What if there were foods we could eat, that actually help in shedding belly fat?
The good news: there are. The less good news: a healthy lifestyle and physical activity are still required to reach your goal weight.
As usual, it pays to go Organic.
- Grapefruit
Grapefruits are low in Calories, high in vital enzymes and full of nutrients to keep us full. New research by UC Berkley suggests there is a compound in Grapefruit which lowers insulin levels (a fat storage hormone) which can further help weight loss. [1]
A half Grapefruit has 52 calories.
- Cucumber
Cucumbers are low in Calories and packed with vitamin K, B vitamins, vitamin C, copper, potassium and manganese to prevent nutrient deficiencies so common among people eating the traditional Western diet. Cucumbers are also rich in water and fibre; two vital elements for healthy digestion. At 95% water content, Cucumbers are a great food for flushing out the digestive system. Additionally, the soluble fibre in Cucumber dissolves into a gel-like substance in the gut, helping to slow digestion so you feel full longer. One cup of sliced cucumber has just 16 calories.[2]
- Cinnamon
Cinnamon is an excellent source of manganese and fibre and a very good source of calcium.[3] It may be hard to accept a food tasting this good can be good for you; but it is. Cinnamon regulates the rise in blood sugar after eating, saving the pancreas from producing excess insulin, helping to reduce fat storage.[4] Cinnamon has also proven helpful for those being treated for Diabetes. [5] Why not sprinkle a generous amount of Cinnamon on your cereal or add it to your smoothie for a healthy refined sugar-substitute? 1 teaspoon of cinnamon is only 6 calories.
- Kale
Kale is high in nutrients and low in calories. One cup of Kale is packed with calcium, potassium and magnesium, vitamin A and a massive 684% of the RDA for vitamin K. Because of the low calorie and high water content, kale has a low energy density. Eating plenty of foods with a low energy density has been shown to aid weight loss [6][7]. Full of fiber, aim to have Kale raw, juiced, blended or baked every day and one cup only has 33 calories.
- Chia Seeds
Chia seeds are packed with a powerful mix of quality protein and fiber – both of which have been shown to assist in weight loss [8],[9]. Chia seeds are also loaded with Calcium, Manganese, Magnesium and Zinc along with vitamin B1 (Thiamine) and vitamin B2. Mix Chia Seeds with almond milk, dates and some cacao nibs – slimming, healthy and delicious. For other great ways to eat Chia Click Here. 138 calories per cup (28.4 grams).
When combined with a real food diet and healthy lifestyle, these 5 foods are a valuable addition to any weight loss plan, however be sure to check with your healthcare professional before making any diet changes.
For Simple Ways to Live a Healthy Life, Check Out: www.organichealth.co.za
What is Your Favorite Weight Loss Food At The Moment? Share Below:
Article Sources:
[1] http://www.plosone.org/article/info%3Adoi%2F10.1371%2Fjournal.pone.0108408
[2] http://whfoods.org/genpage.php?tname=nutrientprofile&dbid=62
[3] http://whfoods.org/genpage.php?tname=nutrientprofile&dbid=64
[4] http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed?Db=pubmed&Cmd=ShowDetailView&TermToSearch=17556692&ordinalpos=1&itool=EntrezSystem2.PEntrez.Pubmed.Pubmed_ResultsPanel.Pubmed_RVDocSum
[5] http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/24019277
[6] http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/15976148
[7] http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/17556681
[8] http://ajcn.nutrition.org/content/82/1/41.abstract
[9] http://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/pii/S0023643808001345
[10] http://articles.mercola.com/sites/articles/archive/2014/08/23/health-benefits-cucumbers.aspx
[11] http://www.plosone.org/article/info%3Adoi%2F10.1371%2Fjournal.pone.0108408
[12] http://www.mindbodygreen.com/0-9392/5-foods-to-eat-yourself-slim.html
[13] http://whfoods.org/genpage.php?tname=nutrientprofile&dbid=62
