Are you sceptical when you read the words ‘fat burning’ foods? We don’t blame you. It’s pretty hard to believe that putting more calories, fats and carbs into your body could lead to weight loss. But some foods have a very high thermogenic effect; that is they increase heat in the body, which speeds up the metabolism and ability to burn fat.

So grab a fork and dig into these 7 super foods that’ll help you ditch the pounds while giving your brain a boost.

Wild Salmon

This awesome fish is your go-to food for high doses of omega-3 fatty acids, which give your metabolism a kick and help you burn fat. Eating oily fish like salmon can also improve brain function and even help prevent arthritis.

Why wild salmon? Farmed salmon doesn’t provide anywhere near as many nutrients, thanks to a diet of genetically modified grains and dead animal parts. It’s best to avoid farmed fish whenever you can.

Walnuts

You don’t need to eat a lot of walnuts to tap into their power. A small handful will deliver a healthy dose of omega-3s, melatonin, manganese and the hard-to-find gamma-tocopherol (a form of vitamin E which helps protect your heart). There’s also evidence to suggest that walnuts can slow the onset of Alzheimer’s and Parkinson’s disease.

Not a nut fan? Blend two tablespoons of organic walnut butter into your morning smoothie instead.

Dark chocolate

Dark chocolate is loaded with healthy nutrients. Made from the seed of the cocoa tree, it’s one of the best sources of antioxidants on the planet. This is great news, as antioxidants help prevent cell damage, degenerative brain diseases and cancer.

Studies have shown that dark chocolate (not the sugary stuff) can also lower blood pressure and ‘bad’ cholesterol, known as low density lipoprotein (LDL).

Ideally you want dairy-free dark chocolate that’s at least 70% cocoa.

Beans

Beans offer many health benefits and fit into several food groups. They’re rich in complex carbohydrates, like breads and starches, but they also feel right at home in the vegetable group, offering an array of vitamins and minerals. They can also hold their own in the protein group. About 1/2 cup of beans provides 7 grams of protein, which is the same amount as in 1 ounce of chicken, meat or fish.

But bean benefits don’t stop there. Legumes are packed full of fibre. One cup of black beans contains a whopping 15 grams, which is 60% of the recommended daily amount. Research has shown that for every gram of fibre we eat, we eliminate about seven calories.

The high level of fibre also helps keep blood glucose stable, which can help curtail fatigue.

Blueberries

Blueberries are sweet, nutritious and delicious. They’re overloaded with antioxidants that protect the brain from oxidative damage and stress that leads to premature aging, dementia and Alzheimer’s disease.

Furthermore, the flavanols present in this powerful fruit have been linked to improvements in learning, thinking and memory, by increasing communication between neurons. They’re also relatively low in fructose compared to other fruits, making them one of the healthiest fruits around.

Spinach

Low in calories and high in nutrients, Popeye definitely had the right idea choosing spinach as his superfood. This muscle builder is a rich source of plant-based omega-3s and folate, which helps reduce the risk of heart disease, strokes, and osteoporosis. It’s also one of the best food sources for magnesium, which benefits brain cell receptors to speed the transmission of messages.

Avocado

This delicious fruit is full of healthy monounsaturated fats, omega 3 and omega 6 fatty acids. Don’t be put off by the words fat or fatty acids, as these cholesterol-fighting nutrients increase blood flow to the brain and aid in the absorption of antioxidants.

Avocados are also high in vitamin E (helping to protect the brain from free radical damage) and are a good source of potassium and vitamin K (aiding in the protection of the brain from the risk of stroke).

Add a half an avocado to your morning smoothie, for a creamy texture and a powerful nutritional boost.

Healthy massage

To complement your healthy eating, why not book a relaxing and cleansing massage at Castle Thai Spa? Call us on 0131 629 0794 to discuss your options.