10 Best Foods to Eat to Lose Belly Fat
Belly fat is one of the most stubborn problems people encounter. No matter how much cardio you do, or weight lifting you try, or diet plans you stick to, that pooch never seems to go away. Maybe you feel uncomfortable in a swimsuit or in a fitted dress or suit because your belly shows. Alas!
Fortunately, you can correct your belly fat with the top 10 best foods to eat to lose belly fat (listed below in the guide).
Yes, you’ve read right. You can lose your stubborn belly fat by selecting and eating good food. Research suggests that eating food rich in probiotics, plant proteins, healthy fats, and fiber is highly efficient for losing fat from the stomach areas.
So, what are the best foods to eat to lose belly fat? Here we come up with the top 10 best natural fat-burners scientifically proven to help weight loss for the abdominal region. Here we go!
What Are the Best Foods to Eat to Lose Belly Fat?
Food rich in gut-healthy bacteria, omega-3 fatty acids, antioxidants, and soluble fiber is exceptionally good for losing belly fat. Scroll down to find out what foods effectively burn fat from the belly.
#1 Food Rich in Lean Bacteria
You may have probably seen people who eat a lot but never put on any weight; one of the primary reasons for this blessing is the higher concentration of lean bacteria in their gut which keeps them slim. Although it is a natural distribution, luckily, some foods can help you raise your gut lean bacteria naturally, which promotes the better digestion of food, prevents fat accumulation, combats obesity, and helps to melt down the stored fat for energy.
Here are the best foods which help to boost the lean bacteria in the gut:
- Pickles
- Dandelion greens
- Cranberries
- Whole grains
- Gapes
- Soybeans
- Yogurt
- Flaxseeds
- Chicory root
- Red grapes
- Olive oil
- Raw vegetables
- Asparagus
- Kombucha
Also, polyphenol-rich and fiber-rich foods encourage the growth of gut-beneficial bacteria, which further restores the gut microbiome (health-promoting living organisms in the alimentary canal).
#2 Green Vegetables
Green vegetables should be your top priority when looking for fat-burning food. Irrespective of their natural origin, they have an extensive nutrient profile that improves your digestion and overall health.
Green vegetables are very low in calories, low in fat content, and incredibly rich in dietary fiber, which makes them perfect for a fat-burning diet. Besides, they are rich in phytochemicals such as beta-carotene and other flavonoids, which help to support weight loss naturally.
Moreover, green veggies are a powerhouse of macro and micronutrients, including potassium, folate, magnesium, calcium, copper, manganese, vitamins, antioxidants, minerals, and the list goes on.
Following is the list of green vegetables which are extensively used and highly efficient for weight loss (you can have some of them raw, make juice, or eat them cooked):
- Lettuce
- Spinach
- Broccoli
- Peas
- Mustard Greens
- Beet-Greens
- Kale
- Water Spinach
- Swiss chard
- Green beans
- Dandelion Greens
- Green Jalapenos
- Grape leaves
- Pumpkin leaves
- Zucchini
- Parsley
- Chicory leaves
- Celery
- Cucumber
#3 Fiber-Rich Foods
Dietary fiber is an incredible nutrient for stomach health and weight loss. Research at Harvard Health Publication suggests that taking 30 grams of fiber daily helps to lose weight. Fiber is a satiating agent that helps to reduce calorie intake, increase intestinal transit, ease bowel movements, and promote digestion.
Insoluble fiber from foods like green veggies, beans, and wheat flour helps reduce hunger pangs. While soluble fiber from foods like citrus fruits, apples, and peas helps promote the growth of healthy gut bacteria and improve digestive health.
Following is the list of food rich in fiber content:
- Whole grains
- Berries
- Prunes
- Popcorn
- Oatmeal
- Barley
- Kidney beans
- Lima beans
- Pear with skin
- Apple with skin
- Avocado
- Broccoli
- Edamame
- Artichoke
- Almonds
- Chia seeds
- Dark chocolate
#4 Fish Rich in Omega 3 Fatty Acids
Fish rich in omega-3 fatty acids are the fuel for burning fat cells. Research suggests that foods rich in omega-3 fatty acids help to reduce inflammation, boost metabolism, suppress appetite, and speed the fat-burning process. In animal models, omega-3 fatty acids have been shown to reduce the fat present in the visceral areas (fat around the abdominal organs).
