Foods That Reduce Belly Fat

Every year when summer and swimsuit season hits, we all would do almost anything to have a flat, toned stomach and midsection. Unfortunately, this part of the body is one of the hardest to tone and slim, causing most people to have at least some belly fat. But there is hope: There are some types of food and minerals you can eat for a flatter belly.

Eat "Good" Fats

Cut out the bad fats in your diet and only eat the "good" ones, including monosaturated fats, which are found in olive oil, peanut oil, nuts, seeds and avocados. Unsaturated and polysaturated are also good types, and are found in vegetable oil, sunflower oil, soy, nuts and seeds. When cooking, choose these "good" fats, rather than the bad ones like saturated and trans fats. Many baked foods, potato chips and some processed cereals are very high in saturated or trans fats, so read the labels and avoid them as much as possible.

Stay Hydrated

Drinking adequate water is essential in reducing belly fat. Aim for at least 64 oz. a day---eight full glasses---and even more if you manage it. Water flushes your system, getting rid of toxins. The more water you drink daily, the more toxins will be eliminated from your body, helping break down fat.

Protein and Minerals

Eating the right types of protein can help slim down your waistline because they make you feel full longer, reducing your urge to snack, and have the added bonus of boosting your energy and metabolism. Eat lean meats like fish, chicken or turkey. Protein can also come from eating fat-free dairy products, eggs and nuts. Aim for only a handful of unsalted almonds, walnuts or Brazil nuts because they are loaded with calories. Selenium has also been shown to help reduce belly fat, as well as your risk of certain cancers. Foods rich in selenium include seafood, chicken, walnuts, beef, soy and oats. You can also take a selenium supplement, but read the label and following dosage directions carefully because excess amounts of selenium can be toxic.

Eat your Fruits and Veggies

Orange-colored fruits and vegetables are good at helping to break down belly fat. Apricots, carrots, cantaloupe, oranges, grapefruit and peaches are good examples. These foods are also high in vitamin C and beta carotene, two nutrients essential to a healthy body. Eat vegetables raw as often as possible and choose more vegetables than fruit as many fruits have high amounts of sugar. Fruit juice also contains a high amount of sugar, so load up on veggies and fruits in their natural state to flatten your midsection. Combine your fruit and vegetables with fiber to feel full longer and naturally regulate your digestive system.