To lose weight, you want to ramp up your burn; but outside of exercise there’s little that’ll spark the fuse. However, if you’re looking for some low-calorie, high-satiety grub, these meals will ignite the torch to help you melt fat—just make sure you’re controlling your portions.
Your play: next time you’re at the supermarket, look out for these metabolism boosters:
1. Rotisserie Chicken
You already love it, right? Go ahead: it’s ready-to-eat, high-quality protein. Pair it with a vegetable if you’re ever in a pinch for a meal.
The Science: Chicken is lean—super lean. So you’ll bag the protein you need to build muscle without adding unnecessary calories. Just avoid any energy-dense sauces containing cream or butter. Studies have shown that feasting on this favoured poultry can help with weight management and slash your risks of developing heart disease.
2. Pre-cut Vegetables
Supermarkets these days make preparation a snap. From diced peppers and onions to shredded brussels sprouts, you can find any vegetable ready to toss into a roasting pan or skillet.
READ MORE: 7 Foolproof Ways To Ramp Up Your Metabolism
3. Plain Greek Yoghurt, or Kefir
It’s time to give these immigrants a home in your fridge. Plain Greek yoghurt offers twice the protein of traditional yoghurt and about the same number of carbs, making it a great snack or starting point for breakfast. Kefir is a fermented milk product that falls between cream and yoghurt. The plain version contains almost a 1:1 ratio of protein to carbohydrates and has enough probiotics to keep your digestive tract happy.
4. Smoked Salmon
Okay, you weren’t expecting this. That’s part of what makes it great. It’s ready to eat, carb-free and full of satiating protein and fat. Having smoked salmon in the middle of the day will quickly change your concept of “diet food” snacks.
The Science: Rich in healthy fats, eating salmon has been shown to boost heart health, improve brain function and slow down ageing. Dig in!
5. Cheese Sticks
Portable protein, properly portioned. Whether they’re string cheese (mozzarella) or Swiss, these should always be in your fridge. Pair them with a small piece of fruit for a snack, or chop ’em up and toss them on a salad with some rotisserie chicken to round out a fat-burning meal.
