8 Powerful Foods for Flat Abs and Healthy Stomach
Exercising and taking bodybuilding supplements aren’t the only proven methods to develop beautiful and sexy abs. There are foods that you can incorporate in your daily diet not just to keep your tummy flat but healthy as well.
1. Avocado for healthy fats
Research has shown that avocado is one of the healthiest fruits in the world. Aside from tons of antioxidants, this fruit is loaded with a lot of nutrients, vitamins, and minerals that your body needs in a daily basis. Avocado is also a home of monounsaturated fats – a centre of the Mediterranean diet. These are good fats that keep your cholesterol level low, keeping you away from heat problems and certain cancers. Monounsaturated fats are also a great fat burner. In a study published in the journal Diabetes Care, it was revealed that dieters who consumed more of these fats lost more pounds in their stomach than those who don’t but take the same amount of calories. In an animal study reported in the journal Obesity, it was shown that monkeys that ate monounsaturated fats had 30% slimmer smaller waste line than those that were fed with trans fats. Just half of avocado already has 10 grams of monounsaturated fats. Try making avocado dips, shake, or guacamole for healthy snacks.
2. Eggs for less hunger
Eggs are a complete source of protein. Dieters who consumed eggs during breakfast felt less hungry throughout the day, keeping their hands off from the cookie jar, as revealed by the researchers from the Biomedical Research Centre. In their study, they found that 2 eggs for breakfast are powerful hunger quenchers as compared when a person eats complex carbohydrates.
3. Green Tea for fat loss
3 cups of green tea a day can keep those fats away! In the study in the Medicine & Science in Sports & Exercise, green tea reduces 30 calories a day by speeding up your metabolism. This popular drink contains ECGC – a type of antioxidants which helps your body burn more fats. By simply sipping, you can lose up to 3 pounds a year.
4. Blueberries for healthy, toned muscles
Blueberries, together with blackberries were found to contain the highest amount of antioxidants. But what’s the connection of this with fat loss? Here’s the thing. Antioxidants promote proper blood flow, which benefits your body by supplying sufficient oxygen and nutrients. By giving your muscles the oxygen they need, exercising becomes easier and more effective.
5. Yogurt for good digestion
If you feel like eating ice cream or munching on some cookies while watching your favourite TV program, why not take yogurt instead? Yogurt is rich in probiotic bacteria – good bacteria which promotes good digestion. As the probiotic bacteria cover up your gut, they eliminate the harmful microorganisms that cause bloating, leaving you with a flat, healthy stomach.
6. Bulgur wheat for fibre
In the study published in the American Journal of Clinical Nutrition, it was revealed that people who consumed whole grains lost more belly fats than those who ate refined grains. The reason behind this is fibre – a fat burning substance that improves metabolism and makes you feel full for longer hours. It also keeps your insulin levels low which experts suggest can shrink fat cells.
Just half a cup of bulgur wheat can give you 4 grams of fibre which is 28% of the recommended daily intake.
7. Chocolate Milk for sustained energy
Who says chocolate is not for dieters? If you’re going through an intensive bodybuilding program, sipping a glass of chocolate milk can lower down the risk of muscle damage, reported a study presented at the American College of Sports Medicine. Sugar combined with protein promotes muscle building. It also gives you more energy to perform harder workout routines.
8. Almonds for reduced fat absorption
These nuts aren’t just great for Christmas and Holidays. Almonds can be a great addition to your daily diet as well. Almonds are high in fibre, vitamin E, and magnesium which are needed by your body to produce energy, build muscle tissues, and regulate blood sugar levels. Almonds were also found to block calories and reduce the absorption of fats.