You should eat low-calorie fish to promote healthy fat loss. Cod, tuna, salmon, and sardine contain less than 120 calories per servings, and are rich in protein and omega-3 fatty acids. The following is a list of fish that are very helpful in improving fat burn from the stomach areas:
- Salmon
- Tuna
- Bluefish
- Sardines
- Herring
- Halibut
- Mackerel
- Lake trout
- Herring
- Anchovies
#5 Healthy Fats Foods
Fats are essential to lose fats – sound weird? Let me show you how fats help burn fat.
There are two primary types of fats: unsaturated (good fats) and saturated fats (bad fat, which becomes part of the body as bulgy arms, or belly pouches). The human body needs unsaturated fats for proper bodily function, including growth promotion, energy, and burning from fat stores within the belly.
Foods rich in mono-unsaturated fats such as cashew, almonds, avocados, pumpkin seeds, olive oil, pecans, peanut butter, and canola oil helps to raise the HDL cholesterol level (good cholesterol) in the body. These foods help prevent the accumulation of fat around the visceral organs.
Foods rich in polyunsaturated fatty acids are often also incredibly rich in omega 3 and 6 fatty acids; this list includes fish, flaxseeds, walnuts, and canola oil. As a result, they help lower the LDL (bad) cholesterol and prevent fat accumulation around the organs in the abdomen cavity.
Following is the list of foods that are good sources of healthy fats for stomach fat loss:
- Sunflower seed
- Olive oil
- Fish
- Walnut
- Almonds
- Sesame seeds
- Pumpkin seeds
- Pecans
- Hazelnut
- Flaxseed oil
#6 Lean Meat
Lean meat is meat relatively low in fat, and usually also low in calories. Moreover, it is high in protein, bioavailable iron, and macronutrients. As a result, it helps significantly in managing weight due to its low-calorie content, high satiation, and elevated proteins, which help greatly trim body fat, build lean muscles and prevent calorie gain.
Following is the list of lean meats which help to burn belly fat and achieve lean muscles:
- Skinless chicken
- Chicken breast
- Grass-fed beef
- White-fleshed fish
- Lean beef
- White meat
- Canned light tuna
- Salmon
- Bush birds
- Emu
- Ostrich
#7 Fruits
Fruits are naturally chock-full of nutrition and water. However, they are also incredibly rich in dietary fiber, plant proteins, healthy flavonoids, vitamins, minerals, and water which help to support weight loss.
Weight loss relies heavily on hydration. It improves lipid metabolism and prevents fat storage.
Eating fruits helps keep you hydrated and nourished, which helps to burn and avoid fat in the body. For example, apples and watermelons contain 85 and 92% water.
Besides hydration, fruit is high in fiber which promotes digestion and gut health. Moreover, fruits are naturally low in calories and fat while rich in vitamins, antioxidants, and essential minerals, which promote overall health.
Following is the list of fruits that are incredibly good for fat loss from the stomach:
#8 Foods Rich in Plant Protein
Vegetarians who avoid animal protein can add foods rich in plant protein to burn belly fat. Plant protein simply means protein sourced from plants. Unlike animal-based proteins, plant proteins are highly satiating. It increases the hunger-reducing hormone called ghrelin which suppresses appetite. It helps to lower calorie intake and prevent weight gain.
Vegan foods rich in protein content are widely used in dietary supplements due to their high efficiency in reducing extra pounds and trimming the waistline naturally.
Following is the list of vegan foods rich in protein:
- Tofu
- Soy beans
- Nuts
- Seeds
- Peas
- Legume
- Beans
- Lentils
- Tempeh
- Edamame
- Quinoa
#9 Salad
Salad is one of the most comforting and nourishing food sources people eat to get a lean body.
A low-calorie salad made with green veggies, fruit pieces, lean meat, and protein-rich grains is a complete meal with a complete package of fat-burning nutrients. Salad helps lower calorie intake, boost metabolism, accelerates fat burn, and supports weight loss.
