Burning belly fat can be a challenging task, but it can be made easier by eating the right foods. The foods that are consumed can have a big impact on the success of one’s efforts to reduce stomach fat. If one consistently eats the wrong kinds of foods, they can actually undo the hard work they’re putting into losing weight. That’s no good at all! Some other people take an approach similar to “starvation”, essentially trying to lose belly fat by not eating the amount of food that their bodies need to stay healthy. Besides, the obvious health and mental risks involved, this method may not be very effective because starvation essentially induces the body to store fat because it slows down the body’s metabolism. This can have deleterious effects on one’s health and mind, as they wrestle with the negative impacts on their body, many of which may be difficult to properly address and resolve. That being said, some of the best foods that can help with belly fat loss and contribute towards a more healthful lifestyle are
Vegetables: excellent sources of fiber, low in fat and relatively low in calories to boot. Foods that are high in fiber leave you feeling full longer, because they take longer to digest. Additionally, they lower your insulin levels, insulin being a chemical that helps your body convert calories to fat. Examples are: peas, pinto beans, spinach, broccoli, carrots, lettuce, and kidney beans among others.
Lean proteins: fish, skinless poultry, legumes (black beans, pinto beans, chickpeas), egg whites. These foods are high in protein and low in fat, which can help increase the body’s metabolism. In the case of legumes, they are high in fiber like vegetables, so they are digested more slowly and can help lower insulin levels.
Nuts and seeds: these foods tend to be high in protein but also contain a significant amount of fat as well. However, the fats in nuts and seeds are primarily healthy monounsaturated fats that help the body store less fat. They also tend to have a low glycemic index like legumes and vegetables, so they help prevent spikes in the level of sugar in blood. Some examples are pistachios, hazelnuts, pecans, peanuts, macadamia nuts, and almonds.
Fruits: these foods that tend to be low in calories (though usually higher than vegetables) and high in fiber in addition to being rich natural sources of water, which helps hydrate the body. Some excellent examples are: blueberries, pears, blackberries, raspberries, strawberries, papaya, mango, and apples.
Whole grains: these foods contain bran and germ layers that contain high levels of fiber, minerals, protein, and vitamins and are believed to shrink belly fat cells. They are often healthier choices than white bread, multigrain products, pasta, and white rice. They should comprise of at least half of your daily grain intake, according to MayoClinic.com. Examples are: whole-wheat spaghetti, brown rice, oat bran, and bulgur.