Belly Flattening Foods

Belly Flattening Foods

• Top 10 Belly Flattening Foods

  Provided by Prevention
  
  If you've been unsuccessful in losing weight around your middle, listen up! These miracle-worker ingredients hold the power to truly transform your body and specifically target hard-to-lose and dangerous belly fat. The secret is their magical "MUFA" (AKA monounsaturatedfatty acid -- a healthy fat!). A recent study published in the journal Diabetes Care found that eating a diet high in MUFA's can help reduce accumulation of abdominal body fat. Bear in mind: No other nutrient can do this. Couple these fabulous foods witha reduced-calorie eating plan and not only will you slim down, but you'll lose weight where you want to -- your belly. Here, 10 belly-fat-fighting superstars and how to use them.

• Top 10 Belly Flattening Foods

  Almonds
  
  The MUFAs and vitamin E in almonds work together to cut cholesterol. Almonds are also a great source of vegetable protein and fiber.
  
  Sprinkle 2 tablespoons of almonds over low-fat unsweetened yogurt and berries for an energizing morning meal.

• Top 10 Belly Flattening Foods

  Avocado
  
  Avocados are a great source of heart-healthy MUFA. These delectable green orbs also contain more of the cholesterol-smashing beta-sitosterol (a beneficial plant-based fat) than any other fruit. Beta-sitosterol may reduce the amount of cholesterol absorbed from food. The Hass variety, grown principally in California, contains more MUFA than the Florida variety.
  
  Mash a 1/4 cup Haas avocado with lime juice, salt, and pepper and serve with baked chips or raw vegetable.

• Top 10 Belly Flattening Foods

  Dark or Semi-Sweet Chocolate
  
  Chocolate or more specifically, cocoa powder made from ground, defatted cocoa beans -- contains compounds that have the potential to protect against heart disease, stroke, cancer, and diabetes and contains substantial amounts of antioxidants. Dark chocolate -- not milk or white -- contains as much antioxidant capacity as red wine.
  
  Melt a 1/4 cup of dark or semi-sweet chocolate. Drizzle over fresh strawberries for a belly-flattening dessert.

• Top 10 Belly Flattening Foods

  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 Alzheimer's disease. Flaxseed oil should never be heated, so use in salad dressings or smoothies or as a condiment drizzled into vegetable soups. Look for cold-pressed organic flaxseed oil, and store in the refrigerator.
  
  Stir 1 tablespoon into a smoothie as a healthy afternoon snack.

• Top 10 Belly Flattening Foods

  Macadamia Nuts
  
  Eating nuts and seeds can yield heart-health benefits. Macadamia nuts also contain fiber to help with digestion and a small amount of the trace mineral selenium, an antioxidant that some studies show may help prevent cancer.
  
  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?F for 10-20 minutes or until done.

• Top 10 Belly Flattening Foods

  Natural Peanut Butter
  
  A serving of peanut butter has 3 mg of the powerful antioxidant vitamin E, 49 mg of bone-building magnesium, 208 mg of muscle-friendly potassium, and 0.17 mg of immunity-boosting vitamin B6. Research shows that eating peanutscan decrease your risk of heart disease, diabetes, and other chronic health conditions.
  
  Toss a half-cup cooked soba or other whole grain noodles with 3 ounces cooked shrimp, a few minced scallions, and 1/4 cup thinly sliced red bell pepper. Dress with a mixture of 2 tablespoons peanut butter, 2 tablespoons warm water and a pinch of crushed red pepper flakes. So long Chinese takeout.

• Top 10 Belly Flattening Foods

  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 "good" HDL cholesterol. Olive oil is also rich in antioxidants, which may help reduce the risk of cancer and other chronic diseases. The greener the oil, the more antioxidants, so go for extra-virgin.
  
  Basil pesto and sundried tomato paste are also good sources of olive oil, and make excellent pasta sauces and marinades.

• Top 10 Belly Flattening Foods

  Pistachios
  
  Pistachios contain lutein and zeaxanthin, two carotenoids that help protect against age-related macular degeneration, the leading cause of blindness in the elderly. They may also help improve cholesterol levels.
  
  Stir 2 tablespoons toasted pistachios into 1/2 cup part-skim ricotta cheese with 2 teaspoons honey and 2 tablespoons semisweet chocolate chips for a sweet snack.

• Top 10 Belly Flattening Foods

  Sunflower Seeds
  
  Sunflower seeds are packed with B vitamins, which play an important role in protecting against inflammation. They are also an excellent source of vitamin E. Sunflower seeds are also great for curbing hunger.
  
  Sprinkle 2 tablespoons of cup of toasted sunflower seeds in your salad.