25 Best Foods That Burn Belly Fat Fast
1. Fruits
Fruits are rich in vitamins, minerals, dietary fiber, and antioxidants (4). Dietary fiber improves digestion, increases the number and variety of good gut microbes, improves metabolism, and helps lower blood pressure (5). Citrus fruits like orange, lemon, kiwi, tangerine, and fresh limes are good sources of antioxidants and have antimicrobial properties (6), (7). Other fat-burning fruits include apples, watermelons, grapes, and strawberries (8), (9), (10). However, make sure not to overdo it with fruits. Even though they contain lots of vitamins and minerals, they also contain sugar.
2. Pulses
Pulses (or dal ) are protein-rich and low in calories and fat. The lean protein present in pulses helps build lean muscle mass, speeds up metabolism, and improves overall body function (11). Simply boiled dal is healthier than fried or spiced up dal.
3. Fish
Fish are great sources of protein and omega-3 fatty acids (12). Proteins help build muscle, and omega-3 fatty acids reduce inflammation in the body and increase metabolic rate (13), (14). Also, the lower the inflammation, the lower the chances of gaining weight that is triggered by stress and inflammation.
4. Almonds
Almonds keep your stomach full for a long time due to their healthy fat and protein content. They are good sources of nutrients for vegetarians to burn fat. They are also rich in omega-3 fatty acids that increase energy and metabolism (15).
5. Beans And Legumes
Beans and legumes are good sources of protein, fiber, vitamins, and minerals. Consuming them regularly can help suppress hunger pangs, thereby preventing overeating. They are also great sources of protein for vegans and vegetarians. Try to mix three different legumes to provide your body with different micronutrients (16), (17).
6. Spinach And Other Green Vegetables
Vegetables like spinach, kale, collard greens, radish greens, carrot, broccoli, and turnip are rich in vitamins, minerals, antioxidants, and dietary fiber (18), (19). These vegetables can help reduce belly fat by increasing satiety, reducing inflammation, and aiding digestion (20), (21).
7. Dairy Products
Full-fat dairy products are recommended as they are loaded with nutrients and can keep you satiated for a long duration, thereby aiding weight loss (22). Slim or skimmed milk is devoid of these nutrients and does not keep your hunger pangs at bay as effectively as full-fat dairy products.
8. Oatmeal
Oats are rich in fiber and aid digestion. They contain insoluble fiber and carbohydrates that curb your hunger and give you energy for your workout (23). Eat oatmeal in the morning with some nut butter or nuts for added protein. When buying oatmeal, make sure that you choose one that is flavorless as flavored oats contain sugar and chemicals.
9. Peanut Butter
Peanut butter is a great option to sweeten your breakfast or smoothies. The nut butter is loaded with protein, vitamin E, iron, potassium, zinc, antioxidants, dietary fiber, and polyphenols (24). Consume a handful of soaked or boiled peanuts as a snack to curb hunger pangs. Do not go overboard and consume too many peanuts as they are calorie-dense.
10. Extra Virgin Olive Oil
Cooking with extra virgin olive oil is good for weight loss and general health because it helps lower LDL (bad) cholesterol and increases the levels of HDL (good) cholesterol (25). It is a weight loss-friendly and heart-friendly oil that you can use to cook or season your food.
11. Whole Grains
Whole grains, such as millet, quinoa, and brown rice, are good sources of protein, vitamins, minerals, and dietary fiber (26). Consuming them can keep your hunger pangs at bay, aid digestion, and prevent constipation (27), (28), (29). This, in turn, can help you shed the belly fat easily.
12. Protein Powder
Protein powders are a great option if you cannot load up on whole foods that are rich in protein. You can take whey protein, vegan protein powder, or homemade protein powder to help improve muscle mass and increase your metabolism (30).
