Foods High In Added Sugar
Added sugar is probably the worst thing in the modern diet. Excess amounts have been linked to some of the most serious diseases in the world today .
Foods high in added sugar usually provide tons of empty calories, but are not very filling.
Examples of foods that may contain massive amounts of added sugar include sugary breakfast cereals, granola bars and low-fat, flavored yogurt.
You should be especially careful when selecting low-fat or fat-free foods, as manufacturers often add lots of sugar to make up for the flavor thats lost when the fat is removed.
Here are 15 health foods that are really just junk foods in disguise.
Summary
Added sugar is one of the unhealthiest ingredients in the modern diet. Many products, such as low-fat and fat-free foods, seem healthy but are loaded with sugar.
How Fast Can You Realistically Lose Belly Fat
Reducing overall body fat will cut down on your belly fat. However, this isn’t a process that happens overnight or even within days of starting your weight loss journey.
“A healthy amount of weight loss is one to two pounds per week,” says Lapaix.
“It is more important to select a sustainable diet and learn what foods work for you long-term versus a ‘quick fix.’ This is what leads to results and maintaining weight loss results,” says Lapaix.
What the research says: A 2019 study showed that losing 6% to 7% of your total body weight can reduce both subcutaneous and visceral fat. This means that if you weigh 180 lbs, it can take you about six to 12 weeks to lose this percentage of your total body weight and reduce belly fat in the process.
However, “there are many factors to consider with body composition, including age, gender, current weight, body fat, and muscle mass, to name a few,” says Lapaix. “These will affect the rate at which someone loses weight, which nutritional plan to follow, and an appropriate activity level for them.”
Combining exercise and a healthy diet is more effective than either of those factors alone.
Switch To Sprouted Bread
While it’s often assumed that bread is off-limits when you’re trying to lose belly fat, the right bread may actually expedite the process. Switching to sprouted bread can help carb-lovers eager to get their fix without going up a belt size, thanks to the inulin content of sprouted grains. The results of a study published in Nutrition & Metabolism reveal that pre-diabetic study subjects whose diets were supplemented with inulin shaved off more belly fat and total weight than those whose meal plans didn’t pack this healthy prebiotic fiber.
Don’t Miss: How To Lose Fat Off The Side Of Your Stomach
Cracker And Potato Chips
Crackers and potato chips made the cut as foods to avoid due to their highly processed nature.
A common culprit to weight gain, they are high in carbs and unhealthy fats with little essential nutrients or anything that might promote satiety.
And to make matters worse, big food manufacturers continue to make larger packages available putting more susceptible adolescents at risk for developing bad habits.
Swap our crackers for cut-up veggies such as carrot or celery sticks instead or fresh fruit such as plums, raspberries, blueberries, grapes, or grapefruit.
These foods are a good source of fiber and when combined with at least 5-10 grams of protein they will satisfy your appetite more than chips or crackers would.
Add in a small portion of peanut butter, greek yogurt, or a hard-boiled egg to increase feelings of fullness and crush those hunger pangs.
The Dangers Of Belly Fat Accumulation
In addition to the higher BMI, excessive fat accumulation in the abdomen area can potentially pose the following health risks:
- Heart disease
- Insulin resistance and type 2 diabetes
- High blood pressure
One cannot reduce belly fat overnight. A long-term plan is the best approach to losing belly fat. However, following the above tips can take you one step closer to your fat loss goals. That said, it is ideal to speak to an expert before you get started on your weight loss goals. Speak to some of Indias best nutritionists and fitness coaches, and begin your fat loss journey.
Read Also: How To Lose Fat Off Your Stomach
What Science Says About The Best Foods For Losing Belly Fat
Because of diet culture and companies trying to sell their products, “belly fat loss” has been promoted in extremely unhealthy, unsustainable, and sometimes dangerous ways. These fad diets and weight loss products can harm people both physically and mentally.
Flat belly teas are some of the clearest examples of this, which market themselves as helping to promote weight loss and are often made with natural laxatives that can lead to stomach and gut lining issues.
Not only is something like this potentially harmful, but it’s misleading as well. Belly fat diets may help you get rid of some bloating or shed a few pounds, but these results are temporary and never actually address the issue at hand.
So are there healthy ways to lose belly fat and keep it off, while still giving your body the nutrients and care it needs? And what does the science actually say about abdominal fat loss and how it’s connected to your diet?
Read on, and for more on healthy eating, check out 5 Best Eating Habits For Your Blood Sugar.
Some Types Of Alcohol
Alcohol provides more calories than carbs and protein, or about 7 calories per gram.
However, the evidence for alcohol and weight gain is not clear .
Drinking alcohol in moderation seems to be fine and is actually linked to reduced weight gain. Heavy drinking, on the other hand, is associated with increased weight gain (
Summary
If you are trying to lose weight, you may want to consider cutting back on alcohol or skipping it altogether. Wine in small amounts seems to be fine.
