It's summertime … are you in swimsuit shape?
Even if you've spent the past months dieting yourself into fit form, a few poor food choices each week can quickly add up to a juggernaut of jiggle, according to fitness expert Jason Fine, M.S.
Fine says to consider the calories consumed through summer entertaining like backyard BBQs, date nights to the movies, ice cream socials and the alcoholic drinks by the pool.
It's not exactly flat-belly fare.
These 6 flat belly foods can help curb the seasonal bulge.
QUINOAPer ¼ cup:
170 calories
2.5 g fat
7 g protein
3 g fiber
Whole-grain product do more to fight belly fat than nutrient-stripped white flour and quinoa contains twice the belly-filling protein as regular cereal grains, fewer glucose-raising carbohydrates, and even a handful of healthy fats.
Fine suggests starting your day off with a cup of cooked quinoa combined with a ½ cup of milk and ½ cup of blueberries—microwave for 60 seconds,
GREEN TEA0 calories
Catechins, the powerful antioxidants found in green tea, are known to increase metabolism. This is a great alternative to refreshing yet, sugary drinks that are high in sugar and calories.
KEFIRPer cup:
174 calories
2 g fat
14 g protein
3 g fiber
Think of kefir as drinkable yogurt, or an extra-thick, protein-packed smoothie.
In either form they can fight the belly bulge and may also speed weight loss.
Another added benefit is the probiotics it packs. Some products to look for include Lifeway Lowfat Blueberry Kefir—it contains L. casei, the same probiotic used in the study.
AVOCADOPer avocado:
322 calories
29 g fat (4 g saturated, 20 g monounsaturated)
13 g fiber
4 g protein
Never fear this full-fat Mediterranean-diet staple contains monounsaturated fats (also found in olive oil), which have been linked to lowered LDL cholesterol levels and weight loss. It's a definition of a "good" fat.
EGGSPer 1 large scrambled egg:
102 calories
7 g fat (2 g saturated)
7 g protein
High in protein, eggs are the perfect way to jumpstart your metabolism.
GRAPEFRUITPer grapefruit:
104 calories
4 g fiber
2 g protein
Personal trainer, Jason Fine says a grapefruit a day in addition to your regular meals can speed weight loss. The fruit's acidity slows digestion, meaning it takes longer to move through your system, and you'll end up feeling fuller, and more satisfied, for longer. And the vitamin C-packed grapefruit works to lower cholesterol and decrease risk of stroke, heart disease, and some types of cancer.