13. Chia Seeds
It has become a trend now to include chia seeds in smoothies, salads, and breakfast bowls. They are a great source of protein and healthy fats, and two tablespoons of chia seeds contain almost 10 grams of dietary fiber (31). Chia seeds are gluten-free, increase satiety, and have anti-inflammatory, anti-diabetic, antioxidant, and laxative properties (32).
14. Mushrooms
According to Kayleen St.John, R.D., Executive Director of Nutrition and Strategic Development of Euphebe, low levels of vitamin D are connected to abdominal obesity (33). Mushrooms are good sources of vitamin D (34). They are low in calories, high in protein and water content, and extremely delicious (35). You can easily prepare mushroom soup or add them to salads and sandwiches to make a delicious lunch or dinner without worrying about calories.
15. Raspberries
Raspberries are loaded with dietary fiber and polyphenols like anthocyanins and ellagitannins (36). The dietary fiber helps add bulk to the stool, improves bowel movement, and keeps you satiated for a long time (37), (38). The antioxidants in them help scavenge the harmful free oxygen radicals, thereby reducing inflammation and inflammation-induced obesity (39), (40). Consume raspberries in breakfast bowls or smoothies.
16. Coconut Oil
Virgin coconut oil increases good cholesterol (HDL cholesterol) levels (41). Use edible-grade coconut oil for cooking. You can also have bullet coffee as your morning drink to keep you charged the entire day. Note: Talk to your physician before consuming coconut oil regularly.
17. Soup
According to Julieanna Hever, author of The Vegiterranean Diet, having soup before meals helps reduce the number of calories you consume. This, in turn, can help prevent fat accumulation in the belly region (42). You need to consume vegetables, chicken, or mushroom clear soup. Ideally, make soups at home to reap the maximum benefits.
18. Eggs
A study published in the International Journal of Obesity compared weight loss after an egg breakfast to that after a bagel breakfast containing similar calories. Participants who consumed two eggs for breakfast lost 65% more weight, and their waist circumference reduced by a whopping 34% (43). This is because eggs are a great source of protein and both water- and fat-soluble vitamins that help keep the hunger pangs at bay and build lean muscle.
19. Spicy Chili Peppers
Chili peppers like cayenne, green chili, and red chili are loaded with vitamin C and capsaicin that help increase the metabolic rate and insulin sensitivity and help burn fat (44). Add cayenne pepper or red chili flakes to your salads, and green chilis to fritters or omelet. They not only enhance the taste but can also help you lose weight.
20. Broccoli
From reducing obesity to reducing the risk of breast cancer, broccoli offers a wide range of benefits (45), (46). In fact, experts believe that consuming broccoli may improve insulin resistance in people with type 2 diabetes (47). The phytonutrients present in broccoli have the potential to flush out toxins, reduce inflammation, reduce the risk of cancer, and boost overall health (48). Consume blanched or grilled broccoli with salads and soups to reduce weight.
21. Nuts
Nuts like walnuts, macadamia nuts, pine nuts, and pistachios are good for weight loss. They are loaded with healthy fats and protein that increase your satiety levels, improve the taste of food, and prevent you from snacking on other trans fat-loaded junk food. Regular consumption of nuts helps prevent obesity and the risk of type 2 diabetes (49).
22. Farro
Farro or emmer is a wheat product that is dried and sold. It can be consumed after cooking in water and adding to soups and salads. It is high in dietary fiber, iron, and calcium, and low in sodium (50). Dietary fiber keeps you satiated for a long duration and cleanses the colon by improving bowel movement and preventing constipation(5). Consume farro for breakfast, lunch, or dinner, and you will notice the difference in your hunger cycle immediately.
23. Yogurt
Yogurt is loaded with good gut bacteria that aid digestion and take care of your gut health (51). In a study published in the British Journal of Nutrition, scientists found that women who consumed probiotics lost twice as much weight compared to those who did not (52). Include yogurt in your diet by using it to make smoothies and salad dressing.
