6 Holiday Comfort Foods That Actually Burn Fat

6 Holiday Comfort Foods That Actually Burn Fat Image via http://finetunedfinances.com Although the idea of comfort foods is most typically correlated to uber indulgent eats, many of our favorite nostalgic treats are not deep-fried, covered in cheese, or loaded with tons of chocolate and sugar. Surprisingly some of your favorite comfort goodies can actually promote weight loss. This holiday season, it is time for you to rethink your favorite celebratory comfort foods and to actually beat the battle of the holiday bulge with this list of waist-friendly cozy eats. Hot chocolate Image via http://littlemissobsessed.com Hot chocolate is to December what pumpkin spice lattes are to October; it is the holiday drink of choice. Cocoa, which is essentially unsweetened chocolate, is packed with antioxidants, which reduce your levels of cortisol, a stress hormone that adheres belly fat to your body. A study from Cornell University found that the concentration of antioxidants in hot chocolate is up to five times greater than it is in black tea. Hot chocolates combination of carbs and protein can also help your muscles recover faster from a tough workout, according to research in the International Journal of Sport Nutrition and Exercise Metabolism. So the next time that you are craving a cup of hot cocoa, don’t hesitate on allowing yourself this nostalgic treat just be sure to skip on the tiny marshmallows and whipped cream! Collard greens Image via http://browzer.kinsta.com This southern staple veggie seems to pop up all over holiday dinner feasts. Although it’s usually correlated to indulgent festive meals, a single serving of this green only racks up a mere 46 calories. This single serving also packs more than your daily-recommended doses of vitamins A and K, which can strengthen your immune system for a healthy metabolism, says Jonny Bowden, PhD, a nutritionist and the author of The 150 Healthiest  Comfort Foods  on Earth. Coffee Image via http://greekaus.com A cup of java provides way more benefits than helping you stay awake during your 8 a.m. class (or meeting). The caffeine found in coffee can actually serve to boost your mood and increase your metabolism, thanks to a healthy dose of the antioxidant chlorogenic acid (CGA), which increases your bodys use of fat for energy. Research has also shown that this compound can slow the release of glucose into the bloodstream after a meal while lowering insulin resistance to prevent weight gain. Consuming coffee in small doses before exercise can improve performance and help your muscles recover in record time (just be sure that you stay hydrated by drinking lots of water before or after your cup of pre-workout coffee). Always be sure to opt for natural sweeteners and low-fat or non-dairy milk in order to keep your cup of joe as lean as possible. Red wine Image via https://localtvwiti.files.wordpress.com In addition to being a heart helper (and stress reliever), red wine can actually help to prevent against excess weight gain. A study from the University of Ulm in Germany suggests that resveratrol the worshipped antioxidant found in grape skins inhibits the production of fat cells. Moreover, another substance found naturally in red wine called calcium pyruvate helps fat cells burn more energy. So don’t be afraid to drink up, but stick to just one glass each 6-ounce serving contains about 150 calories. Chili Image via https://pritikin.com There is a reason that broth-based diets have gained recent popularity. Considering the satiating properties of soup and the muscle building power of protein, chili is a dynamic dish that can definitely do your body some good. Chili is the perfect hearty dish to warm up with loved ones during the chillier winter months. The combination of the fiber from the tomatoes and the protein from the beans and beef prevents overeating. In addition, the compound that gives cayenne, chili peppers, and jalapeños their heat (capsaicin) is also renowned for incinerating fat. Mashed sweet potatoes Although they may sometimes earn a bad rep for being high in carbohydrates, consuming sweet potatoes can prevent sugar from getting stored around your waistline as fat. This is because sweet potatoes are high in carotenoids as well as CGA (also found in coffee). These two compounds function to hinder the bodys release of glucose and insulin. Not to mention that sweet potatoes are filled with fiber, which slows digestion and prevents blood sugar from decreasing and resultantly prevents your hunger from spiking. That’s right, no more hanger pains!