Following is the list of best ingredients you can add to your weight loss salad:
- Lettuce
- Spring greens (mustard seeds, spinach, arugula, beet greens)
- Colorful veggies (red, orange, purple, yellow, and green)
- Healthy fats (avocado, olive oil, nuts, and seeds)
- Lean meat
- Grains (brown rice, quinoa, barley)
- Herbs (dill, cilantro, parsley, thyme, chives)
#10 Beans, Pulses, and Legumes
Beans, and legumes are rich sources of protein. It helps build and strengthen muscles while trimming off excess fat. In addition, beans, pulses, and legumes are highly satiating, fiber-rich, low-calorie, and low-fat food that promotes fat burn.
Following is the list of beans and legumes which are good for weight loss and fat burn:
- Green beans
- Kidney beans
- Red lentils
- Chickpeas
- Fava beans
- Navy beans
- Pinto beans
- Split peas
- Lima beans
What Is the Number One Food That Burns Belly Fat?
Food items rich in protein are best to burn belly fat. Typically, seafood, lean meat, and eggs are the richest source of protein.
However, you can also make a customized high-protein diet which may include seafood, lean meats, legumes, grains, eggs, and nuts; for instance, a lean meat omelet, baked beans with wholegrain bread, seafood salads, shrimp curry, etc.
In general, you should consume about 20 to 30% of your calories in the form of protein for maximum weight loss. However, don’t rely only on protein for your appetite; try to mix it with a balanced diet that includes healthy fats, carbs, and fiber.
What Is the Quickest, Fastest Way to Lose Belly Fat?
Although food has a significant effect on burning fat, but, if you combine it with weight loss exercise, a balanced diet, and a healthy lifestyle, it would accelerate your fat burn. Following are a few tips that will help support your weight loss:
- Avoid food with trans and saturated fats.
- Avoid food high in sugar and simple carbohydrates.
- Drink plenty of water and stay hydrated.
- Do cardio and weight lifting.
- Do yoga.
- Get plenty of restful sleep.
- Avoid stress.
- Cut back on carbonated drinks and refined carbs.
- Stop drinking manufactured juices, and try to make them healthier at home.
- Take prebiotic, and probiotic along with your diet and exercise.
FAQs
What Foods Burn Belly Fat Overnight?
As a matter of fact, there is no such miracle food that can help you lose belly fat overnight. However, eggs, fish, nuts, and citrus fruits can help you lose fat even when you’re doing nothing or during sleep.
What Are the 2 Vegetables That Destroy Stomach Fat?
Broccoli and beans are vegetables that can destroy stomach fat. Moreover, green veggies and leafy veggies are also good for weight management.
What Are Good Foods to Eat When Trying to Lose Belly Fat?
When trying to lose weight, you should focus on anti-inflammatory, protein-rich, and antioxidant-rich food, which should also be low in calories and fats.
What Food Burns Fat While You Sleep?
Foods rich in protein help to lose fat while you sleep. These include walnuts, almonds, hazelnuts, cashew, tofu, pumpkin seeds, avocados, eggs, sesame seeds, pine nuts, and sunflower seeds.
What Can I Drink to Burn Belly Fat?
Green tea, green smoothies, hot water, protein water, ginger water, fennel water, and detox water can help you burn belly fat. To learn more read, 11 effective homemade drinks that burn fat while sleeping.
Conclusion
Indeed, food is the main source of nutrition and energy. You can get your desired weight loss benefits with the right selection of foods. We have mentioned the ten best types of food to eat to lose belly fat which can help you to achieve a contoured body.
Moreover, by combining it with exercise and following a low-calorie diet (fewer than 2000 calories a day), you can get the fat off within weeks. Although food helps, lifestyle changes are a must to live a healthy life!
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Are Nutri Grain Bars Healthy? Expert Insights and Nutrition Analysis
‘Nutri’ and ‘grain’- reading this, you might be wondering if all the healthy stuff is infused in Nutri Grain bars, right? Nutri Grain bars are indeed one of the most popular snack food items on the market right now, but are Nutri Grain bars healthy as you might think?
