10 Super Foods to Help Burn Stomach Fat

By: Taylor Hollingsworth

When it comes to trying to loose weight, we ladies all know that the struggle is in fact, real. It can be a frustrating and time consuming ordeal trying to shed those few extra pounds around our mid section.

Not to worry, below is my list of 10 foods that can give you that extra push needed to get the perfect belly. 

1.Chia Seeds

When I say Chia seeds what do you think of? Do you think of a whole grain food loaded with fiber, protein, Omega-3 fatty acids and tons of antioxidants? If so, you're ahead of the game.

Chia seeds are slowly but surely coming the next “super food”. Most plant foods can't compare to the amount of quality protein found in these powerful seeds. What makes these tiny super seeds so beneficial when trying to loose weight is that the protein found in them is the most weight loss friendly macronutrient and can decrease cravings and reduce appetite.

These seeds can be paired with almost anything. From fruit smoothies to bread, this seed is truly a front runner when fighting stubborn belly fat.

2.Greek Yogurt

Not only is greek yogurt packed with tons of probiotics to help regulate and balance the digestive system, but it can also aide with weight loss. Since protein takes longer to digest in the body, it can help you feel full longer.

This is most important when trying not to pick up that unhealthy snack in-between meals. Greek yogurt is absolutely a perfect alternative healthy snack to help minimize those extra cravings, and its not a bad thing that it goes with almost any fruit or vegetable.

3.Bananas

Want to indulge your sweet tooth but don't want to break your diet? Bananas are a sweet snack that will both satisfy your craving and fill you up. Bananas are known for their high content of potassium, which doesn't go unnoticed. All that potassium is beneficial for good nerve and muscle function, as well as maintaining a healthy balance of fluids in the body. This makes bananas the perfect post-workout food to prevent cramps and help with sore muscles.

4.Lean Protein

Lean meats such as chicken, turkey and fish all contain a small amount of dietary fat, and also help maintain shiny hair and nails. Not only is having a small amount of fat beneficial, but this also means that lean meats are also a low-calorie food.

When trying to loosing weight and gain muscle in its place, lean meats are essential when trying to maintain muscle mass. The more muscle mass your body has, the higher your metabolic rate will be, therefore your body will in-turn burn calories faster, helping you reach your weight loss goals.

5.Cinnamon

One major benefit cinnamon has is that adding it to a food can actually curb later cravings. Also, adding cinnamon to food inhibits bacteria growth and food spoilage, preserving your food naturally. Nutrients such as iron, calcium and manganese can all be found in cinnamon, and are essential to a healthy body. Its no secret that cinnamon can be put in any kind of food, such as almond spice cookies or even whole wheat pancakes.

6.Olive Oil

Olive oil is filled with a healthy dietary fat called Monounsaturated fatty acids. Now don't let the words fatty acids scare you. These fatty acids have multiple benefits such as lowering cholesterol and controlling blood sugar. Olive oil can make any unhealthy food healthy. For example, replacing margarine or butter in a sauce for pasta creates a much healthier meal. 

7.Kale

ZERO FAT! Need I say more? Apart from having no fat content, kale is high in fiber as well as iron and is a low-calorie food. Powered with vitamins such as vitamin K, A and C, the benefits vary from bone health to a faster metabolism. Omega-3 fatty acids which help fight arthritis, asthma and auto immune disorders also make this food so super. From salads to sandwiches this food is indeed superior to the now irrelevant lettuce.

8.Agave Nectar

This can be a great alternative to maple syrup on whole wheat pancakes, or sweeten up some granola. Agave Nectar has three times the sweetness of maple syrup, therefore satisfying your sweet tooth without the guilt. This is a low glycemic food which means it can have a positive influence on weight loss as well as glucose control.

9.Quinoa

One of the most protein-rich foods packed with twice as much fiber as other grains, make quinoa a complete protein full of essential amino acids. Quinoa is less energy dense, making you feel fuller longer and means fewer calories for the same amount of food. Use quinoa as a grain replacement for pasta or rice and add any delicious flavors you like. 

10.Whole Grains

Besides having a lower carbohydrate count than regular grains, whole wheat is both nutritious and more delicious. Simply take any food that you like, such as pizza, and replace the grain with whole grain. Just making this one switch can help keep the fat around your mid-section down and lower your overall carbohydrate intake.

These are just a few of the nutrient rich super foods that can help keep your weight down and your goals up! Don't forget to always make goals for yourself. When it comes to changing your diet, slow and steady wins the race. Slowly replace one unhealthy food with an alternative healthier option and your sure to be on your way to that body you've always dreamed of!

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Like this article? Check out: 18 Simple Ways to Lose Weight Without Trying.