The following fat burning foods are good choices to keep you fueled and full all day, that are low in calories but packed with taste. Spring is a great time to enjoy the bounty of the season. When you eat foods that are in season, they are not only more affordable, they are also fresher and packed with the highest amount of flavor and nutritional value.

It’s also a great time to consider shedding those extra winter pounds. Spring is actually the best time to find foods that are packed with fiber – a weight-loss super star. You can still have your carbs and slim down if you choose the right ones.

By incorporating these high fiber carbohydrates into your diet, you’ll feel fuller longer, get many of the vitamins and nutrients your body needs, and burn fat while enjoying good, healthy food.

LENTILS – Although lentils include all the beneficial nutrients like fiber, protein, minerals and vitamins, they are still low in calories and contain virtually no fat. One cup of cooked lentils only contains about 230 calories, but still leaves you feeling full and satisfied. They are great for blasting belly fat.

CHICKPEAS – Super affordable and tasty, chickpeas deserve a spot in any health-conscious kitchen. Each serving comes packed with nutrients, from iron to B vitamins. And chickpeas have plenty of nutrients that can help you lose weight, too. How? Chickpeas are a great source of protein. Your body burns a lot of energy – in the form of calories – to help break down the protein.

QUINOA – Quinoa is higher in protein than any other grain, and it packs a hefty dose of heart-healthy, unsaturated fats. Quinoa is also a great source of fiber and B vitamins, and it’s gluten-free.

QUINOA FLAKES –  Quinoa flakes are made from pressed quinoa. You get all the healthy benefits of quinoa with a more familiar breakfast texture and a quicker cooking time. Use it as a great alternative to oats for a quick breakfast.

KAMUT – Kamut is rich in heart-healthy omega-3 fatty acids, and it’s also high in protein while low in calories. A half-cup serving has 30% more protein than regular wheat, with only 140 calories. Kamut helps to reduce cholesterol, blood sugar and inflammation.

BANANAS – Bananas help reduce stomach bloating and are a good source of potassium, which can help lower water retention and prevent muscle cramping during a workout. Bananas are also rich in glucose, a highly digestible sugar, which provides a quick energy boost.

SWEET POTATOES –  Sweet potatoes are loaded with fiber, nutrients and can help you burn fat. The magic ingredient here are antioxidants – they stabilize blood-sugar levels and lower insulin resistance, which prevents calories from being converted into fat. They provide a great energy boost before a work out.

BROCCOLI – Broccoli is a cruciferous vegetable that’s rich in Vitamin C. Vitamin C builds collagen, which forms body tissue and bone, and helps cuts and wounds heal. It has nearly 1 gram of fiber per 10 calories. Fiber helps keep you regular and helps maintain healthy bacteria levels in the intestines. Broccoli also aids in digestion by helping to keep your stomach lining healthy.

BUCKWHEAT – Like quinoa, buckwheat is gluten-free and a complete source of protein, which means it supplies all nine-essential muscle-building amino acids the body cannot produce on its own. It is also high in magnesium and fiber.

TEFF – Teff is a mild, nutty whole grain and a complete protein that’s rich in vitamins and fiber. It is also rich in calcium and iron. Diets rich in calcium have been associated with lower body weight and reduced weight gain over time.

BLUEBERRIES – A cup of blueberries has 21 grams of carbs, but they couldn’t be better for you.  They are loaded with polyphenols—chemical compounds that prevent fat from forming— and that actively burns belly fat.

Pereg Natural Foods offers an extensive line of all-natural grains and ancient grains including quinoa, teff, buckwheat, kamut, lentils and chickpeas, among others. They manufacture all their products from start to finish, controlling the quality from the sourcing until the product is packed and ready for the consumer.