortisol can encourage your body to store fat, especially around the middle. Fresh blood oranges, so-called because of their bright red pulp, can be eaten as a snack or sectioned into salads. (If you can’t find blood oranges in your local supermarket, navel oranges also have very high levels of vitamin C.)

Seaweed in a bowl
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Seaweed

Secret fat burner: Iodine

Seaweed—in sushi, salads, or dried sheets for snacking—is low-cal and full of iodine, a mineral that helps regulate the functioning of the thyroid gland. One of the thyroid’s jobs is to regulate your body’s metabolism, which is why people whose thyroids don’t produce enough hormones may struggle with excess weight. Research shows that eating seaweed may be helpful for losing fat, possibly because of its prebiotic properties. Here are some more fat-burning, bloat-busting seaweed benefits.

measuring cups full of powder
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Whey protein

Secret fat burner: Leucine

All protein is not equal: Whey protein—usually sold as a powder supplement to add to shakes and smoothies—may be especially helpful for shedding pounds. This may be due to its high levels of leucine—an amino acid that helps the body synthesize protein. “As a protein-based supplement, it promotes muscle maintenance and growth,” says Jennifer McDaniel, RD, owner of McDaniel Nutrition Therapy in Clayton, MO. Try whey protein, rather than casein or soy, in a meal or shake.

green and red hot peppers
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Hot peppers

Secret fat burner: Capsaicin

If you’ve ever felt the burn of a chili pepper—or cayenne, habañero, or jalapeño—it probably won’t surprise you to learn that these peppers may help you lose weight, too. “Capsaicin, the compound found in chili peppers [and other hot peppers] may boost metabolic rate slightly,” says Sharon Palmer, RDN, creator of The Plant-Powered Dietitian. “It raises energy expenditure.” According to Palinski-Wade, “Besides the fact that the capsaicin is thermogenic, eating hot peppers also makes you feel more satisfied.” She compares it to the feeling you have after brushing your teeth when you don’t want to eat anymore because of the minty taste in your mouth. Find out how hot pepper can help you live longer, too!

bowl of peanut butter with knife
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Peanut butter

Secret fat burner: Monounsaturated fat

Don’t grab a spoon and eat a whole jar—peanut butter is high in calories, after all. But a tablespoon or two of peanut butter on toast, apple slices, or celery is a great way to add healthy fat and protein to a meal or snack. The combination of fat, protein, and fiber in peanut butter makes it very filling. And according to one study, people who ate peanuts or peanut butter three times a week over the course of 12 weeks had lower BMIs by the end of the study than those who ate the snack once a week or less. For the healthiest option, look for brands without added sugar.

cup and saucer of black coffee
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Coffee and black tea

Secret fat burner: Caffeine

Numerous studies have shown that caffeine can lift metabolic rate, which leads you burning more calories. “But don’t go crazy with it,” says Palinski-Wade. The optimum amount seems to be about 300 mg per day, she says, equivalent to about two medium cups of coffee or four of black tea. “Too much caffeine starts to reduce serotonin production,” she warns. “You might feel in a depressed mood and less motivated.” And don’t undermine the effect by loading up on cream and sugar. Find out the 30 little diet changes that can help you lose weight.

bowl of turmeric powder surrounded by turmeric root
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Turmeric

Secret fat burner: Curcumin

This bright orange spice does more than liven up curries. Curcumin, which is just one of turmeric’s active ingredients, helps fight fat by reducing inflammation in the body and changing the gut microbiome. No wonder turmeric lattes and “golden milk” have become so popular among those looking for foods that burn fat. Turmeric has benefits for your skin and hair, too.

glass of ice water
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Water

Secret fat burner: Water

Yes, water can help fill you up—and doesn’t contain the useless calories of soda or juice. However: Simply drinking a glass of cold water could, at least temporarily, boost your metabolism and help you burn more calories. “The general theory is that when you drink water your body has to expend energy to heat it up to your body temperature,” says Donald D. Hensrud, MD, editor of The Mayo Clinic Diet. “I suspect cold water would have the largest effect.”

three bowls of olive oil with olives and spices
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Olive oil

Secret fat burner: Monounsaturated fat

“Fat isn’t necessarily a bad thing,” says Palinski-Wade. “If it’s a plant-based monounsaturated fat like that in olive oil, it’s a great choice. Olive oil might also help with fat reduction and body composition changes.” Palinski-Wade cautions that in spite of olive oil’s benefits, it’s important to use it in moderation since, like all fats, it’s calorie dense.

