10 Foods For A Flat Stomach
/For many people, the waist is often the first place excess fat goes. Unfortunately, it is also one of the hardest areas on our bodies to lose weight. Having a “muffin top” is not only unappealing, but it is also unhealthy to have on our bodies. In fact, having excess belly, or abdominal, fat is worse than having excess fat on most other places on our body. Belly fat or visceral fat is a huge proponent of chronic diseases like heart disease and diabetes and can even bring on stroke. Here are 5 ways to a flatter stomach.
1. Apples: are a great source of fiber and also help keep you feeling fuller longer.
2. Dark Leafy Greens
Dark leafy greens such as spinach, kale and broccoli are a some of the healthiest foods you can eat. Filling half of your plate with veggies is one of the key ways you can get your daily intake, stay full and keep your weight at bay. These dark green friends help keep you fuller longer.
3. Greek Yogurt
Plain Greek Yogurt before flavored Greek yogurt. Vanilla, coconut and many more, these can be very high in sugar. If you opt for the plain version, you can include your own toppings including fresh fruit, slivered almonds or powdered chocolate are all good options.
4. Almonds
Almonds, native to the Mediterranean region of the Middle East, are considered to be one of the earliest domesticated tree nuts, and one of the most prized snacks in the world. If the spread of the almond throughout the world is not proof enough of this, the Food and Agriculture Organization reported that the world produced 2 million tons of almonds in 2011 alone! Packed with a variety of vitamins and minerals, it is easy to see why the almond is present on almost every continent and the health benefits of this little nut have long been touted by experts.
5. Grapefruit
Grapefruit is packed with Vitamin C and it may work to lower cholesterol. Grapefruit juice is the morning rival to orange juice. It's packed with potassium, Vitamin A and C, it's a healthy choice among other citrus morning beverages. Grapefruit technically isn't a negative-calorie food, but it's still fairly low in calories, delivering only 74 calories per cup. Grapefruit contains naringenin, an antioxidant derived from the bitter flavor of grapefruits, which triggers the liver to break down fat.
6. Quinoa
Quinoa is a great little grain that can help combat belly fat. So maybe quinoa isn’t that exotic these days, but I bet you didn’t know it’s NOT a whole grain. This grain-like food hailing from South America is actually the seed of a green leafy plant. It is a complete protein, high in manganese, niacin and fiber. Manganese helps keep bones strong, while niacin helps lower cholesterol.
7. Salmon
Fatty fish such as salmon are a great source of Omega-3 fatty acids which are essential for your health. According to the American Heart Association, people should eat at least two servings weekly of lake herring, lake trout, mackerel, salmon, sardines or tuna for the healthy omega-3 fats they contain.
8. Berries
Berries are extremely high in vitamin C, high in fiber, and low in calories. Vitamin C is important to helping our body reduce tension and boost the immune system. Fiber helps to regulate our blood sugar levels. Regulating blood sugar levels is important because drastic changes in our blood sugar can cause us to have mood swings, which may contribute to anxiety.
9. Green Tea
Every tea is rich in antioxidants but this is especially true for green tea. Having at least 3 cups of tea per day will fight off the free radicals which contribute to belly fat accumulation.
10. Legumes
Legumes such as lentils and beans are high in protein, B Vitamins, iron, potassium and other minerals. They're also a great source of fiber which staves off cravings and keeps you fuller longer.