It wasn’t very long ago that many people thought that in order to avoid being fat, or to lose weight, fat had to be avoided at all costs. Of course, most of us realize that eating fat doesn’t necessarily make us fat. It’s the unhealthy fats and propensity to eat too many processed foods that is far more likely to pile the pounds on.
Healthy fats are essential for optimal health, including keeping blood sugar under control and preventing cravings. They can even help you burn more fat, especially that annoying excess tummy fat.
Nuts and Seeds
Almost any type of nuts and seeds will help you burn belly fat. Sunflower seeds, almonds, walnuts, pistachios, pecans and even those heavenly macadamias are not only delicious but can help aid in fat loss. While nuts are typically around 75 to 90 percent fat, this is all healthy fat along with lots of fabulous micronutrients.
Nuts also help control blood sugar, as well as appetite and cravings, while also serving to help maintain proper levels of fat burning hormones.
Wild-caught Salmon
Omega-3 fatty acids are great for burning belly fat, and salmon is packed with this essential nutrient. These essential acids affect a number of hormones in the body, including leptin, which helps regulate appetite and metabolism. Just be sure to avoid the dreaded, GMO Franken-Salmon!
Coconut
Coconut oil is high in healthy saturated fat in the form of lauric acid. Lauric acid fights bacteria, raises good cholesterol and lowers bad cholesterol. There is even better news when it comes to coconut: a recent study found that by supplementing the diet with coconut oil, abdominal fat may be reduced.
Using coconut milk in your smoothies is a great way to add it into your diet, or just sprinkle unsweetened coconut flakes onto your cereal in the morning. Or if you want a healthy, non-GMO sweetener, try using coconut crystals.
Dark Chocolate
Some of the best news for chocolate lovers is that this sweet treat can melt fat from your midsection. Be sure to choose organic, dark chocolate that has a content of at least 70 percent cacao. Dark chocolate is thought to help control hunger because of its stearic acid content. This substance increases the time it takes to digest and may help make you feel fuller for longer. Just remember, everything in moderation; no need to eat an entire dark chocolate bar at one time. Have a little piece daily for best results.
Olive Oil
You might have heard the news recently about the Mediterranean diet being the closest to an “ideal diet.” High-quality olive oil is loaded with monounsaturated fats that help to strengthen heart function and keep the arteries clear.
Studies indicate that consuming olive oil on a regular basis rises adiponectin levels. This hormone is vital to the metabolism of fats. Olive oil is also rich in polyphenols which help to battle cancer. But be careful, there are some fraudulent olive oils being sold in supermarkets.
-The Alternative Daily
