The battle of the belly bulge is all too real for many of us. Elisha Danine, Nutritionist for the 28 Day Weight Loss Challenge shares best foods to lose belly fat.

High Fibre Foods

The best thing you can do for your body is to eat fibre. It helps to prevent weight gain, by reducing appetite and helping to normalise bowel movements.There is some evidence that the weight loss effects of fibre target belly fat specifically, which is the harmful fat in the abdominal cavity that is strongly associated with metabolic disease.
The best high fibre foods to eat are chickpeas, apples, rolled oats, green beans, sweet potato and fresh berries.

Leafy Greens

Greens are high in fibre and phytonutrients. They are also a natural detox for the body, helping to alkalise and neutralise stomach acid. Kale, baby spinach, wheat grass and barley grass all promote alkalinity therefore helping with conditions such as IBS (inflammatory bowel syndrome). This can help reduce some of the belly bloat.

Protein

By now you’re probably aware that protein is the macronutrient to eat to keep you fuller for longer. Proteins should be eaten at every meal and snack (if possible) alongside your carbs and good fats. The best sources of protein include foods such as boiled eggs, tinned tuna, nuts and seeds, low fat cheese, Greek yoghurt, chicken breast and leg ham.

Spicy foods

Spicy foods contain a chemical called capsaicin. By adding some chilli or capsicum to your meals you’re helping boost your metabolism naturally, without any harsh accelerants. Capsaicin also turns the bad, unhealthy white fat into fat-burning brown fat through a process called thermogenics. This is the process of creating heat from burning fat. So if you are eating a clean diet and are still having trouble moving the belly fat, this can help speed it up.
Elisha Danine, (BSc Compl. Med., Adv. Dip. Nut. Med).