One thing is certain when it comes to losing weight: calories in versus calories out. But it’s not the only factor in the weight-loss equation, especially when it comes to losing fat and hanging on to muscle. Sure, you could eat 1,400 calories of Twinkie’s and still manage to lose weight if you’re overweight, but you it certainly won’t help you target stubborn belly fat and you’ll have a harder time keeping it off.
But do it the right way, with healthy foods full of protein, fiber, and mono and polyunsaturated fats, and you’re looking at a much more promising weight-loss plan. According to Prevention, your body doesn’t actually want to store fat; our bodies are just so out of whack that we’re constantly in this fat-storing cycle! The secret to lasting weight-loss is working with your body’s natural hunger and sleep rhythms to curb cravings, burn fat and energize.
In fact, there are certain foods that can kickstart your metabolism, curb cravings, and target stubborn belly fat!
Here are 4 that you’ll want to add to your diet to burn belly fat.
1. Fish. Studies show that when your diet is deficient in omega-3s, melatonin production – the sleep hormone – is thrown off, resulting in less sleep, which as we know is imperative to a weight-loss plan! Meanwhile, a diet rich in omega-3s can boost heart health, lower your risk of dementia, improve moods, and even help you lose weight. Plus, fish is high in protein, which helps fill you up and burn extra calories.
Think sardines, halibut, and salmon – but if you don’t like fish, make sure to add plenty of dark leafy greens and flax seed to your diet.
2. Nuts. Another food high in healthy fats, nuts are an excellent fat-burning food because of their unsaturated fat content and mood-boosting magnesium source. Again, it has to do with melatonin and sleep disruption: according to Prevention, without enough magnesium in your body, the part of the brain that regulates melatonin is thrown off, disrupting your sleep. This can play a role in seasonal affective disorder and carb cravings.
Get your dose with protein-rich fish and nuts, lentils, soy and black beans, as well as fiber-rich grains like bran.
3. Milk. Researchers at the University of Alabama at Birmingham found that fat was significantly reduced in premenopausal who consumed the most calcium-rich foods. In fact, for every 100 milligrams of calcium they consumed per day (that’s 1/2 cup of soft-serve frozen yogurt), they lost an inch of intra-abdominal fat.
You don’t just have to rely on the obvious dairy choices; you can get your calcium with fortified juices, tofu, sardines, and dark leafy greens!
4. Tart cherries. Cherries are a great sleep aid – see foods that help you sleep better – as they are one of the number one plant-based sources of melatonin! Not only does melatonin help you sleep better, but it’s a powerful antioxidant that can help protect your cells from free radical damage.
Add these foods to your diet, get back in tune with your body’s natural sleep rhythm, and lose the weight once and for all!
