There are many foods that can help you to get rid of belly fat--- but first you must change the way you think about food and diets. All carbohydrates and fats are not created equally, and they are not your enemy in the weight-loss battle. The right kinds of carbs and fats will actually help you lose belly fat faster. Add some fat-busting, healthful foods to your diet to get into the best shape of your life in no time.
Fresh Fruits
Apples, blueberries, strawberries and raspberries contain polyphenols that increase fat burning, according to "The Usual Suspects" by Jordana Brown. Moreover, grapefruits also lead to weight loss when three servings are eaten per day. Fresh fruits also contain many antioxidants to protect your body from disease.
Green Vegetables
Spinach in particular contains high levels of the amino acid L-glutamine, which enhances immune function and can trigger the release of fat-burning growth hormones, according to "Good News on Glutamine" by Matthew Kadey. Broccoli, Brussels sprouts and kale are other superstar veggies, packed with vitamins and beneficial nutrients, according to "The Abs Diet."
Whole Grains and Beans
Oatmeal, brown rice, quinoa and whole-grain bread are high-fiber, high-protein sources of low-glycemic carbohydrates. This means that they digest slowly, providing energy for hours without spiking insulin, increasing blood sugar levels and triggering body fat storage. Black beans and other legumes also contain high protein and fiber. Black beans in particular are high in fat-burning anthocyanins, according to "The Usual Suspects." White kidney beans contain high fiber levels and amylase inhibitors that block and/or slow the digestion of other carbohydrates such as sugars.
Low-Fat Dairy
Yogurt, cheese and skim milk belong on this list because they are high in protein and calcium, which inhibits fat storage and is actively involved in fat burning, according to "The Abs Diet." Cottage cheese also makes the list because of its high casein protein content. This protein forms a gel in the stomach and intestines and digests very slowly, staving off hunger and providing nutrients to the body for hours.
Lean Meats
Good sources of protein, lean meats such as turkey, fish and chicken increase the thermic effect of a meal. Proteins have this effect on the body because they take more energy to digest than carbs or fat. Up to 30 percent of protein's calories might be used up just in digestion and assimilation, according to "Combat the Fat."
Eggs
According to "The Usual Suspects," those who regularly eat eggs also eat less at their other meals throughout the day. The high-quality protein in eggs digests easily in the human body and provides a great amino acid profile. Moreover, the mono-unsaturated fats in the highly controversial yolks has also been linked to increased fat burning.
Nuts, Seeds and Healthy Fats
Like eggs, peanut butter and olive oil also contain high amounts of mono-unsaturated fat, which might increase fat burning, according to "The Abs Diet." Other essential fatty acid sources such as omega-3 fish oil, flaxseed oil, almonds and other nuts and avocados also provide healthier alternatives to saturated dairy and animal fats.
References
- "The Abs Diet"; David Zinczenko; 2004
- Muscle & Performance; "Good News on Glutamine"; Matthew Kadey; March 2010
- "Muscle & Fitness": The Ultimate Supplement Handbook; "The Usual Suspects"; Jordana Brown
- "Combat the Fat"; Jeff Anderson; 2008
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