Healthy Foods For Flat Tummy

Here then, in order of hero status, are our top healthy foods for flat tummy. You can improve body composition and get a flat belly by increasing your activity levels (doing aerobic exercises, HIIT, and resistance training), being mindful of your diet and drink intake, and managing sleep and stress.

Almonds

Vitamin E in almonds works together to cut cholesterol. Almonds are also a great source of vegetable protein and fiber.

Eating Tip: Sprinkle 2 tablespoons of almonds over low-fat unsweetened yogurt and berries for an energizing morning meal.

Avocados

Avocados, are a great source of heart health. Contains more of the cholesterol-smashing beta-sitosterol than any other fruit.

Eating Tip: Mash a 1/4 cup avocado with lime juice, salt, and pepper and serve with baked chips and raw vegetables.

Dark or Semi-Sweet Chocolate

Chocolate or more specifically, cocoa powder made from ground, defatted cocoa beans, contains compounds that have the potential to protect against heart disease, stroke, cancer, and diabetes.

Eating Tip: Melt 1/4 cup of dark or semi-sweet chocolate. Drizzle over fresh strawberries for a belly-flattening dessert.

Flaxseed Oil

Flaxseed oil is the best plant source of omega-3 fatty acids and helps reduce systemic inflammation, which researchers believe may lead to heart disease, cancer, and Alzheimer’s disease.

Eating Tip: Stir 1 tbsp into a smoothie as a healthy afternoon snack.

Macadamia Nuts

Adding nuts and seeds to your diet can yield heart health benefits. Macadamia nuts also contain fiber that helps with digestion.

Eating Tip: Crush 2 tbsp macadamia nuts. Dip one 3-ounce portion of chicken breast or 4-ounce piece of fish in low-fat milk, then press nuts to adhere. Bake at 350 F for 10-20 minutes until done.

Natural Peanut Butter

A serving of peanut butter contains the antioxidants vitamin E, bone-building magnesium, muscle-friendly potassium, and immunity-boosting vitamin B6.

Eating Tip: Toss a half cut of whole grain noodles with 3 oz cooked shrimp, minced scallions, and 1/4 cup sliced red bell pepper. Dress with a mixture of tbsp peanut butter, 2 tbsp warm water, and a pinch of crushed red pepper flakes.

Olive Oil

Olive oil is the best all around for cooking and salads because it contains mostly MUFA, which lowers bad LDL cholesterol without affecting good HDL cholesterol. The greener the oil, the more antioxidants, so go for extra virgin.

Eating Tip: Basil pesto and sundried tomato paste are also good sources of olive oil.

Pistachios

Pistachios contain lutein and zeaxanthin, two carotenoids that help protect against age-related macular degeneration.

Eating Tip: Stir 2 tbsp toasted pistachios into 1/2 cup part-skim ricotta cheese with 2 tsp honey and 2 tbsp semi-sweet chocolate chips for a sweet snack.

Walnuts

Like seafood and flaxseed, walnuts contain omega-3 fatty acids, which help protect your heart and preserve brain health.

Eating Tip: Snack: Mix 1/2 cup canned pineapple into 1/2 cup cottage cheese. Sprinkle with 2 tbsp of walnuts for only 35 calories.

Sunflower Seeds

Sunflower seeds are packed with vitamin B, which plays an important role in protecting against inflammation and they are an excellent source of vitamin E. Sunflower seeds are also great for curbing hunger.

Eating Tip: Sprinkle 2 tbsp of toasted sunflower seeds in your salad.