As you exercise to lose weight, eating nutrient-dense foods will help you trim belly fat. Lowfat foods that provide dense nutrition in few calories allow you to eat less but still get the vitamins, minerals, protein and dietary fiber that your body needs for metabolism and physical activity. You may find that making small changes toward more nutritious foods will become part of your permanent health regimen. Eating right will help you lose weight in the short term and keep belly fat from returning in the long run.
Bran Flakes
Enriched breakfast cereal counts as a nutrient-dense food, but stick with the healthiest varieties. The American Diabetes Association suggest cereals with 3 g or more of dietary fiber and 5 g or less of sugar. Compared to other types of cereal, wheat bran flakes are most likely to satisfy these requirements as well as daily totals of iron, B vitamins and other nutrients within the fewest calories. Fiber fills you up, to aid in weight loss, while minimal sugar keeps servings below the 100-calorie mark.
Nonfat Milk and Yogurt
Like cereal, your choice of the dairy products that you consume every day can help you take big steps toward trimming belly fat. Cut calories and fat while still getting the full doses of calcium and vitamins by choosing nonfat milk and fat-free, unsweetened yogurt. According to the USDA Nutrient Database, nonfat milk has 40 percent fewer calories than whole milk, with 0 g of fat for your body to store in the belly area.
Low-Cal Fruits
All fruits have fiber and essential vitamin C. Fresh, whole fruits have fewer calories than those packed in juice. Among frozen varieties, choose only unsweetened. Try a whole apricot, 17 calories; a plum, 30 calories; or a tangerine, 45 calories. Enjoy a cup of cut fruits or berries, such as cantaloupe, papayas, raspberries or strawberries, for 55 calories or fewer, as per the USDA.
Steamed Vegetables
Cook the most nutrient-dense vegetables without fat for their greatest fiber benefits on belly fat. The American Diabetes Association notes that you can fill up on low-cal vegetables without worrying about adding to your waistline. One cup of cooked spinach, broccoli or asparagus provides significant vitamins and minerals in about 50 calories.
Low-Cal Fish
Lowfat fish such as perch and rockfish have fewer calories than meats and poultry, with similar protein and vitamin content. Other lean fish include orange roughy, tuna, haddock and flounder, all delivering about 100 calories or less in 3 oz. To keep your entrees low calorie, the American Heart Association suggests baking, broiling, grilling or poaching fish without added fat.
Member Comments