We love a cool beach cover up—but not if we can never take it off. We also love snacks, and we’re not giving them up anytime soon. So before we get to summer, let’s do some constructive planning. Let’s meditate on which foods to eat to banish that belly for good—just in time for bikini season.
FIND A BATHING SUIT THAT FLATTERS YOUR SHAPE
According to the book The HD Diet, water is the key to tightening your tummy. Really? Water? Well, more accurately, the book says we need to think about eating more water-absorbent (hydrophilic) foods, like the ones listed below.
Why eat water-absorbent foods?
3 very good reasons to eat water-absorbent foods come to mind:
- They help detoxify your body
- They keep you feeling full
- They help you feel slim
So what are these magical tummy-flattening foods? Read on and then go stock up.
5 SNACK FOODS FOR WEIGHT LOSS THAT YOU’LL LOVE TO EAT IN SUMMER
1. CHIA SEEDS
We’ve share the benefits of these little black seeds before. A favourite of the Aztecs, they’ve got a high natural source of Omega-3s, proven to lower fattening stress hormones. Chia seeds are also rich in antioxidants, minerals, fibre and protein. Add them to any meal – sprinkle on salad or veggies, mix in yogurt, oatmeal or shakes.
2. APRICOTS
Who says sugar is a no-no? Depends which type you eat. Replacing refined sugars (like those found in white pasta or rice) with carbs from fruits will reward your waistline. Plus, not only do apricots have high levels of antioxidants like Vitamin C and Beta-Carotene, the water-absorbing fibre helps you stay full and fends off fat.
3. OATMEAL
This classic breakfast staple is a favourite for a reason. Oatmeal is full of the good stuff, such as soluble fibre which attracts water and stays in your stomach longer. This process helps to reduce blood cholesterol by flushing bad digestive acids from your system. Remember to choose unsweetened oatmeal, though. Otherwise, the added sugars will cancel out the health benefits. Feed your sweet tooth by adding fresh berries or almond milk instead.
Chia Seeds
4. BROCCOLI
We all know green veggies are nutritious, but why? Broccoli is packed with vitamins and minerals and is also very high in fibre. It’s the ideal vegetable to help you slim down because it contains enzymes that help both digestion and metabolism.
5. ALMONDS
Almonds are the good nuts that are worth the calories. High in monosaturated fats and rich in the minerals magnesium and selenium, they support in adrenal function and boost metabolism. They’ll also keep you satisfied and full for a long time. Be cautious of salted or smoked nuts, though. They’ll make you feel bloated so opt instead for a handful of raw almonds every day. The’ll keep the belly fat away.
Keren Gilbert, author of The HD Diet, is a registered dietitian-nutritionist and founder of Decision Nutrition in New York.
