Having tummy fat isn’t just an aesthetic issue. The far more important issue is that abdominal fat has links to type II diabetes, cardiovascular disease and increased inflammation within the body
The stubborn belly fat often feels like it is the last area to budge and after having our gorgeous babes, we are even more aware of this zone.

The Healthy Mummy & Lose Baby Weight Team are committed to helping women and mums lead a healthier life through their diet and exercise, and now with the interactive 28 Day Weight Loss Challenge, we are able bring you all the tools you need to be in the best health possible – as well as target the tummy fat area.
Lizzie McSorley (above) has lost over 10kg on our 28Day Challenges and looks incredible – you can read Lizzie’s story here
So to help you feel better on the inside and outside, this May, we are focusing our menu and recipes around this targeted area of abdominal resistance.
We have included beneficial foods, food groups, macro and micronutrients in abundance to help you shed those extra kilos and feel great. To bust that belly fat as they put it!
So, if you are serious about losing fat from your tummy then you MUST take part in the May Belly Buster 28 Day Weight Loss Challenge.

Why this Challenge will BUST your belly

Our team of nutritionists and chefs have been hard at work creating a menu packed full of tummy fat busting properties as well as being full of taste – and as always they are family and budget friendly
Plus our exercise team have created a specific program with a focus on the tummy area and burning fat
And today we have the fabulous Nutritionist Mandy Dos Santos who has worked insanely hard on the May menu is here to outline why the menu is so tummy fat busting as well as being easy for busy mums to follow  – (and Mandy knows about being a busy mum – she has 3 kids under 5!!)

So what food is included in the May 28 day challenge?

Fish
Fish is a terrific source of protein which has the added benefit of essential fats such as Omega 3 fatty acids. These delicious fatty acids have links to reducing inflammation in the body which attributes not only to a reduction in stress (which is a contributor to centric adiposity) but also in weight loss.
Leptin is a protein produced in fatty tissue and which is available in fish for consumption. It has links to fat metabolism and some studies suggest the increased chance of using stored fat as fuel.
Salmon or seafood of some variety is included at least once in each week’s menu. It is important to include varied seafood options for belly fat but also cardiovascular, eye and brain health.
Some of these recipes which we are loving in may are Baked salmon parcels and white fish with polenta and olives.

Baked Salmon Parcels

Soup
Soup is a fantastic way to lose weight, and the winter months make it more appealing too. It is easy to make, can be high in fibre and include vegetarian sources of protein and of course is very hydrating.
There are many varied soup options in this challenge with a variety of fibrous vegetables and legumes included to increase the fibre content as well as protein. The high water content, high fibre content and varied sources of vitamins and protein are epic for weight loss.
Some of our favourites for this challenge are lentil and veggie soup and Sweet potato and leek soup

Lentil and veggie soup

Beans and legumes
Beans and legumes such as kidney beans, lentils or chickpeas are a fabulous source of vegetable based protein which is great in reducing your fat intake. They are also great from a fibrous point of view, assisting in blood sugar spikes and curbing your appetite.
Some of the delicious recipes including legumes in this challenge include Spanish baked eggs & beans, Lentil and pancetta salad and Paprika chickpeas

Spanish baked eggs & beans

 
Yoghurt and dairy
Yoghurt and dairy foods have been linked to weight loss. Whether it is the increase in lipolysis (fat burning) or the sensation of fullness from the protein, it does aid in burning fat. Yoghurt in particular is beneficial to our internal gut health as well with its probiotics.
Obviously milk is often included in the Healthy Mummy Smoothies which are a substitute for up to two meals a day, or of course yoghurt and other low fat dairy is included in breakfast options as well as many main meal options.
Some of our favourite recipes in this challenge are our are the Three cheese stuffed mushrooms and Pear and banana compote with yoghurt

Three cheese stuffed mushrooms

 
Cereals and oats
Wholegrain cereals  and oats both have low glycaemic index (GI) which means that they release energy slowly, assisting in reducing cravings and unnecessary snacking. Combined with healthy fats and protein rich foods you have a fabulous combination of macronutrients to assist in weight loss and energy metabolism.
Oats also contain energizing and stress-reducing B vitamins that help to break down carbohydrates into usable energy. Stress is often a contributing factor in abdominal weight retention.
During this challenge we have ensured that the grain options are wholegrain and varied so a wide range of nutrition is observed.
Here are some of our favourite recipes in this challenge are Stewed fruit crumble, Prawn Biriyani  & Ham and Haloumi Toastie