Don’t Miss: Do People Survive Stomach Cancer
Pasta And Simple Carbs
A bowl full of spaghetti, linguini, or a heaping plate of lasagna may look appetizing, but it might be extending your waistline and contributing to a beer belly. It is vital to eat a diet with more fiber than relying on refined carbs like pasta to stay fuller longer. Complex carbs can help trigger weight loss and a flatter belly, but refined pasta can help you pack on the pounds.
Track Your Food Intake
Most people know that what you eat is important, but many dont know specifically what theyre eating.
A person might think theyre eating a high protein or low carb diet, but without keeping track, its easy to overestimate or underestimate food intake.
Tracking food intake doesnt mean you need to weigh and measure everything you eat. Tracking intake every now and then for a few days in a row can help you realize the most important areas for change.
Planning ahead can help you achieve specific goals, such as boosting your protein intake to 2530% of calories or cutting down on unhealthy carbs.
Check out these articles here for a calorie calculator and a list of free online tools and apps to track what youre eating.
Don’t Miss: Does Your Stomach Hurt When Constipated
Why Do People Want To Lose Belly Fat
Most people who have big bellies will spend less time in front of their dressing mirror as they prepare to go out. They react based on the images that stare back at them. The reactions of these people are mostly in the form of a frown, followed by various forms of attempts to tuck-in their fat tummies. Most often, the problem is usually the size of the stomach. Big belly and smart dressing dont go hand in hand. The type of food consumed by these people could be the major problem because there are certain foods to avoid to lose belly fat. Therefore, let us consider foods to eat or avoid to lose belly fat.
It is usually not a pleasant reaction when most people notice that they are beginning to have big stomachs. The responses could range from panic to dissatisfaction, and then low self-esteem in the long run. The tummy is usually a giant reservoir for fats, and it is therefore quite easy to get unnecessarily big. The kinds of food that you consume most times play essential roles in your overall weight gain. Even though nobody aspires to be too skinny, it is also a health risk if you have more flesh on you than is necessarily suitable. This may result in obesity, which is very unhealthy.
Avoid Trans Fat & Hydrogenated Oils
Those trans fats on your menu are hiding out in plain sight and sabotaging your lean belly plans every time you eat them. If a food product says it contains partially hydrogenated oils, you’re eating trans fat, which can increase your risk of heart disease, high cholesterol, and obesity with every bite. In fact, research conducted at Wake Forest University reveals that monkeys whose diets contained eight percent trans fat upped their body fat by 7.2 percent over a six-year study, while those who ate monounsaturated fat gained just a fraction of that amount. Instead of letting harmful trans fat take up space on your menu, fill up with these healthy fats.6254a4d1642c605c54bf1cab17d50f1e
Also Check: What If You Have Sharp Pains In Your Stomach
Healthy Foods That Cause Bloat
Sometimes its not just the unhealthy foods that contribute to bloating around the middle. Certain healthy foods like kale, cabbage, broccoli, and beans can leave some people feeling uncomfortably bloated too because of their high fiber content.
The good news is that there are steps you can take to improve your gut health, reduce bloating and strengthen digestion all of which will bring you closer to a flat stomach youve been working toward. 8fits nutritionists recommend adding fermented foods to your diet, such as kimchi, sauerkraut or kombucha , as they are bacteria-boosting and can help improve digestion.
If those seem a bit out of your wheelhouse, you can also support your digestive system by eating oats the prebiotics in oats feed the good bacteria in your belly too.
Tried these dietary additions and still seem to be experiencing that uncomfortable bloat? Try keeping a food journal to track everything youre eating and how you feel after eating certain foods for a minimum of two weeks and keep in mind that it can take 72 hours for your body to experience a reaction to foods. Its also useful to monitor whether or not youre drinking enough water, as being hydrated enough plays a vital role in that quest for a flat stomach and will support losing belly fat.
Try The Mediterranean Diet
The diet that best fits the above guidelines is a calorie-controlled Mediterranean Diet, which is based on Mediterranean cuisine and is high in healthy fats. Itâs also a rather delicious way to lose belly fat. The hallmarks of this diet are as follows:
- High intake of olive oil, legumes, unrefined cereals, fruits and vegetables
- Moderate to high intake of fish
- Moderate intake of dairy products
- Low intake of meat and meat products
This diet is highly valued by healthcare professionals. Research shows that a Mediterranean style diet is effective in aiding weight loss and is associated with lower levels of belly fat.30
But thatâs not all, the Mediterranean Diet also boasts a plethora of health benefits. Studies have shown this diet may improve insulin sensitivity and reduce the risk of type 2 diabetes, the metabolic syndrome and abdominal obesity.313233
Research also shows that the better you are able to stick to the Mediterranean Diet, the more your risk of developing diabetes decreases and the lower your levels of belly fat. Overall, this diet is a scientifically proven method to lose belly fat, decrease health risks and improve overall health.34
Read more:The Mediterranean diet for weight loss
Recommended Reading: What Makes Your Stomach Bloat
Meals That Melt Belly Fat Say Dietitians
Tired of your belly constantly feeling bloated? While it could be related to a combination of things, sometimes having a bloated belly can simply be due to the types of foods you’re eating. Whether they are gassy foods or high in sodium, food can significantly impact belly bloat. This is why having a few meals that can help melt belly fat can be super helpful when you’re feeling uncomfortable.
