Scrap the thought that you should stay away from food to make your dream figure become a stark reality. The fact is focusing on certain foods can help you zap excess pounds by either speeding up the metabolism or making you feel satiated for a long period of time. Either way, read on if you are planning on slimming down. Below you can find some foods that you should incorporate into your diet for a more flattering figure.

Lean Meat Products

Protein is necessary for muscle development. Your body burns calories faster the more muscles that you have. Additionally, protein saves you from experiencing hunger pangs. That is why you should not give up on eating meat while you are trying to lose unwanted weight. Opt for lean meat products cooked without the added fat.

Legumes

Aside from meat, other excellent sources of protein are legumes. In fact, there are so many peas, beans and lentils that come really close to meat when their amino acid profiles are concerned. Other than helping to build muscles, another nice thing about legumes is they are packed with dietary fiber that fills up your stomach and cleanses the colon.

Citrus Fruits

Oranges, grapefruit, lime, tangerines and lemons all contain vitamin C, a nutrient that helps in breaking down fat cells. What’s more, all of them have an alkalizing effect on the body. This helps restore normal pH levels within, allowing for a more efficient elimination of excess pounds.

Foods Rich in Healthy Fats

Not all fats are the same. Making the good kinds a part of your diet provides the energy you need to commit to having a daily dose of exercise. Good fats also prevent bad cholesterol from sticking on the inner arterial walls. Some wonderful sources of healthy fats include fish, avocados, nuts and flaxseed.

Dairy Products

Researches have shown that calcium in dairy products helps in breaking down fat molecules as well as prevent new ones from forming. Calcium is also good for the prevention of leg cramps, something that might occur while you are exercising or sleeping at night. Since your goal is to slim down, opt for low-fat or non-fat dairy products.

Spices

Chili peppers, cayenne, jalapenos and the likes can add tons of kick to any dish. Adding these spices into your life can fire up your metabolism, thanks to the abundance of capsaicin in them. This compound helps in accelerating a sluggish metabolic rate, allowing you to burn more calories and fats no matter if you are resting or working out.

Whole Grain Products

Whole grain oats, bread, pasta, cereals and others are loaded with insoluble fiber. This kind of dietary fiber is heavy on the stomach, thus very helpful in saving you from overeating. Another thing about whole grain products that keeps you from eating more than necessary is they don’t cause a spike in the blood sugar level.