A watermelon contains almost 91 per cent of water. This makes it a great low-calorie option. Watermelon helps in removal of excess fluids from the body. It is these fuids which cause excess belly fat. The only remedy to cure water retention in the body is to increase fluid intake in your diet. And, this fruit is one of the the richest sources of water.
When you talk about weight loss, most people would suggest you to avoid bananas as they are fattening. But, here is a twist. Bananas contain high levels of potassium that helps to reduce water retention in the body. They are also rich in fibre, which keeps you satiated for a longer time, thus curbing your cravings.
Papaya is one the best fruits for digestion. It contains papain (an enzyme), which helps to break down food faster, flattens your belly and reduces bloating.
Almonds provide the body with minerals like magnesium, and regulate blood sugar levels. A stable blood sugar level is key to prevent cravings that can lead to overeating.
A research conducted by University of Purdue has found that though almonds are rich in calories, they do not contribute to belly fat. They contain vitamin E, which is good for your skin. Also, they are high in fibre and protein content. As proteins are filling, they contribute in killing your untimely hunger pangs. And, fibre rich diet improves the digestion process, leading to a flat stomach.
Switch to whole grain. The body shows a decreased insulin response to whole grain as compared to refined carbohydrate like rice and white bread. So replace those meals of white rice and milk bread with whole grains like lentils, brown rice, and whole wheat bread for a trimmer waistline.
Tomatoes are one the best foods to get rid of fat around your belly. They not only taste good, but are packed with antioxidants, too. Tomatoes reduce water retention in the body, and also help in the production of leptin (a type of protein), which is responsible for regulating your appetite as well as your metabolism.
Red bell peppers: "This beautifully colored vegetable is bursting with antioxidants (especially vitamin C and beta-carotene) to help your body fight off infections," says Margaux J. Rathbun, a certified nutritional therapy practitioner and creator of nutrition website Authentic Self Wellness. "They are also stimulating for the digestive system and have been shown to be metabolism-boosters, helping you to lose unwanted pounds. They are perfect for dieters when eaten raw or prepared in a juice concoction."
Olive Oil: Mono-unsaturated fats like those found in olive oil, work to reduce belly fat and don’t increase calorie intake.
Many people harbour the misconception that fats should be completely avoided when you are trying to lose some extra pounds. But, olive oil contains a chemical called oleic acid, which breaks down excessive fat in the body. Also, monounsaturated fats found in olive oil help in controlling your blood sugar levels.
Apples are one of the most popular negative calorie foods. This means that an apple burns more calories that it adds to the body, while being digested, making for a great, tasty snack that does nothing to add to body fat.
Eggs are a great source of protein and contain essential amino acids that the body needs to build everything from muscle fibres to brain chemicals. It is the perfect breakfast food, and ensures you feel less hungry during the day and reduces that urge to snack.
Green tea contains certain chemicals called polyphenols and catechins that boost metabolism and help burn fat. Including 2-3 cups of green tea in your diet will help reduce that waistline, as well as provide a host of other health benefits.
Peppermint: "Peppermint works to reduce bloating and indigestion and soothe the GI tract all around," says Rachel Berman, registered dietitian and Director of Nutrition for CalorieCount.com. Try mixing up some iced peppermint tea or add a few mint leaves to your water.
Eating oats is one of the best ways to kick start your day. Oats are not only filling, but they also provide your body with energy that is released slowly throughout the day. They make you feel full, contain very few calories, and lower your cholesterol too.
Eat these fat reducing foods and you will have a flatter stomach in a matter of weeks.
Salmon, tuna and mackerel, in addition to being a great source of omega-3 fatty acids, also improve metabolism and help burn fat faster by improving the body’s glucose-insulin response.
Mushrooms prevent us from snacking throughout the day. They leave you satisfied for a longer time, thus curbing your appetite. Other than this, the dietary fibre in mushrooms promotes good bowel movement.
Leafy greens: "Not only are leafy greens a great way to add volume to your meals without the calories, but they are chock full of nutrients (vitamins A, C, K, folate, calcium, iron, magnesium, potassium, and fiber) and easy to incorporate into your day," says Mary Dinehart-Perry, a registered dietitian and clinical trials director for Zone Labs, Inc. She recommends swapping out iceberg for spinach in your salads, adding mustard greens or collards to your soups, or dishing up a side of sautéed kale to fill up, fight disease, and look fab in your bikini.
Yogurt is magic for the tum. Nutritionist Rania Batayneh recommends yogurt, “The probiotic bacteria in most yogurts help keep your digestive system healthy, which translates into a lower incidence of gas, bloating, and constipation, which can keep your tummy looking flat." Ideally go for the plain-flavoured yogurts, that don’t contain added sugars.
Stock up on cruciferous veggies like broccoli, brussels sprouts, asparagus, peppers, and yellow beans. They contain folate, beta-carotene, calcium, magnesium, and fiber, and are rich in vitamins A, C, and K.
Apple cider vinegar is known for its detoxifying properties. It aids digestion and kills the harmful bacteria in your intestine. It also reduces water retention in your stomach and flushes out toxins.
Apple cider vinegar: New research indicates that 2 tablespoons of apple cider vinegar (ideally mixed with a glass of water), consumed daily over a period of 12 weeks, works to lower body weight and reduce belly fat. This is attributed to vinegar's acetic acid, which is believed to pump out proteins that break down fat.
