Foods and drinks that will help BLAST belly fat!
[dropcap]T[/dropcap]here are lots of healthy foods that can be added to your daily meals to increase your fat burning potential and the ability to lose stomach fat. They may be items that you already use on a daily basis, or they could be foods you have never thought about or even heard of.
Every day I begin the chapter on weight loss by stating that I believe there are only two ways to truly manage weight, through exercising and eating healthy. There simply is no magic shortcut, and while this may seem obvious to some people it is overlooked far, far, too often. Now you’re probably wondering if diet and exercise are the only ways to lose weight, why did you write this list? Because there are still remedies and recipes of foods and drinks that will help you BLAST belly fat! and reach your ultimate goal.
Losing weight can be a simple process provided you know which homemade recipes to use.
1. Water
Water is first on the list as it is the most important and most forgotten ingredient to a flat tummy! Keep a two litre bottle on hand at all times; it flushes out toxins, keeps appetite in check and is the best and cheapest fat burner available.
2. Apple cider vinegar
A great natural bile stimulant and acid reflux preventer. It keeps the stomach pH levels balanced so you will have a flatter tummy and look hot in that bikini! Add a capful to half a glass of water and drink after you wake up.
3. Green tea
Green tea can increase fat metabolism. It is made from unfermented leaves and contains high concentrations of antioxidants known as polyphenols. Green tea extract, especially the catechins, appear to be the secret to the fat-burning, metabolism boosting effects. Drink around 3-5 cups per day for maximum benefits.
4. Chia seeds
High in protein and omega 3 fatty acids, chia seeds will help keep blood sugar levels stable and fill you up.
5. Cinnamon
It’s a cross between spicy and sweet and it adds so much flavour to breakfast. Cinnamon helps balance blood sugar levels, reduces bad cholesterol and helps reduce pain and inflammation. Sprinkle some on your porridge or to your coffee instead of sugar.
6. Green coffee
High in chlorogenic acids, green coffee may assist in promoting weight loss by the conversion of fat into energy. It is also an antioxidant and free radical scavenger. Available in satchels, you can use it instead of your normal instant coffee.
7. Yoghurt
High in good bacteria, the benefits of yoghurt on gastrointestinal health have been said to provide health benefits for certain gastrointestinal conditions, including lactose intolerance, constipation, IBS, colon cancer, inflammatory bowel disease, Helicobacter pylori infection, and allergies. Look for the nutrition label and make sure no added sugar is used.
8. Rose Petal Water
The benefits of rose petal water are backed more by anecdotal evidence than anything, but that’s no reason to shrug off this mild yet refreshing drink. Rose petals act as a very gentle diuretic. Diuretics encourage your kidneys to put more sodium (salt) into your urine. This excess salt in turn draws water from your blood, decreasing the amount of water in your circulatory system. This is not “permanent” weight loss-just water weight-but the action encourages you to drink more and keep your system flushed clean and hydrated. Staying hydrated, believe it or not, can be hugely beneficial to losing weight.
9. Chew Gum
Chewing gum is a great way to trick your brain (and your stomach) into thinking it’s getting more than it is. The flavor of the gum reduces appetite and curbs the urge to snack on something unhealthy, and also stimulates the flow of saliva, whose enzymes help break down starches and fats.
10. Get Enough Sleep
Our body is a cohesive unit, a complex system, not just individual parts. Everything has to be working harmoniously for things to be balanced and correct-like your weight. Studies have shown that even just a little bit of sleep deprivation over the short time frame of 4 nights results in increased insulin resistance, and essentially ages the metabolism 10-20 years in that time frame. The fat cells sensitivity to insulin dropped by 30% to levels usually seen in people who were obese or diabetic. By getting the right amount of sleep, you’re doing more than just resting your body-you’re ensuring that all systems go, and that you have the best chance possible to succeed at losing weight.
11. Apple Snacks
An apple a day keeps the weight at bay! While not overflowing with nutrients like other fruits or vegetables, apples still have a number of benefits that can contribute to weight loss. First, they are packed with fiber, which helps curb appetite, so eat one when you feel the urge to snack on some less-desirable foods. Second, they can help regulate blood sugar levels, and therefore help regulate your appetite and energy levels. Third, the pectin in apples can lower cholesterol, and serve as another way to help regulate blood sugar, by slowing the absorption of carbohydrates. Finally, apples are a naturally low-sodium food, which can help prevent excess water retention and water weight.
12. Eat Chocolate
Remember deprivation hardly works? When you get the urge for a sweet treat, turn to dark chocolate. It will help curb your craving thanks to its insulin-resistance lowering flavonoids. The healthy fats in dark chocolate can also slow the absorption of sugar into your blood stream, preventing “insulin spikes.” Studies have shown that eating some can help put a stop to cravings for sugar, salt, and fat. However, the chocolate must be 70% cocoa, otherwise it has too much milk or sugar added to be beneficial.
Have a Routine (and stick to it)
Having a routine is, in my opinion, in the top three most important things you can do to lose weight, right up there with exercise and diet. If you don’t stick to a routine, you won’t see results, and you’ll be discouraged. Several years ago I saw a personal trainer and, after paying a decent sum of money, I figured out that it was the routine of going to see her made the biggest difference. It’s probably the single hardest thing you’ll do when you try to lose weight, but once those habits become hardwired into your brain, things will only get easier.