Belly fat can be stubborn, and you may feel like you have to starve yourself to ever get rid of it. But don’t do it!
You can still enjoy food and work off that spare tire at the same time.Following are twelve foods that are especially good at attacking belly fat – and it’s all good stuff.
1. Popcorn
We know that whole grains are a healthy food choice, especially over products made with refined white grains. Popcorn is 100% unprocessed whole grain and comes with a healthy dose of fiber to boot.
People who eat a lot of whole grain tend to have lower levels of subcutaneous fat around their middles, and studies show that getting more fiber can help blast away belly fat. So snack away – just air pop your popcorn and don’t add a ton of butter and salt before eating
2. Red Wine
Red wine may help trim waistlines due to naturally occurring antioxidants called polyphenols, which support a better lipid profile and lower the risk of diabetes and hypertension in people who consume red wine on a regular basis.
In terms of belly fat, one study examined the direct link and found that moderate consumption of red wine seemed to lower the incidence of abdominal obesity.
Just stick to the recommended level of one glass per day for women and two for men. Also remember that healthy polyphenols can be found in red grapes, as well – they don’t need to be fermented to help.
3. Greek Yogurt
Greek yogurt is great for weight loss because it is full of protein to keep you feeling full longer and support muscle building, which in turn creates a higher calorie burn in your body.
Yogurt and dairy products in general may also be able to target belly fat. The trick is that you need to consume the full fat versions.
Sound strange?
The reason is that when fat is removed from any product, critical nutrients go along with it. Manufacturers then add in a ton of sugar to make it taste good. Recent studies have found that people who eat the most full fat dairy products have the lowest incidence of obesity
4. Green Tea
Green tea contains catechins, a catch-all term for a class of flavonoids that exist in certain plants to protect them from environmental toxins and repair cellular damage.
Researchers believe that catechins can stimulate human bodies to burn calories and trim fat from the belly, especially when consumed with vitamin E.
One particular study of men found that those who drank at least two cups of tea per day had healthier BMI readings and slimmer waistlines than those who never drank tea.
5. Pumpkin Seeds
If you are looking for a satisfying snack that won’t derail your weight loss efforts, pumpkin seeds are the way to go.
Their high level of a nutrient called L-arginine makes them especially good for reducing belly fat.
Studies indicate that boosting your intake of L-arginine over six weeks might help your body burn more existing fat and not store new fat. If you’re not a fan of pumpkin seeds, you can also get L-arginine from chickpeas, turkey, peanuts, soybeans, and spirulina.
6. Salmon
Salmon is a nutritious and protein-packed food, but steer clear of the farmed version, which is high in antibiotics and other unnatural things force fed to the fish.
If you can find wild-caught salmon, you may find that it helps you burn through that unwanted belly fat. Beyond the protein, salmon is high in vitamin D. High vitamin D consumption is thought to relate to a lower BMI and smaller waist circumference.
7. Blueberries
Blueberries are touted for all sorts of health benefits, including cognitive improvement and better cardiovascular functioning.
Now researchers think that blueberries might also affect the way our bodies metabolize fat and sugar.
Recent findings indicate that blueberries influence the genes that regulate fat burning and storage in a way that reduces abdominal fat and lowers cholesterol. In combination with a diet low in saturated fats, they may also improve blood sugar levels.
