Carrying exess weight around your middle can be unsightly and unhealthy. According to the Mayo Clinic, people who store weight in their middle are at greater risk for heart disease, diabetes, stroke and some types of cancer. However, you can lose belly fat by elminating certain foods from your diet, getting plenty of exercise and eating foods that contain monounsaturated fat, which will help to support your body's ability to burn fat. However, enjoy these foods in moderation. Choose one source of this healthy fat to have at each meal.
Olive Oil
Use olive oil as part of a salad dressing or marinade. You can also use it to saute meat or vegetables. Look for "extra virgin" types that come from the first press of the olive, and are the least processed. Limit serving size to two tablespoons at a time. Whole olives contain the same healthy fats, so you can snack on those, as well.
Nuts
Nuts are an all natural food that make a satisfying snack. They contain protein, which helps you stay full. Limit your portion size to about two ounces. Look for raw or dry roasted versions. You can also snack on seeds. Tasty and healthy nuts and seeds to snack on include almonds, Brazil nuts, sunflower seeds and macadamia nuts. You can also receive belly-blasting benefits from nut butters such as almond butter, cashew butter or peanut butter.
Avocados
Avocados are a delicious option that add rich substance to any dish. Try it sliced over salad, or chopped and added to salsas or other recipes. Avocados are also delicious on a sandwich, or try them sliced up over chicken. A common way to enjoy avocados are to mash them up and make guacamole served with tortilla chips. Limit your serving size to 1/4 cup.
Flax Seeds
Flax seeds are a nutritious seed that is full of fiber and omega-3 vitamins. They can be eaten in many ways. Try them ground up in smoothies, or sprinkled over salads and cereals. They add a delicious nutty crunch. You can eat flax seeds whole, but it is recommended to grind them at home in a spice grinder before consumption. This allows more nutrients to be absorbed into the body.
Dark Chocolate
This may be a surprising ingredient for those looking to shed belly fat. However, dark chocolate provides healthy fats and should be used to indulge your sweet tooth while dieting, in moderation, of course. Look for dark or semi-sweet versions of chips, or purchase chunks of chocolate. You can shave the chocolate over fruit, or just eat a few small pieces on their own. Limit your serving to 1/4 cup.
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