When trying to lose weight, many people focus solely on calorie count. While creating a calorie deficit is important for weight loss, it’s also crucial to get the right nutrients to support your health.

The good news is that there are plenty of foods that can help you burn calories while also providing essential vitamins and minerals. Here are five calorie-burning foods that pack a nutritional punch.

1. Leafy Greens

Leafy greens, such as spinach, kale, and Swiss chard, are incredibly low in calories and high in nutrition. These veggies are also rich in fiber, which helps keep you feeling full for longer, so you can avoid overeating.

For example, one cup of cooked spinach contains just 41 calories but provides more than a day’s worth of vitamin K, which is essential for bone health and blood clotting.

2. Spicy Peppers

Peppers, such as cayenne and jalapeno, contain a compound called capsaicin, which gives them their spicy flavor. Capsaicin has been shown to increase metabolism and help the body burn more calories.

In fact, a study published in the American Journal of Clinical Nutrition found that people who ate spicy peppers before a meal burned more calories than those who did not. Additionally, peppers are rich in vitamin C, which supports immune health and collagen synthesis.

3. Citrus Fruits

All citrus fruits, including oranges, grapefruits, and lemons, are high in vitamin C, which is important for immune function, skin health, and wound healing.

They also contain antioxidants, such as flavonoids, which help protect your cells from damage caused by free radicals. In addition, these fruits are low in calories and high in fiber, which can help you feel full and satisfied. For example, one medium orange contains just 62 calories but provides almost 100% of your daily vitamin C needs.

4. Lean Protein

Protein is essential for building and repairing tissues, and it can also help boost metabolism. However, not all protein sources are created equal.

Lean protein sources, such as chicken, fish, and tofu, are low in calories and high in nutrients, making them an excellent choice for weight loss. Additionally, these foods are rich in amino acids, which are the building blocks of proteins and play a role in muscle growth and repair.

5. Whole Grains

Last but not least, whole grains, such as quinoa, brown rice, and oats, are a great source of fiber, vitamins, and minerals. They also require your body to work harder to digest them, which can increase calorie burn.

Additionally, whole grains have a low glycemic index, meaning they are slowly digested and absorbed, which can help regulate blood sugar levels and prevent cravings. For example, one cup of cooked quinoa contains just 222 calories but provides more than 8 grams of protein and 5 grams of fiber.

Conclusion

When it comes to weight loss, it’s important to focus on both calorie count and nutrition. By incorporating these five calorie-burning foods into your diet, you can support your health while also shedding pounds.

Don’t be afraid to get creative with these ingredients and try new recipes to keep things interesting.