From The Straits Times    |

You don’t have to starve, here are eight foods that will help in cutting down tummy fats.

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Avocado

Adding whole foods with healthy fats, such as avocados and sweet potatoes into your diet is an easy way to burn belly fat. While it may seem contradictory, healthy fats are essential when you are trying to lose weight in the stomach region. Just remember not to succumb to the avo-latte craze.

 

Whole grains

One basic change you can make to your diet is swapping white rice with brown rice and quinoa. Substituting refined grains with whole grains will fight inflammation and prevent heart disease while helping to reduce belly fat. Want more inspiration on what whole grains to have? Check out our list then

 

Apple cider vinegar

Apple cider vinegar balances your body pH levels and promotes better digestion. It also aids in the absorption of key nutrients from food. Mix a tablespoon of apple cider vinegar with water and sprinkle cinnamon to taste, twice daily.

 

Sauerkraut 

Add some shredded cabbage in a mason jar with salt and leave it there for a period of several days or weeks. This fermented cabbage contains natural probiotics that can affect your metabolism. If you don’t have access to sauerkraut, you can replace it with some kimchi

 

Traditional herbs

While switching up your diet is a good start, adding traditional herbs such as Siberian ginseng, tulsi or liquorice root are an excellent way to burn stubborn belly fat by increasing levels of cortisol in your system.

 

Thermogenic foods

While switching up your diet is a good start, adding traditional herbs such as Siberian ginseng, tulsi or liquorice root are an excellent way to burn stubborn belly fat by increasing levels of cortisol in your system.

 

MCT oils (olive oil)

Medium-chain triglycerides are a unique form of fat that requires less energy and fewer enzymes to be digested. Adding a spoonful of MCT oil to your morning smoothie can lead ot increased metabolism and provides quick energy replenishment, while burning fat from the morning.

 

Fibre

For every 10g of fibre you eat daily, your belly fat reduces by almost 4 per cent. But you do not have to stick to a box of bran flakes. Instead, incorporate apples, beans, broccoli or even an artichoke, which are all full if belly-blasting fibre.

A version of this story first appeared in The Singapore Women’s Weekly. The go-to, trusted magazine for the latest news and information in areas that matter most to the professional working woman, The Singapore Women’s Weekly is now available in both print and digital formats.

 

This story first appeared on Singapore Women’s Weekly.