The foods that help you burn more calories

If you’re looking to lose weight, scientists in Spain have some good news: Certain fruits, nuts and vegetables contain a natural substance that encourages the body to create “beige fat,” the type of body fat that burns calories instead of storing them.

The Spanish researchers discovered, in lab tests, that the melatonin in almonds, cherries, sunflower seeds, cardamom, fennel, coriander and Goji berries can cause the body to deposit small amounts of calorie-burning beige fat in the skin. In contrast, the white fat you carry around on your waistline stores and bulges with caloric energy instead of consuming it.

Your body also produces melatonin at night. Keeping your bedroom in total darkness can encourage your body to make increased amounts of melatonin and may also aid in weight loss.