Belly Fats? Here’s 18 Superfoods to Trim those Love Handles
Have you been working hard to achieve your dream bod but your love handles seem too clingy and won’t leave you away? We totally understand your frustration.
As Meghan Trainor’s song suggests, some men are all about that bass--big booty and waist. But, when you’re worried about your health and would love to wear clothes that boost your confidence, those love handles become nuisance.
Whether you've earned your belly fat from stress eating at work, bad break-up or simply slow metabolism or age – there are always bodycon clothes to wear and slimming technologies to try here at our clinic. While we’re helping you trim down those curves, here are 18 superfoods to help you achieve your dream body:
1. Avocados
With 322 calories and 29 grams of fat, avocado can arguably be considered more of a fat than a fruit. But with its monounsaturated fat content, you’ll be able to lower cholesterol, increase satiety and reduce belly fat!
Tip: Enjoy avocado as a dip or as toppings to your salad. Avocado toast also makes a great breakfast.
2. Beans
Beans are full of nutrients that aid muscle build-up, fat burn and digestion. It helps fight obesity, colon cancer, heart disease and high blood pressure. But what you’d really want to know is that it has the protein needed to help you shed pounds and feel full.
3. Bananas
Bananas contain fiber and resistant starch which improves weight loss. This fruit is also filled with potassium and magnesium which prevent bloating caused by salty processed foods. Additionally, it is packed with plant-based prebiotics which feeds your body with good bacteria.
Tip: Go banana over this fruit by turning it into a dessert. Would you turn your back away from a frozen banana yoghurt or peanut butter dipped banana?
4. Berries
Eating berries reduce the chances of heart disease, cancer, diabetes and obesity. It enhances eyesight, prevents cravings and improves balance, coordination and short-term memory. Blueberries, in specific, improves glucose control, which is why it makes a perfect dessert or snack.
5. Cereals
There are so many breakfast cereal options available in the market. However, if your target is to achieve a flat belly, you should opt for whole grain cereals that are low in sugar, fat and with about 100 to 120 calories per serving. It should also be a good source of fiber which will help you lose weight.
Tip: Think cereal is boring? Try adding fruits and honey to make this a breakfast favorite.
6. Chili Peppers
The Capsaicin or the chemical found in chili peppers does not just taste hot it also help you get a hot bod. It also breaks down fat making it easier to be burned. However, eating chili peppers alone won’t produce concrete results. You will have to combine the effects of chili peppers with exercise to achieve optimal results.
7. Citrus Fruit
Citrus fruits contain potassium that helps combat bloating and antioxidants which fight inflammation associated with belly-fat storage. Adding citrus to your water can also help beat the bulge.
Tip: Eating citrus fruits ensures that you’ll get most of its benefits. But, you can be creative in using this superfood as an ingredient for baked goods, desserts, salads, or smoothies.
8. Coffee
Similar to green tea, coffee has fat-burning qualities. If you want to burn calories faster, take a cup of coffee. Its caffeine content boosts calorie burning by 4% in about two and half hours. For best effects, you might want to go for unprocessed coffee beans.
9. Dairy Products
Before the introduction of low-fat milk, dieters cut milk and other dairy products out of their diet in an attempt to lose weight. However, recent researches today claim that consuming an adequate amount of dairy products like milk, cheese and yogurt is important as they are packed with whey, a protein that helps promote the formation of lean body mass which in turn, helps you burn more calories.
Tip: Consume dairy products in the morning or before workout . Grilled cheese and cheesy vegetable frittata are great breakfast or pre-workout meal.
10. Eggs
High-protein breakfasts which include eggs have been linked to weight loss and muscle buildup, reducing belly fat. Hard boiled eggs make for a good and filling snack.
11. Leafy Greens
Eat your leafy greens! They can help you lose weight by making you feel full minus the calories. Not to mention the powerful antioxidants, vitamins, minerals, and phytochemicals it contains. It is also packed with water helping you stay hydrated.
Tip: Tired of eating salad? Try tossing your leafy greens into pasta dishes. Aside from the added burst of color, they also bring additional nutrients and flavors.
12. Mushrooms
Mushrooms, although a fungus is considered a vegetable as it is packed with various vitamins, minerals, antioxidants and is the only vegetable source of vitamin D. It is made up of about 90 percent water and is low in calories.
13. Oatmeal
Oats are low in calories and aids in digestion. When you eat it at breakfast you won’t crave for a snack before lunch. It keeps the body from storing fat and help fight obesity, cancer, high blood pressure and heart disease.
Tip: Adding fruits to this breakfast staple can increase the amount of soluble fiber you’re getting, so it’s a double win.
14. Nuts
People who snack on nuts - may it be almonds, peanuts, walnuts or pistachios – are likely to have lower abdominal fat than those who eat carbohydrate-based treats. Similar to avocados, nuts are rich in monounsaturated fats, which makes it a heart-healthy and more satisfying snack than other grains.
15. Olive Oil
While it’s not proven that drinking extra virgin olive oil helps you lose weight, including plant-based oils as part of a healthy diet may support weight loss efforts. These effects may be attributed to the satiating power of a fatty acid found in olive oil called oleic acid.
Tip: Drinking extra virgin olive oil may not be your thing, but you can still include it to your diet by using it as a dressing, marinade and substitute for your regular frying oil. It is flavorful and high in healthy fats – a double benefit for your diet.
16. Peanut Butter
Eating peanut butter doesn’t guarantee fat burn. However, the monounsaturated fat it contains can satiate cravings for unhealthy foods. The protein and fiber from peanut butter also keep you full for longer, preventing binge eating.
17. Protein
Protein helps fight hunger which makes it valuable in losing and maintaining weight. Unlike carbohydrates, protein takes much longer to process. Additionally, it can easily be found in your normal diet including meats, eggs, cheese and other plant-based proteins like soy products, beans and lentils.
Tip: A tofu diet need not to be boring. Add it to your scramble egg or smoothie for a hearty, protein-rich breakfast.
18. Whole Grains
Whole-wheat bread is a smart choice for weight watchers. It keeps you satisfied and may help you burn more abdominal fat while dieting compared to its refined counterpart. While it is a great source of an assortment of nutrients, it is better to stick with moderate portions or risk gaining weight.
Losing weight doesn’t mean you have to starve yourself. The trick to a healthy lifestyle is usually in choosing the right food to eat, combined with proper exercise. However, some love handles choose to stay like that guy you’re dating but doesn’t want labels. To make sure you achieve the body you want, work with our board-certified Dermatologists on tackling and trimming those love handles.