Before you begin to analyse ‘which foods do what’, it’s essential to understand what can affect your body and why.
Genes can affect your body; if obesity is in your DNA, a hormonal imbalance can lead to belly fat collecting. Another factor to take into account is whether you are stressed for any reason or not getting a regular sleep pattern.
Then there are those types of food to avoid, like sugary foods and drinks, and, in particular, alcohol-related drinks, which definitely increase your body fat content.
Unhealthy fats, called trans fats, will normally increase your body fat. When there’s low carbohydrate or protein intake, it’s healthy; when, in fact, you need exactly the opposite to achieve body fat loss.
Have you got the wrong bacteria in your gut, possibly from fried and processed food? You should have low-sugar yogurt or probiotic drinks to replace it with good bacteria and lose weight.
These foods work:-
- Whole
Grains, like brown rice, quinoa & millet, are all very
satisfying. - Oatmeal, very
good for your digestion, can reduce fat levels, but must have no flavour, to
work well. - Vegetables such
as broccoli, kale, spinach and turnips are rich in good fibre and minerals. - Pulses are
low in fat and calories, high in protein, and improves body functions. - Mushrooms
A good source of vitamin D to control obesity. A favourite is mushroom soup, not
processed, that is very satisfying. - Legumes
& Beans are nourishing and filling, so they prevent you
overeating and are also rich in fiber, protein and minerals. - Dairy
products are most nutritious and filling and will keep you going for
longer periods. - Fruit,
particularly raspberries, blackcurrants, bilberries, strawberries, blueberries
and apricots. - Almonds
full
of omega-3, and contain lots of protein and healthy fat to keep you feeling
full. - Soup, particularly
mushroom, chicken and vegetable clear soup will fill you up and stop you from wanting
larger portions for main meals, which would increase your calorie intake and
add to your belly fat. - Eggs are a
good source of protein. Two eggs for breakfast will be really beneficial to
reducing that stomach fat content, make you feel full and stop snacking, help
with weight loss and keep those hunger pangs away. - Yoghurt,
great for your digestion, replacing your bad bacteria with good bacteria, always
good to have with so many foods. Greek yogurt really has health benefits. - Broccoli good
for ridding your body of toxins, reducing your chance of getting cancer through
obesity and great for burning unwanted fat away. - Chilli
Peppers are good for burning the fat away by increasing your
metabolic rate and therefore good for weight loss too. - Coconut
oil
reduces bad blood cholesterol, improves immunity and digestion and helps to
keep you feeling full.
This is a fairly comprehensive list, but there are other types of food that can also be beneficial for weight loss and reducing unwanted belly fat.
There’s also a lot to be said for willpower. There are many foods that are just not good for you, so if you stick with them, expect to pile on the pounds.
Here’s to healthy eating!
