Lots of us girls are working hard to shift those extra pounds and achieve a slimmer body. Wouldn’t it be great to know that there are foods we could eat that would actually help us with the battle of the bulge! It may sound too good to be true, but certain foods require the body to work so hard to break them down that you burn more calories than the foods contain. These “negative calorie” foods include : apples, broccoli, asparagus, carrots, cabbage, celery, cucumber, grapefruit, onion, pineapple, strawberries, and tomato. As well as these, here are the top fat-burning ingredients.

Almonds - In a recent study, dieters who ate almonds every day reduced their weigth by 18% compared to 11% for those who didn’t. Almonds contain alpha-linolenic acid, which can help speed up metabolism. Nuts are a good source of protein, which helps keep you fuller for longer.

Dairy Products - if you don’t eat enough calcium it affects the production of vitamin D, which appears to have an effect on fat metabolism. Studies show that women on a calorie-restricted diet including 500mg calcium per day lost 14 lbs but those taking 1,113mg calcium lost almost double the amount. To benefit, eats lots of low-fat protein foods such as cottage cheese, yogurt and milk.

Oranges - Keep the pounds at bay by snacking on oranges, which contain flavones, believed to help burn fat. It has been shown that women who eat most flavones have the least increase in body fat.

Soy Beans - Research has shown that when soy consumption increases, weight decreases. They contain the highest level of protein of any vegetable or bean, which helps to keep you full for longer.

Tumeric - Tumeric encourages the release of enzymes, which can help to break down body fats and carbohydrates. Try using it with your rice or couscous and sauté your vegetables with it.

Cinnamon - A common culprit in weight gain is a diet high in GI foods such as white bread and processed products that cause blood-sugar levels to rocket. This results in cravings, as well as triggering insulin, which stores calories as fat. Just 1 tsp of cinnamon could help as it slows down the rate the stomach empties thus controlling post-meal insulin spikes. Sprinkle on porridge or yogurt.

Berries - Not only do berries taste great but studies show that they help you burn up to 30% more fat during exercise. Eat a handful of missed berries a day.

Sweet Potato - This root vegetable is high in fibre and low in fat and keeps you feeling fuller for longer, and is high in cartenoids, which help stabilise blood sugar levels, lowering insulin resistance and staving off cravings. Delicious roasted or in a soup.