Trying to shed your pooch and that get rid of that muffin around your middle? If you’re serious about banishing belly fat you’ll need to target your abs with exercises that crunch your middle into a rock-hard stomach, melt away fat with cardio, and eliminate sugar and processed carbs, while incorporating these fat-burning foods into your diet.
Check out the top five foods to help you torch calories and shed fat faster:
Oatmeal
You should never skip meals, especially the first meal of the day. It may seem counter-intuitive that eating might be a solution to burning belly fat, but eating healthy foods throughout the day is an important part of achieving sustainable weight loss. And there’s no better way to kick start your day and jump-start your metabolism than with a steaming hot, hearty bowl of oatmeal. This low-glycemic index food regulates your blood sugar levels, and helps you feel full and satisfied until lunch, decreasing the chances that you’ll indulge in a muffin, bagel or sugary pastry mid-morning.
Go with old school plain oats — preferably steel cut — as flavored oatmeal is usually laced with sugar. Instead, top with fresh fruit or stud with raisins for natural sweetness, and try spicing it up with a dash of cinnamon and a few drops of natural vanilla extract.
Blueberries
Studies have shown that eating blueberries (fresh or frozen), and drinking blueberry juice may help to lose belly fat. Researchers say experimental results suggest that antioxidant-rich blueberries may change how the body stores and processes glucose or sugar for energy, also thereby reducing the risk of both heart disease and diabetes.
Almonds
Almond are a triple-threat when it comes to shedding belly fat. First off, they’re a great source of monunsaturated fatty acids, which are believed to be a secret weapon to help melt away belly fat. On top of that, almonds are an excellent source of vegetable protein and fiber, which help curb cravings, regulate blood sugar levels and help you feel full longer.
Salmon
Lean abs require lean food. So regularly eating lean proteins like salmon, tuna, or turkey can help you get that six-pack you’re after. Upon digestion, lean meats and fish deliver heaps of energy, giving you the fuel you need to stay active and burn even more calories!
When it comes to eating fish, opt for omega-3-rich choices like responsibly farmed salmon or anchovies — omega-3′s are essential to optimal brain function, reduce inflammation, and even help regulate hormones.
Greens
There’s no better place to “go green!” than on your dinner plate. Greens have so many health benefits thanks to being naturally packed with life-giving vitamins and minerals, and when it comes to trimming the fat around your waist, green vegetables like spinach, romaine or arugula lettuce, and broccoli are weight loss heroes due to their low calorie, high fiber content.
For lunch, serve up a colossal salad tossed with nuts, fruit, and chicken or fish, drizzle it sparingly with a vinaigrette dressing, and you’ll be resist snack-attacks all afternoon. Alternatively, enjoy a small salad as a starter before dinner and you’ll find that you eat smaller portions of your entree.
