If you’ve been sucking in your tummy and holding your breath every time someone clicks your photo or if you’ve been buying larger, loose-fitting clothes, it’s time to get proactive and get rid of your belly fat.
There are 5 types of belly fat, and losing belly fat has more to do with your health than with looking slim. Though not all of them are concerning, abdominal fat aka visceral fat has been linked to heart disease, diabetes, asthma, and other metabolic disturbances.1 You know what you need to do besides embarking on an exercise routine, fix a diet. Cut down on refined food and sugar, saturated fats, and carbs and up your intake of animal proteins, healthy fats, and fresh veggies and fruits. Have these 6 fruits as dessert and snacks to get rid of belly fat.
1. Avocados
If you are not on the avocado bandwagon yet, you are missing out a great deal. Health experts are crowning avocados as the greatest source of nutrients since drinking water. The benefits of eating avocado include reducing inflammation, lowering cholesterol, fighting free radicals, and boosting general health. Avocados are packed with vitamins K, C, E, B5, and B6 , and they have been found to have more potassium than bananas.
A study proves that eating avocados on a regular basis helps to reduce weight, specifically the hanging bulge around the tummy.2 This is because avocados are high in fiber. And though it has quite a lot of fat, it’s all the super-healthy monounsaturated fats that in turn help in weight loss.
The best part of avocados are that it is easy to make it part of your diet. You could have avocado slices on toast, or mash it for a guacamole dip, or slice them for your salads.
2. Berries
Berries are an amazing source of fiber and nutrients that get your fat burning. The high fiber content helps to keep your tummy full for some time, and this prevents you from overeating. Blueberries and raspberries provide a boost to your metabolism, thanks to an ingredient known as anthocyanin.
One research conducted on laboratory rats revealed that consuming blueberries for 90 days helped reduce abdominal fat. The results also included lower triglycerides, lower cholesterol, and improved fasting glucose and insulin sensitivity.3
A cup of blueberries has about 84 calories per cup, while blackberries are 62 calories, and raspberries scores with 64 calories per cup. Think of all the possibilities to satisfy a sweet tooth without hurting your weighing scale.
You could snack on a bowl of berries in between meals, or as part of your oatmeal, or even with yogurt. Follow your palate!
3. Pomegranates
Pomegranates are high in antioxidants. These antioxidants help to increase your metabolic rate. With a rise in metabolic rate, you tend to burn more fat. Pomegranate juice has been found to be more beneficial for weight loss, and to reduce the muffin top you carry.
One research revealed that participants who consumed pomegranate juice for a month, were found to be less prone to developing fat cells around the tummy.4 You could have a glass of pomegranate juice with a meal.
A word of caution: If you feel slightly nauseous or uncomfortable, you may want to skip out on pomegranate juice. People with a sensitive stomach should probably avoid pomegranate seeds.
4. Apples And Pears
Apples and pears are loaded with fiber. Both these fruits contain a component known as pectin. This is a water soluble fiber that blocks fat retention. This alone would help promote weight loss. Don’t peel the skin; that’s where the pectin is.
But these fruits are not only about their high fiber content; eating a complete apple can keep your stomach full for a long time.
Not to mention, they are easy to carry around, and you could have them anywhere without getting judgmental stares. You cannot really sit in a park with an avocado.
5. Oranges
Oranges are an excellent (and yum) source of vitamin C. This vitamin is responsible for a lot of important functions in your body. It boosts your immune system by giving protection from cardiovascular disease, eye disease, stroke, and even reducing early signs of ageing.
While vitamin C does not really cause any weight loss, it definitely influences how much you weigh. This particular vitamin is required to produce molecules that are used for metabolism. If you are low on vitamin C, your body would not be able to decide what to do with stored fat. This causes a buildup of fat around the abdominal area.
One study pointed out that people with adequate levels of vitamin C oxidize 30% more fat during a moderate exercise, bout than individuals with low vitamin C status.5
6. Grapefruits
Besides being another source of vitamin C, grapefruits are blessed with antioxidants. Naringenin, a type of antioxidant, helps to even out insulin levels. Also, grapefruits have a high water content. One study found out that when obese adults ate half a grapefruit or consumed grapefruit juice before meals, they had a decrease in body weight and waist circumference.6
Keep in mind, it would be a better choice to eat the whole fruit, rather than juicing it. Juicing tends to remove the fiber content. Just cut a grapefruit in half, and grab a spoon.
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