In order to determine a few foods that can help with your belly bloat, or even help you lose a few pounds and give you that flat belly, we spoke with some registered dietitians to determine the best meals that melt belly fat. From snacks to tips for your dinner, here’s what they had to say. And for more healthy eating tips, be sure to check out our list of 21 Best Healthy Cooking Hacks of All Time.
Incorporate Probiotics Or Probiotic Supplements
According to a 2021 review, certain probiotics can aid in fat loss.
Evidence shows that probiotics may play a role in releasing hormones that regulate appetite. Research also shows that probiotics may increase levels of certain proteins that regulate fat.
One small 2013 study found that the Lactobacillus amylovorus and Lactobacillus fermentum strains of probiotics were capable of shifting body composition. In other words, these probiotic strains helped study participants lose 3% to 4% of their body fat over six weeks.
If you want to incorporate more probiotic foods into your diet, try eating more:
- Sauerkraut
- Kombucha
- Sourdough bread
You can also take probiotic supplements. There are a ton of supplements on the market, so make sure to look into the brands, ingredients, quality, and reviews.
Probiotic supplements also contain different strains, so you’ll want to research which strain is best for your specific needs. Always talk with your physician before taking any new supplements.
Read Also: How To Relieve Distended Stomach
Embrace The Power Of Protein
Protein serves a dual role in helping you trim down belly fat by increasing muscle mass and metabolism, while also helping stave off hunger. Research shows that a higher-protein diet increases thermogenesis, which might help you burn more calories. Further, eating protein could lead to increased satisfaction after a meal, which may help you eat fewer calories later in the day. This Chipotle Chicken Quinoa Burrito Bowl is a great lunch option to help you feel full and tide you over until your next meal.
Related:High-Protein Lunch Ideas to Pack for Work
The 5 Foods People With Belly Fat Need To Avoid
1. Caffeine
Technically not a food, per se, but caffeine is still the most consumed stimulant in the world – and in many cases responsible for increasing belly fat .
Some people are more sensitive than others. I know giving up caffeine can be really hard or just undesirable for most people, but try giving it a shot. If, after two weeks, you don’t notice a bit of difference, introduce it back.
WHY ARE CAFFEINATED DRINKS SO BAD?
There is a strong connection between type 2 diabetes and belly fat. Research has shown that caffeine consumption , and negatively impacts the metabolism sugars among people with diabetes.
Caffeine is also closely linked to increased cortisol levels , which, when chronically elevated, can lead to belly fat. If you’re a regular coffee drinker, consider cutting it out of your diet.
BOTTOM LINE: Decreased insulin sensitivity and increased cortisol levels put your body on the fast track for gaining belly fat, which is why so many people notice a drop in inches throughout their belly area after they cut out caffeine.
To avoid splintering caffeine withdrawal headaches, step down with green tea – matcha tea, in particular. Green tea contains nutrient-rich polyphenols, but with much, much less caffeine. This is my favorite traditional green tea or a special matcha green tea I love.
2. Refined Carbohydrates
WHY ARE REFINED CARBS SO BAD?
Recommended Reading: What Causes Frequent Stomach Pain
Foods To Avoid If You Need To Get Rid Of Belly Fat
A lot of people have belly fat, so if you’re struggling with it, you’re certainly not alone. But if you can do something about it and want to get rid of belly fat – there are some foods you simply need to avoid. I’ve taken a few minutes to highlight the 5 big foods you should cut out to get rid of belly fat.
To get the scoop, watch the video below or read through the details that follow.
To understand how some foods can trigger belly fat almost exclusively, you have to understand the role of a couple of really important hormones. For belly fat, those hormones are insulin and cortisol. If you’re busy counting calories to lose weight, stop. Instead, think about how the foods you’re eating might be throwing off two of the strongest hormones known for storing fat right in the belly area. If you want to lose belly fat safely, but quickly, get my 21-day Apple Shape Plan. It’s got everything you need!
INSULIN
Insulin helps to regulate your blood sugar levels, but it also serves as a de facto fat-storage hormone, too! When you eat foods that throw off your blood sugar levels, insulin gets called into action. When insulin gets a mayday alert from your body to help anchor blood sugar levels that are out of control, belly fat gets stored.
CORTISOL
Restaurant Foods With Trans Fats
Many restaurant and street foods use partially hydrogenated and hydrogenated vegetable oils, and they’re no friend to your waistline. “Trans fats cause inflammation in the body leading to insulin resistance and impairing the body’s ability to use glucose properly. This results in excess fat storage around the belly,” says Tina Marinaccio, MS, RD, CPT.
Don’t Miss: How Would You Know If You Have Stomach Cancer