With the weather heating up, bikini season is upon us, meaning that many have only one thing on their minds: flattening that tummy. Here are five of the best super foods that can help you trim it down for summer!
Almonds
Studies released by Purdue University in 2007 found that snacking on almonds decreases appetite without increasing body weight as their high fibre content stops you feeling hungry. Make sure you eat them with the skin on too because almond skin features an impressive array of flavonoids which have excellent antioxidant properties.
As well as weight loss benefits, almonds are also rich in monounsaturated fats which has been linked to a reduced risk in heart disease. They are also one of the richest sources of Vitamin E which helps guard against Alzheimer’s and UV Damage.
Leafy Greens
Ensuring you include a portion of leafy greens with every meal will see you on the path to a flatter stomach in no time. Greens such as kale are rich in fibre which is then best thing for you when trying to lose weight, but more importantly they’re packed with vitamins and minerals that help to ease water retention and prevent the bloating that some other vegetables can cause.
Oats
Starting your day with a bowl of oats will definitely set you off on the right path for the day. The slow burning release of natural energy that it provides is the best kind and it will keep you feeling fuller for longer. It’s also reported to lower your cholesterol.
When choosing what kind of oats, steer away from the instant variety. The less processed the oats are, the higher in fibre they are which is what you want when you’re working to losing weight.
Olive Oil
This super food is reported to have numerous health benefits, including that it can help precent breast cancer, decreases in blood pressure, in type 2 diabetes, heart disease and prostate cancer.
For weight-loss purposes though, olive oil contains a naturally-occurring chemical called oleic acid that helps break down excess fats in the body. When eaten with vegetables, olive oil also aids the digestion of their beneficial properties known as flavonoids.
Woman’s Day spoke to Dr Mary Flynn, a leading US researcher, dietician and Associate Professor of Medicine at Miriam Hospital and Brown University who has more than 30 years experience and says she believes the Mediterranean diet – or the olive oil diet – is the healthiest way to eat.
Peppermint
When in doubt, drunk a cup a of peppermint tea. As well as being calming and relaxing, it can assist with digestion by relaxing digestive muscles and assisting with the flow of bile, which in turn helps fats digest more quickly and easily. It also eases bloating, gas and indigestion.
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