10 Ways to incorporate chili peppers in your diet to lose weight

Don't be afraid of the heat! A new study by the University of Wyoming has discovered that chili peppers are a hot ingredient forweight loss and fighting against obesity. The key component in chiles is called capsaicin, which helps give off the spice's heat and gives off the fat-burning energy we all crave. 

Read more ¿Qué más?: 9 Latin foods that are good for your heart & your waistline!

If consumed correctly, chili peppers can boost your metabolism and help you lose weight. There are also more health benefits to adding chilies to your diet. Here are ten ways to make the chili craze work for you. 

Image via iStock

Kimchi

phzo5584gk1.jpg

The typical Korean side dish packs on the heat using red chili peppers. As a result, kimchi packs on a lot of Capsaicin, which is the magic ingredient that helps lower your waist line.

Dried chiles

ph3w9bqxsg1.jpg

Even dried chiles can help you lose weight. Food author of The Chili Pepper Diet, Heidi Allison, explains that you're likely to lose ten times the weight you desire by mixing in the hot ingredient into your everyday meals. I'd like it hot, please!

"Flaming fudge" Habanero recipe

phjx5tjq8k1.png

Habernos are also chili peppers with a high source of Capsaicin. You won't feel as guilty trying this spicy chocolate fudge recipe, which requires:

  • 4 habanero peppers, chopped
  • 8 ounces marshmallow creme
  • 3 cups milk chocolate chips
  • 1 1/2 cups white sugar
  • 2/3 cup evaporated milk
  • 1/4 cup butter
  • 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
  • pinch of salt

Bring the marshmallow creme, milk, milk butter and salt to a boil and stir in the remaining ingredients. Remove from heat and pour into a baking pan and chill. Yum!

A little chili goes a long way

phlvw5peo01.jpg

Adding a small amount of chili can increase your metabolism, which promotes weight loss. Try sprinkling a little in your salad, sandwich or favorite dish. The idea is to still keep your dishes light and healthy.

Chiles help the heart

ph016bl2ww1.jpg

Chiles aren't just good for losing weight. Studies have proven that incorporating chiles into your diet also helps lower blood pressure and increases healthy blood circulation.

Black bean chili soup

phtooelvac1.jpg

A meatless black bean chili with serranos and habanero chiles is a great meal light on the calories and heavy on veggies and protein. This is perfect for those cold winter nights and won't have you packing on the pounds.

Chiles trick you into eating less

phpekdmr481.jpg

The chemicals in chiles and the temporary burning sensation it causes satisfies your hunger quicker, which makes you eat less. So smart!

Hot chili peppers weight loss tea

phgy4xii8s1.jpg

Who says you can't also drink your way skinny using chili peppers in tea? All you need is lemon, cinnamon, a chili pepper and a dash of Cayenne pepper and water.

Chiles also boost your mood

ph9mjkv1gk1.jpg

Thankfully chiles also help boost endorphines, which makes you feel happier throughout the day. A happy mind helps your overall health as well and keeps you more motivated!

Watermelon and chili ice pops

phpbz3k5k41.png

This sweet and low-fat treat hits all of your taste buds. All you need is sugar, basil, chilies, sugar and watermelon to make this refreshing snack perfect for the start of your chili diet!