Fat is stored energy, and in order to see significant fat loss, you have to burn more energy than you consume. This can be achieved in one of two ways. You can lose fat by increasing exercise, which will cause your body to draw more fuel from those fat stores. Or, you can modify your diet to lessen the amount of calories that are consumed. Of course, the best way to eliminate fat is to combine the two methods by participating in a vigorous exercise program that is supplemented by a nutritious diet.

When planning your fat loss diet, include foods that are known to help the body burn off excess fat stores. Also, be sure to drink plenty of water. Water is essential to the proper functioning of the systems that transport and burn fat. It also helps to prevent dehydration, which can cause you to feel hungry when you are actually just craving water.

Here are some of the best fat burning foods:

Eggs – This breakfast favorite emulsifies fat so that it’s easier for the body to break down and use as fuel. They do it through their high vitamin B12 content.

Oats – Another breakfast favorite, oats are a good source of selenium, which helps to raise energy levels and boost the immune system, aiding in the fat burning process. Oats are also a great source of soluble fiber that assists with lowering cholesterol.

Seafood – All seafood, especially salmon, are full of omega-3 fatty acids and protein that increase your body’s metabolism by reducing Leptin hormone levels, assisting it to more readily burn fat.

Turkey – This delicious meat is low in fat and high in protein, which helps burn calories.

Beans and Legumes – Beans and legumes are full of protein and fiber and low in calories. They make an excellent substitute for meat dishes in fat burning diets.

Fruits – Citrus fruit such as oranges, lemons, limes, grapefruit, tangerines, and papaya are a great source of vitamin C, which helps dilute fat from the body. Vitamin C also helps to reduce insulin levels, making weight loss easier. In addition to citrus fruits, other fruits help guide in weight loss. Fruits like apples, pears, and berries are high in fiber, keeping you full for longer periods of time. Pectin is also found in apples and pears. Pectin helps restrict cells from absorbing fat and increases water absorption, leading to greater weight loss. Bananas contain both prebiotic fibers that help curb appetite and an ingestible fiber, often referred to as a resistant starch. This resistance starch blocks some carbohydrates from being absorbed by the intestines and forces the body to resort to using stored fat as an energy burner instead.

Green Vegetables – Green vegetables like broccoli and spinach are fat busters due to their low calorie and high vitamin and mineral levels. That’s why salads are always at the top of the list of low fat diets.

Garlic – This great addition to meals burns fat by raising your metabolism. It also stabilizes insulin levels in the blood.

Hot Spices – Spices such as chili and cayenne pepper contain capsaicin, which has a thermogenic effect that works to burn fat. They are also a great way to add pizzazz to your meals.

Olive Oil – A main ingredient in fat burning diets, olive oil is quite effective at lowering bad cholesterol levels. Use olive oil for cooking and as a dressing for nutritious salads to reduce fat and cholesterol.

Yogurt – Yogurt, especially Greek yogurt, is filled with calcium that works to keep fat from forming and breaks down the fat you already have. Just be sure to choose the kinds that are low-fat or fat-free.

Green Tea – This delicious drink contains EGCG, which is proven to help the body burn fat by stimulating both your brain and your nervous system. Green tea also contains strong antioxidants that protect your body and helps to reduce bad cholesterol (LDL) while improving good cholesterol (HDL).