Five foods that help you burn belly fat

The belly is a sensitive body area even for the most confident person, and in all honesty everyone enjoys looking down and seeing a toned tummy and not a muffin top.Retaining fat around the stomach is often a sign of toxic build-up in the systemThe body often retains fat in order to store the toxins so they are insulated from the organs. Losing weight is hard enough as it is, but burning that mid-section weight is even harder, as that is the most stubborn fat-storing area on the body. Belly fat has been linked to heart disease and diabetesWhat kind of problem does that create? According to Carol Shively, PhD, professor of pathology-comparative medicine at Wake Forest School of Medicine, “Fatty liver disease was, until recently, very rare in non-alcoholics. But with obesity increasing, you have people whose fat depots are so full that the fat is deposited into the organs. In addition, she says, more fat is also being deposited around the heart.There are certain measures one can take to detoxify the system:

• Minimize or eliminate processed and fast foods

• Eliminate refined sugar

• Eliminate carbonated beverages and energy drinks and

• Eliminate dairy and gluten grains

According to a blog by Tia Mouwry, of Sister, Sister, there are a number of foods that could help reduce belly fat. She suggests eating these five foods to fight bloating and slim the midsection: High-fibre greens - High-fibre veggies like spinach and kale reduce bloat and rev up your metabolism. Plus, the fibre in them aids in healthy digestion, reducing tummy bloat.Oatmeal/oats - Eating a healthy breakfast gives your metabolism a boost, regulates your blood sugar levels and gives you energy.  Oatmeal is a great way to start off your day because it’s full of fibre and very filling.  Stay away from pre-packaged flavoured oatmeal, and rather opt for adding fruit or honey to your oatmeal. And as always, you can start off your day with a cup of warm lemon water. Cayenne - The good thing about cayenne is that it can be easily incorporated into meals. It can be used in a salad or soup, as cayenne contains capsaicin, which has been proven to enhance burning belly fat.Almonds - Almonds are a great source of monosaturated fats, which are said to be the secret ingredient to burn away belly fat. Plus, they’re a great snack and will curb cravings because they’re full of vegetable protein and fibre. Salmon - Salmon is another wonder food.  It is a great lean protein that gives you lots of energy and burns more calories when it is digested.  It is also full of omega-3, which reduces inflammation in the body and can help regulate your hormones.Avoid fatty foods, salty foods and foods with a lot of sugar, as they all contribute to your "too full" feeling. 

Images: © Lsantilli - Fotolia.com, © Dionisvera - Fotolia.com

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