Some foods work wonders when it comes to keeping your tummy slim and trim. Here are five.
#1. Avocados
These green, buttery fruits contain essential fatty acids, antioxidants, and monounsaturated fats that take a while to digest, helping you feel satisfied long after you snack. Avocados are also packed with plenty of fiber, which helps you feel full on fewer calories. If you’re not an avocado fan, try incorporating other foods that are rich in monounsaturated fats and can help control hunger like olives and olive oil (make a salad dressing!).
#2. Nuts
Nuts like almonds, walnuts, and hazelnuts keep you feeling full so you don’t overload on snacks. Snacking on a few nuts when you feel a hunger pang can keep calorie count down while packing in protein, fiber, and omega-3 fatty acids. They’re a win for both your waistline and your growling stomach.
#3. Beans
Pinto, kidney, cannellini…all beans and legumes are full of protein, antioxidants, and fiber, making them great components of any weight loss diet. They’re so filling that they make a great substitute for meat, and their high fiber and water content fills you up so you don’t feel the need to consume as many calories as you would when eating something like beef or chicken.
#4. Fish & Lean Meat
To maximize the amount of calories burned during digestion, steer clear of carbohydrates and food with a high saturated fat content. Since your body uses more energy to chew, digest, metabolize, and store protein, it often plays an important role in weight loss plans. Introduce fish like tuna, salmon, and haddock into your diet, as they have plenty of protein and are low in calories and saturated fat.
#5. Green Tea
This soothing tea is more than just a relaxing beverage. There is evidence that green tea may also help you slim down thanks to its high content of polyphenols that can raise your energy expenditure. Plus, sipping green tea throughout the day can suppress your appetite so you won’t feel the need to snack until your next meal. Opt for homemade tea and not the processed, bottled version if you’re looking to shed some pounds .