Assorted beans in bowls with red lentil, chickpea and kidney beans on wooden background
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Beans, chickpeas, and lentils

Secret fat burner: Fiber

“Beans, chickpeas, and lentils are rich in fiber, and people with higher fiber diets tend to be leaner,” says McDaniel. She explains that “fiber-rich foods take up more real estate in our stomachs, helping us to feel full longer. As an added plus, says McDaniel, foods that are naturally rich in fiber also tend to be lower in calories yet nutrient dense, “providing you the right formula for weight loss.” Find out more about how beans can help you lose weight.

Whole grapefruits and a half grapefruit
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Grapefruit

Secret fat burner: Soluble fiber

Grapefruit earns its diet superfood reputation: For one, it’s full of soluble fiber, which fills you up and takes longer to digest. It may also boost your workout burn. In 2016, researchers found that when people were given p-synephrine, a compound found in grapefruit, before an exercise bike workout, they burnt more fat than carbohydrates when exercising at low or moderate intensity. One caveat: Grapefruit and grapefruit juice can interfere with the absorption of some drugs, so check with your doctor about any medications you’re taking.

Halved avocado
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Avocado

Secret fat burner: Monounsaturated fat

There are good fats and bad fats, and when it comes to avocados, “75 percent of the fat is good fat,” says Palinski-Wade. As with peanuts and olive oil, the monounsaturated fats in avocados are both heart-healthy and filling. “There have been studies showing that people who add half an avocado to their meals were more satisfied after eating and ended up snacking less and eating fewer calories afterward. It’s a great way to control calorie intake throughout the day,” says Palinski-Wade. Here are 30 more simple ways to burn fat fast.

Squares of chewing gum
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Chewing gum

Secret fat burner: Gum base

Well-known food and nutrition expert Joy Bauer, RD, author of Joy’s Simple Food Remedies: Tasty Cures for Whatever’s Ailing You, says that chewing gum can be a powerful tool for weight loss. The gum base is what keeps gum chewy and keeps your mouth occupied. “Chewing a stick of gum fills your mouth with a shot of flavor and rescues you from mindlessly munching when you’re bored or battling a craving,” explains Bauer. She recommends popping a piece in your mouth when you’re cooking to save yourself from too much nibbling and tasting. Bauer adds that the act of chewing itself can burn an extra 11 calories an hour. Not exactly a workout, but any extra calorie burn is a good thing.

Bowl of whole black peppercorns
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Black pepper

Secret fat burner: Piperine

Not a chili head? No problem. Hot peppers aren’t the only kind that can help with weight loss. Black pepper’s active ingredient is piperine, which gives the spice its pungent taste. Piperine helps food move more quickly through the digestive tract, and that reduces how many calories you can absorb.

bowl of blueberries
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Blueberries

Secret fat burner: Polyphenols

“Blueberries are great because you’re getting a high-volume food that is low in calories and tastes great,” says Palinski-Wade. But there’s more. “In animal studies, blueberries actually helped to reduce visceral fat (belly fat). We need more studies on humans, but we think it works because of the antioxidants [polyphenols] in blueberries that help reduce inflammation and stress hormone levels.”

bison filet mignons on wooden tray with knife and pepper
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Bison

Secret fat burner: Lean protein

The body uses more energy to digest protein than it does with carbohydrates or fats, making proteins the center of many successful weight loss plans. But people watching their weight—and their heart health—often avoid red meat because of its high saturated fat content (and calories). Bison is a tasty exception. According to the USDA, bison has less fat and fewer calories than beef.

Ginger root sliced on wooden background
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Ginger

Secret fat burner: Gingerol

Gingerol, the active ingredient in ginger root, is related to both capsaicin and piperine, the compounds that make chili pepper and black pepper spicy and that help boost metabolism. A recent meta-analysis of studies suggests that ginger has a significant effect on body weight and belly fat. Try some ginger tea, or grate fresh ginger into a stir-fry.

Chocolate cream and chocolate pieces on wooden table
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Dark chocolate

Secret fat burner: Cocoa

Some fat-burning foods can be downright indulgent. “Dark chocolate definitely has some health perks,” says Cassetty. “It relaxes your blood vessels and allows blood to flow more freely. And it’s such a satisfying treat, it can help people control their craving for other sweets.” One 2017 review of studies found dark chocolate consumption was linked with a significant reduction of body weight and BMI. But the danger of indulgence is overindulgence; Cassetty warns that dark chocolate’s health benefits are best enjoyed in small doses. Try one small square after dinner as an end-of-day treat. Don’t miss this easy change that helps you burn fat faster.