24. Sauerkraut
Sauerkraut is a fermented food. Kimchi (pickled vegetables) is a good source of probiotics or good gut bacteria that help reduce bloating and improve digestion. According to Frank Lipman, M.D., founder of Eleven Eleven Wellness Center in New York City, including sauerkraut in your diet can help protect your gut from being overtaken by pathogenic bacteria that cause health problems (53). Hence, have some lip-smacking kimchi or sauerkraut to lose weight.
25. Spirulina
Spirulina is a low-calorie, protein-rich, anti-inflammatory, immuno-stimulating, blood lipid-lowering, and blood pressure-lowering single-cell protein (54). Include it in your diet after consulting your doctor. You can add it to salads, smoothies, and juices. These are the 25 belly fat-burning foods you may include in your diet. But have you ever wondered why fat accumulates in your belly? Here’s why. [ Read: Top 15 Drinks That Help You Lose Weight]
Why Does Fat Accumulate Around Your Belly?
Hormonal Changes
Hormones play a major role in determining fat distribution in the body. Hormonal imbalance can lead to increased hunger, slow metabolism, and increased stress levels, leading to belly fat accumulation (55).
Genes
If obesity runs in your genes, you may be more prone to accumulating fat in your belly region (56).
Stress
Stress can increase your risk of accumulating belly fat through increased cortisol levels or increasing your food consumption (57).
Lack Of Sleep
Sleep deprivation increases the production of stress hormones in the body, which can lead to overall weight gain (58).
Sugary Foods And Beverages
Sugary foods and beverages are devils in disguise. They contain high amounts of additives, preservatives, and artificial colors, which are major contributors to belly fat (59).
Alcohol
Alcohol is broken down into sugar in the body, and the excess sugar gets converted to fat. Excess sugar from alcohol can also lead to inflammation and inflammation-induced abdominal obesity (60).
Trans Fats
Trans fats are unhealthy fats found in processed and fried foods. They tend to accumulate fat in the belly region and slow down fat metabolism (61).
Inactivity
Being inactive can also lead to the accumulation of belly fat (62). A sedentary lifestyle is a primary reason for the increase in the incidence of obesity worldwide. Desk jobs, sitcoms, and lethargy are pushing people more and more toward obesity and obesity-related diseases.
Low-Protein Diets
Being on a low-protein diet can also be harmful when it comes to losing belly fat. Lack of protein in your diet can lead to high stress and inflammation, increased toxicity, and slow metabolism (63).
Menopause
Women who are going through menopause experience hormonal changes. High levels of cortisol (or the stress hormone) can be responsible for women gaining belly fat during this period (64).
Low-Fiber Diets
Low-fiber diets can lead to weight gain, especially in the belly region (65). Low-fiber foods include white rice, flour, and peeled fruits. Dietary fiber helps increase satiety and aids stool movement in the colon, preventing the accumulation of belly fat (5). But do not let these reasons deter you from shedding this dangerous type of fat. Here are some other things you can do to lose belly fat.
Other Things To Do To Lose Belly Fat
Avoid packaged fruit juices, soda, and energy drinks. Have protein in every meal and snack. Reduce carbs in your diet. Consume foods rich in fiber, especially viscous fiber. Exercise is very effective in reducing belly fat. Hence, you should exercise regularly. Track your meals and figure out what and how much you are eating.
What can I drink at night to lose belly fat? Drinks like aloe vera juice or green tea are safe to consume during bedtime. Aloe vera juice contains antioxidant properties while green tea is a rich source of flavonoids which may help reduce belly fat (65), (66),(67), (68). Does hot water with lemon reduce belly fat? Yes, lemon is a rich source of antioxidants that aid in improving metabolism. This may suppress body fat accumulation and prevent obesity (69). How can I use cinnamon to lose belly fat? You can consume cinnamon in the form of tea. Boil a stick of it and add 1 teaspoon of honey and a few drops of lemon juice (optional) to enhance its effect.
