How to lose weight: 11 healthy snacks that help you burn stubborn belly fat faster

chillies grapefruit avocado GETTY

FAT BURN: If you want a six-pack you'll have to work for it – but these foods will help

The best way to lose weight is to simply burn more calories than you eat, by exercising and following a healthy diet.

However, there are certain foods that can actually speed up fat-burning and help you see results faster.

Some foods have a very high thermogenic effect, so you literally burn calories as you chew, while others help build muscle.

Eating the right foods is half the battle when is comes to sculpting your dream body.

From chicken and turkey to chillies and grapefruit, we reveal 11 of the best fat-burning foods ever:

How to lose belly fat fast

If you are looking to lose that belly fat, try these simple easy to follow tips that will help you on the road

Getty Images

Eat every three hours - Passing on breakfast will send your body into starvation mode, meaning your body starts to store everything you’ve eaten as fat, and you’re midsection is the first to suffer the consequences

chicken GETTY

HEALTHY: Chicken, turkey and other lean meats are a great source of protein

1. Chicken

Chicken, turkey and other lean meats are a great source of protein.

Protein is an important component of every cell in the body. Hair and nails are mostly made of protein and your body uses protein to build and repair muscle.

The power food also makes you feel fuller for longer and as a result can help aid weight loss – hence why it’s so popular with fitness fanatics.

2. Nuts and nut butters

Peanut butter is all the rage right now and with good reason. Nut butters are a great source of healthy fat, fibre and protein.

This heady combination keeps you energised and satisfied longer – which helps reduce snacking.

20 fat-burning foods that help you lose weight

Getty Images

Avacodo - includes monosaturated fatty acids that are more likely to be used as slow burning energy than stored as body fat

3. Eggs

One of the best morning foods, eggs are also a great source of protein and healthy fats.

Eating plenty of eggs helps you maintain muscle while you’re burning fat.

4. Berries

These tiny powerhouses are packed full of vitamins and minerals and are also a great source of filling fibre.

For example, you get fewer calories (about 84) and more grams of filling fibre (3.6) than in one large banana.

Berries GETTY

SUPERFOOD: Berries are full of vitamins and minerals plus they’re a great source of fibre

5. Tuna

A can of tuna in water is another great source of lean protein and healthy Omega-3s.

For about 200 calories, you can enjoy three ounces of light tuna and six whole-wheat crackers—complete with three grams of fibre and 20 grams of protein.

6. Avocados

Avocados are a really great combination of monounsaturated fats and plenty of fibre – which helps you stay fuller for longer.

11 healthy sources of protein

High-protein, low-carbohydrate diets are all the rage right now and for good reason. Protein is an important component of every cell in the body. Hair and nails are mostly made of protein and your body uses protein to build and repair tissues.

Getty Images

Mixed beans and lentils

7. Grapefruit

Grapefruit contains a lot of fibre, which slows down the breakdown of sugar to reduce blood sugar spikes and stabilise your appetite.

8. Chillies

These little fruits pack a punch and add flavour to your food, but they also help increase metabolic rate.

This in turn speeds up fat-burning and helps you shift those pesky pounds.

9. Dark leafy greens

There’s a reason mother always told you to eat your greens. Dark leafy greens are packed full of iron, which supports efficient oxygen transport throughout your body.

This maximises your workout by helping you to build muscle, while you burn fat.

Chillies GETTY