Nutri Grain bars are marketed as nutritious, low-calorie snacks that contain lots of essential vitamins and minerals, like calcium and iron. Yet Nutri Grain bars aren’t as healthy as you might think; in fact, their high calorie and sugar content can do more harm than good if you eat them regularly.
Here are some reasons Nutri Grain bars may not be as healthy as you think they are and some healthier alternatives to fill you up!
Are Nutri Grain Bars Healthy?
Who doesn’t know the Nutri Grain bars you find at the grocery store? They’re those delicious, crunchy little bars made of whole grains and nuts that are supposedly good for you, right? However, it turns out not so much.
Here are a few reasons Nutri Grain bars may not be as healthy as you think they are
- Excess Sugar, High Fructose Corn Syrup, And Hydrogenated Vegetable Oils
Many people think that just because it’s healthy to eat whole grains like oatmeal or wheat toast, it must be good for you to eat Nutri Grain bars as well.
While Nutri-Grain bars contain some whole grains, they also contain a lot of sugar, high fructose corn syrup, and hydrogenated vegetable oils. These ingredients can offset any health benefits that whole grains might provide.
- Inclusion Of Unnecessary Ingredients
While some of the ingredients in Nutri Grain bars are healthy, like whole grains and dried fruit, there are also a lot of unnecessary ingredients like added sugars and artificial flavors. And while they may be advertised as all-natural, the ingredient list proves otherwise.
For example, one bar includes a natural maple flavor but also contains monosodium glutamate (MSG) as well as partially hydrogenated soybean oil.
- Additives Contain Questionable Ingredients
If you take a look at the list of ingredients on a Nutri Grain bar, you’ll notice that many of them are additives. Additives are substances added to food to enhance its flavor, texture, or shelf life. These preservatives can be harmful to your health and may offset any benefits you would get from eating whole grains.
Some people avoid these additives because they may be unnatural and unhealthy. In fact, artificial sweeteners have been linked to an increased risk for cancer and neurotoxicity in lab animals!
- Contains Low Protein And Fiber Content
Although Nutri Grain bars contain negligible vitamins and minerals, they lack protein and fiber. Protein and fiber are essential nutrients that help keep you feeling full and satisfied after eating.
Low-quality protein also means a reduced ability to build muscle, repair tissues, and fight inflammation. On the other hand, fiber helps with digestion and may also help regulate blood sugar levels by slowing down the release of sugar into the bloodstream.
Related Article: Are Waffles Healthy? Exploring Expert Insights for Nutritious Choices
Nutritional Value of Nutri Grain Bars
Let’s look at the nutritional value of nutri-grain bars.
Nutritional fact of kellog’s Nutri Grain bar Mixed berry – 1 bar (116 g)
| Calories | 130 |
| Total fatSaturated fat | 3 g0.5 g |
| Cholesterol | 0 mg |
| Sodium | 105 mg |
| Potassium | 85 mg |
| Total carbsDietary fiberSugar | 25 g2 g13 g |
| Protein | 2 g |
| CalciumIron. | 2%4% of DV. |
While Nutri-Grain bars may be marketed as a healthy snack option, they may not be as healthy as you think.
For one, they are high in sugar. In fact, a single Nutri Grain bar can have up to 16 grams of sugar. All other flavors of these bars contain the same amount of sugar – plain strawberry (12 g), blueberry (13 g), and apple cinnamon (13 g).
Nonetheless, they also often contain large amounts of artificial sweeteners like sucralose, which may provide instant energy but has been linked to liver toxicity and stomach ulcers in the long run.
Moreover, there is no ingredient in the bars rich in protein, for which the protein content is equivalent to 1 g. It is not an ideal energy snack when you are on a diet or doing heavy workouts.
Finally, the fats found in many Nutri-Grain bars are typically unhealthy saturated fats that increase the risk of heart disease and stroke.
Related Article: Are Ritz Crackers Healthy? Expert Insights and Tips
Side Effects of Over Consuming Nutri Grain Bars
One mixed berry Nutri Grain bar from Kellogg’s contains 13 grams of sugar! Plus, the artificial ‘blueberry’ filling contains many additives. So, imagine what if you consume 4 bars at a time every day- that’s nearly 54 grams of added sugar, which is over the limit of the daily value (25-36 grams).