bowl of raw quinoa
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Quinoa

Secret fat burner: Betaine

Quinoa is an excellent source of vegetable protein and fiber, and also contains high levels of betaine—an amino acid that helps promote fat loss. “Quinoa is more satisfying and a healthier swap for rice or pasta as a side dish,” says Palinski-Wade. “About 1/3 of a cup is a good size serving.”

bowls of fermented vegetables
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Kimchi, pickles, and sauerkraut

Secret fat burner: Probiotics

Fermented vegetables like these contain live bacteria—probiotics—that keep your gut functioning well and help prevent bloating. “And research has shown that the healthier our gut bacteria, the leaner our waistlines,” says McDaniel. Here are some more good-for-you probiotic foods to add to your diet.

bowl of broth with chopped parsley on top
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Soup

Secret fat burner: Broth

How much we eat is partly determined by how much space a food takes up in our bellies—and how full we feel after eating. Soup is satisfying and filling; provided you choose broth-based rather than cream-based varieties, soup will help you cut calories effortlessly. “Studies suggest that if you have soup either as a meal or before a meal, you tend to eat less because of that volume,” confirms Palinski-Wade. Make—or purchase—soups that contain lean chicken or meat, beans, and lots of veggies for a great way to increase your intake of protein and fiber.

raw baby potatoes on rustic wooden background
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Potatoes

Secret fat burner: Resistant starch

Not all white carbs are evil. Potatoes, for example, are one of the most filling foods around—white potatoes contain 4.7 grams of fiber, about the same as an apple. That means when you eat potatoes you’ll feel full faster and eat less. And potatoes don’t provide just empty calories. The tubers contain a variety of nutrients—including potassium, which can help regulate sodium in the body and prevent fluid retention and bloating. If you let your boiled potatoes cool before eating them, they’ll form resistant starch, which takes longer to digest, and can help promote weight loss.

Cinnamon sticks and cinnamon powder on wood
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Cinnamon

Secret fat burner: Cinnamaldehyde

This spice can help curb a craving for sweets and keep blood sugar levels stable. “Cinnamon is slightly thermogenic—it slightly increases metabolism,” explains Palinski-Wade. “Cinnamon also helps the body regulate insulin. And when you’re not getting a big spike of insulin, you’re less likely to store fat.” Cinnamaldehyde, the active ingredient in cinnamon, may be responsible for the fat-burning effect. Add cinnamon to coffee, oatmeal, yogurt, or recipes, then reduce the sugar—cinnamon adds flavor without calories. Find out more about how cinnamon can help you lose weight.

Fresh ripe sliced watermelon on wooden rustic background
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Watermelon

Secret fat burner: Water

Watermelon is 92 percent water, and that means that in addition to helping you stay hydrated, it can fill you up (and satisfy your sweet tooth) for almost no calories. The melon isn’t only water, though; it also contains the antioxidant lycopene plus vitamin A and C. For the ultimate treat, pick a melon that’s perfectly ripe.

Two white bowls one containing spinach leaves and one containing chopped kale leaves
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Kale and spinach

Secret fat burner: Thylakoids

Dark leafy vegetables like spinach and kale are perfect weight loss foods for several reasons. “They provide so much volume for so few calories,” says Palinski-Wade. “And they’re a really good source of vitamin C, which moderates stress hormones, and magnesium, which helps convert food to energy.” In addition, these greens are packed full of other nutrients like vitamin A and folate, iron (in spinach), calcium, and vitamin C (in kale). If you’re unfamiliar with thylakoids, you should know that they’re a structure in green plants involved with photosynthesis. They also bind with dietary fat, preventing absorption and helping shrink stores of body fat, according to recent research. Thanks to the high levels in leafy greens, these foods can help you feel full and eat less. Next, find out more fat-burning foods proven to flatten your belly.

Sources
Medically reviewed by Samantha Cassetty, MS, RD, on August 30, 2019

Beth Weinhouse, MS
Beth is an award-winning journalist who specializes in health and medicine. In her three-decades-long career, she’s been the executive medical director for Prevention magazine and held editorial roles with SELF, Physicians’ Life, Parenting, Redbook, RxRemedy, and Reader’s Digest. She was also the founding editor of Conceive Magazine, which, under her editorship, earned a Gold Folio award and was named one of the 50 Best Magazines in the country by The Chicago Tribune. As a healthcare writer, Beth’s work has appeared in dozens of national publications, including The Healthy, Family Circle, Glamour, Health, Ladies’ Home Journal, Real Simple, Parents, and many more. She’s also the co-author of Outrageous Practices, a book about gender bias in healthcare.