Diets That Target Belly Fat

The dieter's quest to lose belly flab is a topic that never goes out of style. This is why so many manufacturers behind diet pills, shakes and fad diets claim their product or program will help you shed that midsection fat. The problem is, many do not produce lasting results and may compromise your health. Plenty of legitimate diets target belly fat, however, and you must find the one that works best for you.

Monounsaturated Fats Diet

According to a 2007 study published in "Diabetes Care," monounsaturated fats, or MUFAs, can help you decrease belly fat, even without exercise. Incorporate foods such as olives, olive oil, avocados, dark chocolate and almonds into your daily diet. Be careful, however, because MUFA-rich foods usually contain a lot of calories, and too many calories cause weight gain instead of weight loss.

Fat Flush Diet

The Fat Flush Diet, developed by Ann Louise Gittleman, MS, CNS, operates under the assumption that a clean, nutrient-dense diet can flush out toxins and help you lose weight. She suggests an unlimited amount of vegetable consumption daily, along with two pieces of fruit and lean proteins such as skinless poultry, turkey and fish. Also, 1 tbsp. of flaxseed oil is recommended every day to stabilize blood sugar and prevent cravings.

Eat Clean Diet

Diets that advocate eating foods in their organic state instead of foods that are processed and refined may help you lose belly fat. For example, the Eat Clean Diet suggests six small meals daily that are composed of lean proteins, such as fish and chicken; complex carbohydrates, such as oatmeal and whole-wheat pasta; fresh fruits and vegetables; and healthy fats such as omega-3s and monounsaturated fats. Tosca Reno, who invented the Eat Clean Diet program, believes nutrient-dense foods will keep you satiated and your metabolism revved, which will increase your chances of weight-loss success.

The Abs Diet

The Abs Diet is similar to the Eat Clean Diet in that it specifies smaller portions, eliminates sugars and processed foods and encourages high-quality protein and complex carbohydrate consumption. The author, David Zinczenko, developed this plan mostly for men and to specifically target abdominal fat. He recommends eating foods such as grilled chicken and fish, coupled with fiber-rich carbs such as whole-grain bread and millet. Regular exercise and plenty of water are also suggested to burn fat and eliminate toxins from your system.