Foods to Reduce Belly Fat
If you have been struggling to lose belly fat around your midsection you are not alone. Belly fat is one of the most common and hardest fats to lose. The excess fat that is stored around the belly is often caused by eating fatty foods, lack of exercise and working a sedentary job. Age and the amount of stress in a person’s life can also lead to excess fat around the abdomen. Luckily there are lifestyle changes you can make today to begin to help lose weight around the belly. The first step may include modifying your diet. There are flat belly foods and there are fat belly foods. We will explain the difference between the two. Below are some foods that will help you achieve a flatter stomach and a healthier you.
Fat belly foods
Trans fat, such as those found in butter, processed foods, bread, cakes, pastries and fried foods, can all lead to belly bulge. Sugary drinks such as fizzy drinks and high fructose syrup juices can also attribute to belly fat.
Although these foods are tasty, they are most likely one of the main reasons why you have not been able to get rid of the bulge around your waist. If you are a fast food junkie, you are most likely consuming large quantities of salt and fat. The salt and fat from fast food can lead to a significant amount of fat build-up around your abdomen.
When modifying your diet, take it one step at a time. For example if you love soda, substitute it with a naturally flavoured sparkling water. If you need your fast food fix, allow yourself to splurge once a week. You don´t have to give up all of your fat belly foods. The idea is to create a diet that incorporates more clean foods then fat belly foods. This means eating 90% clean and allowing yourself to indulge 10% of the time.
Belly flat foods
Below are six foods that will help you to achieve that flat tummy you have been dreaming of.
Go nuts for nuts
Nuts, when eaten consciously, can be an excellent source of protein and fibre. One of the best nuts to eat for a flat stomach is a handful of almonds. Almonds are rich in vegetable protein and assist in lowering cholesterol. Two tablespoons of almonds per day is the recommended serving.
Wholesome oats
Oatmeal can be a great way to fill up in the morning and keep your blood sugars level. The times we crave that sweet afternoon treat is often due to a dip in our sugar levels. So, start the morning off right with a bowl of oats to keep your glucose levels balanced and your hunger and sweet tooth in check.
Oil up
If you haven´t heard the news, olive oil is the way to go when it comes to cooking. Olive oil contains monounsaturated fats that will curb your hunger and help to keep your cholesterol balanced. If you are currently using a vegetable oil, which is commonly loaded with trans fat, try switching to a pure pressed olive oil instead.
Be crazy over beans
Beans are magical seeds that are packed with protein and low in calories. They also contain a considerable amount of fibre, keeping you full longer and your digestive system on track. If you eat meat, try substituting beans as your main protein at least twice a week.
Go fish
Fish is one of the leanest meats you can integrate into your diet. As a bonus, fish is also loaded with rich omega-3s which help to prevent stress, a common culprit for belly fat build-up.
Go green
If you are trying to lose fat around your belly, load your plate with leafy greens. Super veggies such as broccoli and spinach are loaded with good fibre and are extremely low in calories. Arugula is another type of salad green that can be used to fight belly fat. Try substituting a vegetable rich salad with dark leafy greens three times a week for a month. If you do this while eating the other foods mentioned above, you are on your way to a flatter, leaner and healthier belly.
