These belly fat burning foods are a great addition to your diet or weight loss plan and are so important when you’re also trying to exercise to lose weight.
That’s because when we talk about burning belly fat and building muscle, abs are about 80% diet and 20% workout.
Have you ever heard this before? It’s 100% true. You can do crunches all day, but if you don’t eat the right foods, six-pack abs will remain forever out of your reach!
Abs are made in the kitchen.
If you want abs and want to keep them, the most important factor is eating a balanced diet.
In addition to eating a diet rich in the fat-burning foods above, it’s also important to cut out sugary and processed foods.
The harmful ingredients and toxins in these foods will lead to weight gain and a host of other problems.
The belly fat burning foods below are amazing sources of healthy fats, protein, and carbohydrates.
1. Oats
Oats are one of the healthy carbohydrates that can actually help you burn fat!
Whole grain oats like rolled oats or steel cut oats (NOT processed quick oats) contain fiber and healthy carbohydrates for long, sustained energy throughout the day.
A diet rich in whole grains and dietary fiber helps reduce the risk of high blood pressure and heart attack.
They also help lower cholesterol.
Eat oats with whole fruits in the morning and you’ll be full until lunch!
Don’t add sugar, but do add nuts, chia seeds, cinnamon, and/or protein powder. Try soaking them in unsweetened milk (like cashew, coconut, or almond) overnight in a mason jar.
2. Whole eggs
I’m sure you’ve heard the advice to eat egg whites while trying to lose weight or get in shape. Well, forget that advice. Forever.
Dietary cholesterol was once believed to be the culprit behind high blood cholesterol levels due to poorly conducted scientific studies in the past.
We now know that saturated fats and trans fats are the culprits.
Eggs were then victimized by the media and the health food industry, and they still fight this stigma today.
Several recent studies have proven that eggs increase good cholesterol, reduce bad cholesterol, and contain a plethora of essential nutrients for the body.
They’re an excellent source of protein and contain high amounts of biotin, which improves skin, hair, nails, and eye health. Cook them in a pan with coconut oil and a fresh avocado for an incredibly healthy breakfast.
Try to buy farm-raised products when possible, as they have been shown to contain more omega -3s.
3. Cayenne peppers
Cayenne peppers specifically contain a substance called capsaicin which gives them a very hot taste.
This causes thermogenesis , which is a process that occurs when the body is cold and burns fat to bring itself back to a warmer temperature.
This happens when capsaicin binds to heat receptors when these peppers are consumed. This is why you always hear cayenne referred to as a “fat burner.”
Eating peppers and spicy foods has also been shown to increase metabolism and help reduce appetite, so it’s definitely a win-win situation!
4. Lawyers
Misguided advice has led people to believe they should avoid avocados when trying to lose fat because they are so high in fat. This is simply not true.
While it’s not a good idea to eat too much every day, healthy fats are still essential to a healthy, balanced diet and can absolutely help you LOSE fat.
Avocados provide healthy fats, fiber, and folic acid, which together help keep you fuller longer. This also helps prevent overeating.
5. Almonds
Almonds are another source of healthy fats on the list.
Snacking on almonds instead of crackers and other refined carbohydrates can help reduce belly fat and reduce the risk of cardiovascular disease.
They have been shown to lower bad cholesterol, help the brain, prevent heart attacks, and strengthen bones and teeth.
Opt for whole, unsalted almonds when possible.
6. Lemons
Specifically, lemon juice helps detoxify the body. When you rid your body of toxins, you pave the way for easier weight loss and reduced belly fat.
Having a clean and healthy digestive system will ensure that your body receives all the necessary nutrients from the foods you eat.
Try a glass of warm water with the juice of 1/2 lemon when you wake up in the morning and before going to bed at night.
7. Lean meats
Lean meats like chicken, beef, and salmon provide healthy sources of protein and a variety of other nutrients.
The best options for lean meats are wild Alaskan salmon, organic chicken, and grass-fed beef.
Salmon is a great choice because it also contains additional healthy fats (omega 3s) that we could all use more of in our diets!
Add lean meat to your salad or cook it with vegetables and whole grains for a balanced dinner.
8. Dark green leaves
At the risk of repeating what everyone says all the time…
Dark leafy greens are INCREDIBLE for your health. They contain antioxidant nutrients, anti-cancer nutrients, and anti-inflammatory nutrients.
They are high in fiber and low in calories.
Try juicing them, blending them, eating them raw, and cooking them. Just find a way to get as much of them as possible in your diet!
9. Quinoa
Quinoa contains all the essential amino acids to make it a complete protein.
This is something new in the grain community, and while quinoa isn’t technically a grain, it closely mirrors the consistency and cooking process of rice.
It also contains antioxidants, is an excellent source of healthy carbohydrates and is gluten-free.
Substitute it for bread, rice, or other grains, or try it mixed with oatmeal in the morning!
10. Apples
Apples are one of the healthiest fruits on the planet, containing antioxidants, vitamins, minerals, and even pectin (which reduces hunger).
Apples are great snacks because they are very filling and will help fill you up while giving you a little energy boost.
Try them for breakfast, as an afternoon snack, on salads, or even cooked with onions as a side!
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If you’re ready to make changes in your life , this is the ONLY place you should start. We’ll teach you exactly how to make the necessary changes to your diet and lifestyle and how to maintain them “beyond the diet.”