10 TOP FLAT BELLY FOODS
You are well aware that we are all different in our appetites, body shape, food like and dislikes and the way we approach nutrition in general. Today let's talk about those of us that have kind of a "pear" shape due to how we store fat. More specifically, I'm talking about belly fat. There are foods available that help eliminate belly fat and we'll talk about those today.
If you have been unsuccessful in losing weight around your middle, here's some great news for you. The key ingredient to start melting that belly fat is MUFAs. No it's not a bad word and as a matter of fact it is one of the most exciting discoveries for people like you and me to take advantage of so we can reduce our waistlines and get slim and trim. The acronym MUFAs is
monounsaturated fatty acid, a healthy fat that has the power to truly change your body and specifically target hard-to-lose belly fat. Pair these fabulous foods with our weight reduction programs listed on our website and you will slim down where you want to-your belly.
Here are the 10 belly-fat-fighting weapons to always keep in your arsenal.
ALMONDS
The MUFAs and vitamin E in almonds work together to cut cholesterol. Almonds are also a great source of vegetable protein and fiber.
Eating Tip:
Sprinkle two tablespoons of almonds over low fat unsweetened yogurt and berries for an energizing meal.
AVOCADO
Avocados, a great source of heart healthy MUFA contains more of the cholesterol smashing beta-sitosterol than any other fruit.
Eating Tip:
Mash a 1/4 cup Hess avocado with lime juice, salt and pepper and serve with baked chips or raw vegetables.
DARK or SEMI-SWEET CHOCOLATE (Yes, Virginia there is a God.)
Chocolate or, more specifically, cocoa powder made from ground and defatted cocoa beans, contains compounds that have the potential to protect against heart disease, stroke, cancer and diabetes.
Eating Tip:
Melt 1/4 cup dark or semi-sweet chocolate and drizzle over fresh strawberries for a belly flattening dessert.
FLAXSEED OIL
Flaxseed oil is the best plant source of Omega 3 Fatty Acids and helps reduce systemic inflammation, which researchers believe may lead to heart disease, cancer and Alzheimers Disease.
Eating Tip: Stir in 1 tablespoon into a smoothie as a healthy afternoon snack.
MACADAMIA NUTS
Adding nuts to your diet can yield benefits. Macadamia nuts also contain fiber to help with digestion.
Eating Tip:
Crush 2 tablespoons Macadamia nuts, dip one 3 ounce portion of chicken breast or 4 ounce piece of fish in low fat milk, then press nuts to adhere. Bake at 350 degrees for 10-20 minutes or until done.
NATURAL PEANUT BUTTER
A serving of peanut butter contains the antioxidant Vitamin E, bone building Magnesium, muscle friendly Potassium and immunity boosting Vitamin B-6.
Eating Tip:
Toss a half cup of whole grain noodles with 3 ounces of cooked shrimp, minced scallions, and 1/4 cup sliced red bell pepper. Dress with a mixture of 2 tablespoons of peanut butter, 2 tablespoons of warm water and a pinch of crushed pepper flakes.
OLIVE OIL
Olive oil is the best all around for cooking and salads because it contains mostly MUFA, which lowers "bad" LDL cholesterol without affecting the "good" LDL cholesterol. The greener the oil, the more antioxidants, so go for the extra virgin.
Eating Tip:
Basil Pesto and Sundried Tomato Paste are also good sources olive oil.
PISTACHIOS (My Favorite Nut)
Pistachios contain lutein and zeaxanthin, two carotenoids that help protect against age-related macular degeneration.
Eating Tip:
Stir 2 tablespoons toasted pistachios into 1/2 cup part skim ricotta cheese with 2 teaspoons honey and 2 tablespoons semi-sweet chocolate chips for a sweet snack.
SUNFLOWER SEEDS
Sunflower seeds are packed with B Vitamins which play and important role in protecting against inflammation and they are an excellent source of Vitamin E. Sunflower seeds are also good for curbing hunger.
Eating Tip:
Sprinkle 2 tablespoons of toasted sunflower seeds in your salad.
WALNUTS (Another Favorite)
Like seafood and flaxseed, walnuts contain Omega 3 Fatty Acids, which help protect your heart and preserve brain health. If you're nuts about walnuts, try this easy snack. Mix 1/2 cup of canned pineapple into 1/2 cup of cottage cheese. Sprinkle with 2 tablespoons of walnuts for only 325 calories.
Eating Tip:
Add a MUFA to your favorite salad by adding 2 tablespoons of roasted walnuts.
