There is only so much fat burning you can do at the gym. Enlisting the assistance of fat-fighting foods will help you battle the bulge all day long, leading to an increase in overall weight loss.

These versatile foods can help you stoke your metabolism at breakfast, lunch, dinner or snack time. I skipped the healthy foods that are hard to find -- or unpleasant to eat -- and focused on delicious, easy-to-prepare staples. Stock up on these great foods to make slimming down simple.

Perk Up
Coffee is the second most traded commodity in the world, which makes sense since it's such a crucial ingredient in getting anything done. But your daily brew is doing more than keeping you awake, alert and focused.

The average metabolic rate of caffeinated coffee drinkers is 16 percent higher than those that drank decaf, according to a study published in the journal Physiology & Behavior. Beyond boosting your metabolism, coffee also reduces appetite and contains heart-healthy antioxidants.

To get the greatest benefits, spread your intake out in 8-ounce servings -- and skip the jumbo calorie-laden coffee concoctions.

Say Cheese!
One of the most versatile and delicious foods of all time -- that is a scientific fact -- can improve your omelet, upgrade a burger or be eaten all alone as a tasty snack. And if those weren't enough reasons to love cheese, it can actually help you avoid gaining weight.

According to a study in The American Journal of Clinical Nutrition, women who ate an ounce of full-fat cheese daily gained fewer pounds than their cheese-deprived counterparts over the course of the study. Full-fat dairy contains conjugated linoleic acid, which is believed to boost your metabolism; cheese is also a great source of muscle-building protein. Is there anything this wonder food can't do?

Almond Joy
There's nothing simpler to snack on than nuts. A handful of almonds -- about 12 -- can not only satisfy your craving for something crunchy, but can also help you lose weight. A study in the International Journal of Obesity found that participants who ate 3 ounces of almonds a day reduced their weight and body mass index by 18 percent.

Almonds are loaded with alpha-linolenic acid, which has been found to accelerate the metabolism of fats. Walnuts are another good snack choice because they are packed with omega-3 fatty acids, which may prevent the onset of hunger. An Australian study found that 8-10 walnuts a day helped dieters lose more body fat and reduce insulin levels.

Favorite Fish
It seems counter-intuitive that a fish high in fat could help you lose fat, but salmon does just that. The fat in salmon is the heart-healthy omega-3 variety, which a recent study in Iceland found increased blood levels of the appetite-regulating hormone leptin. Salmon is not only packed with health benefits, but it also helps keep you full longer.

Spreading Yourself Thin
If you haven't already swapped mustard for mayonnaise on your sandwich, it's time to make the switch. In addition to saving yourself about 100 calories and 10 grams of fat, you'll also get a healthy dose of turmeric. A study in the journal Endocrinology found that the spice that gives mustard its color may also slow the growth of fat tissues.

Eating healthy doesn't have to hurt. Just a few simple switches can help you keep those extra pounds off for good. Besides, any excuse to drink coffee, eat cheese and feel good about it makes for a good day indeed.

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