Yogurt is magic for the tum. Nutritionist Rania Batayneh
recommends yogurt, “The probiotic bacteria in most yogurts help keep
your digestive system healthy, which translates into a lower incidence
of gas, bloating, and constipation, which can keep your tummy looking
flat." Ideally go for the plain-flavoured yogurts, that don’t contain
added sugars.
Red bell peppers: "This
beautifully colored vegetable is bursting with antioxidants (especially
vitamin C and beta-carotene) to help your body fight off infections,"
says Margaux J. Rathbun, a certified nutritional therapy practitioner
and creator of nutrition website Authentic Self Wellness. "They are also
stimulating for the digestive system and have been shown to be
metabolism-boosters, helping you to lose unwanted pounds. They are
perfect for dieters when eaten raw or prepared in a juice concoction."
Peppermint: "Peppermint works to reduce bloating and
indigestion and soothe the GI tract all around," says Rachel Berman,
registered dietitian and Director of Nutrition for CalorieCount.com. Try
mixing up some iced peppermint tea or add a few mint leaves to your
water.
Leafy greens: "Not only are leafy greens a great way to add
volume to your meals without the calories, but they are chock full of
nutrients (vitamins A, C, K, folate, calcium, iron, magnesium,
potassium, and fiber) and easy to incorporate into your day," says Mary
Dinehart-Perry, a registered dietitian and clinical trials director for
Zone Labs, Inc. She recommends swapping out iceberg for spinach in your
salads, adding mustard greens or collards to your soups, or dishing up a
side of sautéed kale to fill up, fight disease, and look fab in your
bikini.
Switch to whole grain. The body shows a decreased insulin
response to whole grain as compared to refined carbohydrate like rice
and white bread. So replace those meals of white rice and milk bread
with whole grains like lentils, brown rice, and whole wheat bread for a
trimmer waistline.
Stock up on cruciferous veggies like broccoli, brussels
sprouts, asparagus, peppers, and yellow beans. They contain folate,
beta-carotene, calcium, magnesium, and fiber, and are rich in vitamins
A, C, and K.
Olive Oil: Mono-unsaturated fats like those found in olive oil, work to reduce belly fat and don’t increase calorie intake.
Apple cider vinegar: New research indicates that 2
tablespoons of apple cider vinegar (ideally mixed with a glass of
water), consumed daily over a period of 12 weeks, works to lower body
weight and reduce belly fat. This is attributed to vinegar's acetic
acid, which is believed to pump out proteins that break down fat.
Green tea contains certain chemicals called polyphenols and
catechins that boost metabolism and help burn fat. Including 2-3 cups of
green tea in your diet will help reduce that waistline, as well as
provide a host of other health benefits.
Eggs are a great source of protein and contain essential
amino acids that the body needs to build everything from muscle fibres
to brain chemicals. It is the perfect breakfast food, and ensures you
feel less hungry during the day and reduces that urge to snack.
Almonds provide the body with minerals like magnesium, and
regulate blood sugar levels. A stable blood sugar level is key to
prevent cravings that can lead to overeating.
Salmon, tuna and mackerel, in addition to being a great
source of omega-3 fatty acids, also improve metabolism and help burn fat
faster by improving the body’s glucose-insulin response.
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