Your fat fighting weapons system has just been reloaded with easy to follow instructions on how to fight belly fat and get healthier in the process. Please share your thoughts with us as you use these different suggestions and let us know how effective they were.
Gene C.
If you have been unsuccessful in losing weight around your middle, here's some great news for you. The key ingredient to start melting that belly fat is MUFAs. No it's not a bad word and as a matter of fact it is one of the most exciting discoveries for people like you and me to take advantage of so we can reduce our waistlines and get slim and trim. The acronym MUFAs is
monounsaturated fatty acid, a healthy fat that has the power to truly change your body and specifically target hard-to-lose belly fat. Pair these fabulous foods with our weight reduction programs listed on our website and you will slim down where you want to-your belly.
Here are the 10 belly-fat-fighting weapons to always keep in your arsenal.
ALMONDS
The MUFAs and vitamin E in almonds work together to cut cholesterol. Almonds are also a great source of vegetable protein and fiber.
Eating Tip:
Sprinkle two tablespoons of almonds over low fat unsweetened yogurt and berries for an energizing meal.
AVOCADO
Avocados, a great source of heart healthy MUFA contains more of the cholesterol smashing beta-sitosterol than any other fruit.
Eating Tip:
Mash a 1/4 cup Hess avocado with lime juice, salt and pepper and serve with baked chips or raw vegetables.
DARK or SEMI-SWEET CHOCOLATE (Yes, Virginia there is a God.)
Chocolate or, more specifically, cocoa powder made from ground and defatted cocoa beans, contains compounds that have the potential to protect against heart disease, stroke, cancer and diabetes.
Eating Tip:
Melt 1/4 cup dark or semi-sweet chocolate and drizzle over fresh strawberries for a belly flattening dessert.
FLAXSEED OIL
Flaxseed oil is the best plant source of Omega 3 Fatty Acids and helps reduce systemic inflammation, which researchers believe may lead to heart disease, cancer and Alzheimers Disease.
Eating Tip: Stir in 1 tablespoon into a smoothie as a healthy afternoon snack.
MACADAMIA NUTS
Adding nuts to your diet can yield benefits. Macadamia nuts also contain fiber to help with digestion.
Eating Tip:
Crush 2 tablespoons Macadamia nuts, dip one 3 ounce portion of chicken breast or 4 ounce piece of fish in low fat milk, then press nuts to adhere. Bake at 350 degrees for 10-20 minutes or until done.
NATURAL PEANUT BUTTER
A serving of peanut butter contains the antioxidant Vitamin E, bone building Magnesium, muscle friendly Potassium and immunity boosting Vitamin B-6.
Eating Tip:
Toss a half cup of whole grain noodles with 3 ounces of cooked shrimp, minced scallions, and 1/4 cup sliced red bell pepper. Dress with a mixture of 2 tablespoons of peanut butter, 2 tablespoons of warm water and a pinch of crushed pepper flakes.
OLIVE OIL
Olive oil is the best all around for cooking and salads because it contains mostly MUFA, which lowers "bad" LDL cholesterol without affecting the "good" LDL cholesterol. The greener the oil, the more antioxidants, so go for the extra virgin.
Eating Tip:
Basil Pesto and Sundried Tomato Paste are also good sources olive oil.
PISTACHIOS (My Favorite Nut)
Pistachios contain lutein and zeaxanthin, two carotenoids that help protect against age-related macular degeneration.
Eating Tip:
Stir 2 tablespoons toasted pistachios into 1/2 cup part skim ricotta cheese with 2 teaspoons honey and 2 tablespoons semi-sweet chocolate chips for a sweet snack.
SUNFLOWER SEEDS
Sunflower seeds are packed with B Vitamins which play and important role in protecting against inflammation and they are an excellent source of Vitamin E. Sunflower seeds are also good for curbing hunger.
Eating Tip:
Sprinkle 2 tablespoons of toasted sunflower seeds in your salad.
WALNUTS (Another Favorite)
Like seafood and flaxseed, walnuts contain Omega 3 Fatty Acids, which help protect your heart and preserve brain health. If you're nuts about walnuts, try this easy snack. Mix 1/2 cup of canned pineapple into 1/2 cup of cottage cheese. Sprinkle with 2 tablespoons of walnuts for only 325 calories.
Eating Tip:
Add a MUFA to your favorite salad by adding 2 tablespoons of roasted walnuts.
Your fat fighting weapons system has just been reloaded with easy to follow instructions on how to fight belly fat and get healthier in the process. Please share your thoughts with us as you use these different suggestions and let us know how effective they were.
Gene C.

