The food you eat directly impacts the amount of belly fat you carry. If your diet is full of unhealthy, energy-dense foods such as processed snacks, fried foods, and sugary drinks, you’re far more likely to have excess fat around your midsection.
The solution is to eat more nutrient-dense whole foods that will keep you full and give your body the energy it needs. Some foods do a better job helping you shed belly fat than others, and we’ve rounded up 13 of the best ones to add to your diet.
These foods boost metabolism, reduce inflammation, and provide essential nutrients to help you slim down and stay healthy.
1. Bananas
Bananas are an excellent snack for weight loss. They provide essential vitamins and minerals, including magnesium, potassium, calcium, and dietary fiber, to keep your energy levels up throughout the day.
Green or unripe bananas contain resistant starch, which helps your body burn fat more effectively and can help you feel fuller longer.
Related: Why am I craving bananas?
2. Avocados
Avocados are a superfood that can help you burn belly fat. They are packed with essential nutrients like vitamin C, potassium, and dietary fiber and contain healthy fats that help your body stay full longer.
Avocados are rich in monounsaturated fatty acids, which are linked to reduced inflammation, improved heart health, and weight loss.
3. Berries
Berries are an excellent source of antioxidants and fiber which can help reduce inflammation and keep you feeling full longer. They’re also low in calories and are packed with essential vitamins and minerals such as vitamin C, iron, calcium, and magnesium.
When looking for a sweet treat, reach for berries instead of processed snacks and sugary drinks. They’ll do a much better job satisfying your cravings and helping you reach your weight loss goals.
Related: The 16 Best Breakfast Foods for Weight Loss
4. Yogurt
Yogurt is a delicious snack that can help you lose weight. It’s full of probiotics, beneficial bacteria that help promote better digestion and gut health. It also contains calcium which helps your body burn fat more efficiently and protein to keep you feeling full and energized throughout the day.
Yogurt is an excellent breakfast snack to keep you on track with your weight loss goals. Just check the label for added sugar, as many yogurts can be high in sugar.
5. Citrus Fruits
Citrus fruits are a great addition to your diet if you want to lose weight. They contain vitamin C, antioxidants that can help boost metabolism, and potassium and dietary fiber for sustained energy. Want to Lose Weight? Avoid These 10 Foods
Citrus fruits are also one of the healthiest sources of natural sugar, so you don’t need to indulge in sugary snacks. Enjoy a piece of fruit when you need a sweet treat, and your body will thank you!
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6. Whole grains
Whole grains are an essential part of any healthy diet. They contain complex carbohydrates which give you sustained energy, vitamins, minerals, and fiber to keep you feeling full longer. Whole grains are also low in calories, making them a great choice for weight loss.
Always choose whole grains over refined grains because they still contain the bran, germ, and endosperm. Try incorporating quinoa, oats, brown rice, and barley into your meals for maximum nutrition and weight loss benefits.
7. Salmon
Salmon is an excellent source of lean protein, which can help you build muscle and burn fat. It’s also rich in omega-3 fatty acids that can reduce inflammation in your body, promote heart health, and may play protective roles in cancer and other conditions.
With its reasonably low-calorie count and lean protein, adding salmon to your diet can help you lose belly fat. Add grilled or baked salmon to your meals weekly to reap the maximum benefits.
Related: How to tell if salmon has gone bad
8. Sweet potatoes
Sweet potatoes are a healthy, low-calorie carbohydrate that can help you burn fat and keep your energy levels up. They contain complex carbohydrates for long-lasting energy and dietary fiber to keep you from feeling hungry too soon after eating.
Also, sweet potatoes provide essential vitamins and minerals like vitamins A, B6, and potassium. Potassium can reduce bloating by decreasing water retention in the body.
9. Eggs
Eggs are an excellent source of lean protein. Lean protein can help boost metabolism and keep your energy levels high throughout the day. Eggs also contain various essential vitamins and minerals, including vitamin D and B12, which help support healthy bones and muscles.
Eggs can go a long way in helping you reach your weight-loss goals. Enjoy a hard-boiled egg as a snack, or add some poached eggs to your salad for a protein-packed meal.
Related: Why Am I Craving Eggs?
10. Spinach
Spinach is a nutrient-dense superfood that can do wonders for your health and weight-loss goals. It’s low in calories but high in fiber, vitamin K, iron, and magnesium – all essential nutrients for the body.
Enjoy some spinach in a salad, as part of a healthy smoothie, or cooked in a meal. This superfood can help keep you full and satisfied for longer, aiding in your weight-loss journey.
11. Apples
Apples are a low-calorie snack that can boost your metabolism and help you reach your weight-loss goals. They contain pectin, a soluble fiber that can help reduce cholesterol levels and aid digestion. Apples also contain antioxidants, and the benefit includes reducing inflammation in the body.
A medium-sized apple is a great snack that can help you feel full and stay energized throughout the day. Eat an apple or two daily to boost your weight loss efforts and keep the doctor away.
Related: Why Am I Craving Apples?
12. Chia Seeds
Chia seeds are a nutrient-packed superfood that can help you lose weight. One ounce of chia seeds contains only 138 calories yet provides 4 grams of protein and 9.8 grams of fiber — an impressive combination for promoting weight loss and reducing hunger cravings.
In addition to their high nutritional content, chia seeds are a great source of antioxidants and omega-3 fatty acids — essential for your health. Chia seeds are incredibly versatile, so adding them to your diet is easy. Sprinkle some on your morning oatmeal or blend it into your favorite smoothie.
13. Oats
Oats are a great source of fiber and have many health benefits, including aiding weight loss. One cup of cooked oats contains about 166 calories, 5 grams of protein, and 4 grams of fiber — perfect for keeping you full until your next meal.
Oats provide essential vitamins and minerals such as Potassium, Phosphorus, Magnesium, and Iron. They also contain potent antioxidants, which help protect against heart disease and cancer. Why not add some oats to your breakfast or snack? They taste delicious and can easily be made into oatmeal, muffins, granola bars, or other tasty treats.
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Conclusion
Losing weight can be a challenge, but with the right diet and lifestyle modifications, it doesn’t have to be overwhelming. Incorporating these top 11 weight loss-friendly foods into your diet can help you reach your goals while still enjoying the foods you love. Start now, and you’ll be on your way to achieving a healthier and happier lifestyle.
This article was produced on Health Makes You.