Compared to the number of calories in a single bar, which is 130-140, this much sugar content is insane.
Moreover, there is an unacceptable amount of sodium content in a single bar. The American Heart Association used to recommend 2300 mg of sodium daily in a normal adult’s diet, but now they recommend 1500 mg.
Covered by the sweetness of the bars, you may feel like there is no sodium in them. But unknowingly, you are consuming the same amount of salt as compared to a salty snack.
Sugar and salt are already slow poison that leads to many short- and long-term health problems.
Some side-effects of over-consuming Nutri-Grain bars include:
- Spike in blood sugar
- Abdominal pain
- Allergic reactions
- Weight gain/ obesity
- Diabetes
- Lower immune system
- Spike in blood pressure.
You won’t see these side effects in a single day or two unless you don’t overeat these unhealthy Nutri-Grain bars.
Who Should Avoid Nutri Grain Bars
Don’t worry; Nutri-Grain bars are not fatal and won’t kill you! Since it contains many unhealthy ingredients and somewhat allergic ones, some people should eat it as little as possible or even avoid it.
- People with celiac disease or gluten intolerance should avoid eating Nutri Grain bars as they contain gluten in the form of enriched flour to obtain that chewy texture.
- Additionally, people with nut allergies should avoid them as they contain nuts.
- Those following a vegan diet may also want to stay away from these bars as they may contain animal products like milk and eggs.
- Even though Nutri-Grain bars are marketed as a healthy snack, they may not be the best choice for diabetic patients. This is because Nutri-Grain bars are high in sugar and carbs, which can cause blood sugar levels to spike. If you have diabetes, limit your Nutri Grain bar consumption to one or two bars a week.
Related Article: Are Pretzels Healthy? – Pros, Cons and Healthy Alternative
Healthy Alternatives to Nutri Grain Bars
If you’re looking for a healthier alternative to Nutri-Grain bars, try making your own granola bars at home. Plenty of recipes online use healthy ingredients like oats, honey, and dried fruit. Not only are they filling, but nutritious too. With a few variations in flavor, it’s easy to make them taste just the way you want.
Meal-replacement shakes can also be an excellent option if you need something filling but don’t have time to prepare food. It takes just seconds to blend up a shake with yogurt, milk, protein powder (whey or soy), fruit, peanut butter or almond butter, and ice cubes. The options are limitless!
FAQs
Are Nutri-Grain bars good for weight loss?
Nutri Grain bars may not be the best choice if you’re trying to lose weight. Though they’re convenient and easy to eat on the go, they’re often high in sugar and calories, which can lead to weight gain. In the long run, if you continue to eat them on a daily basis, you may be able to gain weight instead of losing it.
Are Nutri-Grain bars vegan?
While many Nutri-Grain bars are vegan, some contain honey, which is a non-vegan ingredient. In addition, some of the flavors of Nutri-Grain bars contain dairy and other animal-based products.
So, it is always better to read the labels to see what ingredients are your preferred bars made of.
Are Nutri-Grain bars healthy for toddlers?
If you’re looking for a healthy snack for your toddler, Nutri Grain bars may not be the best choice. Because they’re high in sugar, the ingredients aren’t natural, there’s no nutritional value in the sugar, and they contain artificial flavors.
Moreover, they’re loaded with fats that raise cholesterol levels and increase the risk of heart disease and stroke. And finally, they don’t give children enough vitamins and minerals that they need to grow up strong and healthy!
Are Nutri-Grain bars good for diabetics?
While Nutri-Grain bars may be marketed as a healthy snack option, they may not be the best choice for people with diabetes. This is because Nutri-Grain bars are high in sugar and added sugar, which can cause blood sugar levels to spike.
Final Thought
If you are thinking – are Nutri Grain bars healthy – it’s time to throw out Nutri-Grain bars from your regular diet. The high sugar and calorie content can offset any nutritional benefits, and the processed ingredients may not be ideal for everyone.
However, there is no harm in treating yourself with one bar once in a while. The bottom line is that there are healthier options out there than Nutri-Grain bars.
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