Stewed fruit crumble

 
Lean protein
Lean protein, including meat, provides us with an abundance of nutrition. Some key components of lean protein and red meat are its high protein source which is important in the building of lean mass. Protein is also an important component of our diet to sustain the sensation of fullness and assist in the slow release of energy from our foods.
Red meat and lean animal protein is also a good source of vitamin B12 (as are eggs). This vitamin is a key component of fat metabolism and is also therefore crucial to breaking down the fat cells in the abdominal region.
Red meat is also the most efficient source of iron from our food. Iron is essential to red blood cell production and health and in transporting oxygen one of our energy sources,  around the body. If we are low in iron we are not able to perform at our peak and exercise efficiently, which is critical in reducing belly fat as well.
Eggs feature in many breakfast options and in each lunch or dinner option a lean protein is included whether it is meat based or a vegetarian source of protein. Fish is also included at each week.
And one of the fantastic meals on the challenge is this delicious meat pie – a healthy version of course!

Healthy Meat Pie

Nuts and seeds
Nuts are a great plant based source of protein but also mono-unsaturated fats which provide a great source of omega 3 and omega 6 fatty acids.
As mentioned before, protein is important in gut fill and the release of sugar in our bodies. Fat is also important in mouth and the sensation of fullness in our bodies.
In this challenge we have included a range of nuts and seeds including tahini (See the banana and tahini on toast below) which is based on sesame seeds; honey walnuts as a snack; almonds in desserts and crushed nuts in varying breakfast dishes.

Why do we LOVE Mandy?

Mandy dos Santos in a tertiary educated food scientist and nutritionist with a Food Science Bachelors degree and a Post graduate Diploma in Human Nutrition.
With over 10 years of experience, she is passionate about community health and nutrition working with varying social demographics and organisations to promote and provide practical health and food solutions for women, families and children
Mandy has worked with us for over 3 years and is an awesome nutritionist, chef and is a joy to create amazing meal plans with.

Take part in the 28 Day Weight Loss Challenge

For over 800 family friendly recipes with daily meal and exercise plans, join our 28 Day Weight Loss Challenge made especially for BUSY MUMS – plus you do the challenge with tens of thousands of other mums and chat daily – even hourly with them for constant support in our private group.

Results from mums on the 28 Day Challenge

Mums lose an average of 4-6kg (8-13 pounds) on our 28 Day Challenge and below are some of the amazing results from mums JUST LIKE YOU who are already using the 28 Day Challenge and losing tummy fat – make the change and join them today too!
You can see lots of more results and you can join here too
 
Angela has lost 12kg (26 pounds)on 2 Challenges

Angela says “The team at Lose Baby Weight and The Healthy Mummy just make it all so easy to follow and customisable so I can make it work for what suits me and my family best. I now have a better relationship with food, enjoy the feeling I get when I eat well.” Join here
Carmen has lost 20kg (44 pounds) on 4 Challenges

Carmen says “The 28 Day Challenges have been such an incredible tool in my weight loss and it is made so easy as everything is done for you from food, to shopping lists to the exercises”
Jasmine has lost 8kg (17 pounds) on 1 Challenge

Jasmine says “I loved the 28 day challenge. It has already taught me so much on healthy eating and portion sizes, I will be staying with the LBW team for many years to come, and I just want to say a massive thank you for helping my change my life and get on track to getting me back xx” Join here
Eliza lost 22kg (48 pounds) on 4 Challenges

Eliza says “I started in September with my first 28 Day Weightloss Challenge. I lost 8 kg that month. So far I have lost 22 kg. But it is what I have gained which will make me a supporter for life! Join here
Ashley has lost 22kg (48 pounds) on 4 rounds

Ashley says “To date I have now lost over 22kg since starting with the 28 Day Challenges.  Back in September I never thought I would be where I am now in a short six months.” Join here
Lauren has lost 46kg (101 pounds) on 6 rounds

Lauren says “I’d highly recommend starting with a 28 Day Weight Loss Challenges. It’s such a great way to learn about healthy eating and exercise….. The Challenges are perfect as they run for 28 days, with so many different customizable options for every meal and day” Join here
Join now
You won’t regret it!