What if someone told you that the way you eat could whittle your waistline? Sure, you’d think. Give up carbs and exist on rabbit food. Not true! There are other, yummier options available. Certain foods and styles of eating can indeed help flatten your belly (and everywhere else, for that matter). Try these tips from sheknows.com and you’ll uncover an amazing middle in no time:
1. Almonds
Almonds are considered a superfood because the healthy monounsaturated fats and protein they contain. According to Zinczenko, a handful of almonds also provides half the amount of the recommended daily intake of the potent antioxidant vitamin E as well as supplying bone-building calcium and magnesium, and heart-healthy fiber. A serving of almonds or other nuts are a healthy snack and will keep you full longer than fat-free foods such as rice cakes.
2. Beans
Beans and legumes are a staple in the Abs Diet because of they are low in calories and high fiber, protein and iron – nutrients crucial in building muscle and losing weight. Zinczenko recommends replacing a meat-based dish with a bean-based dish to lower your saturated fat intake and boost your fiber.
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3. Spinach
Spinach and other leafy greens are packed with vitamins A, C and K, folate, calcium, magnesium, fiber and beta-carotene. Add spinach to your salads and sandwiches or lightly cook it with garlic and olive oil as a side dish.
4. Dairy
Fat-free or low-fat dairy such as milk, yogurt, cheese and cottage cheese not only strengthen bones and teeth because it’s an excellent source of calcium, it is also associated with weight loss. Research suggests calcium prevents weight gain by increasing the breakdown of body fat.
5. Instant oatmeal
An excellent source of complex carbohydrates, plain oatmeal can boost your energy, lower your cholesterol and help maintain your blood sugar levels (a key in reducing cravings and keeping you from overeating). Recent studies also suggest that this high-fiber food enhances the body’s ability to build muscle, burn fat and boost your sex drive.
