Fat-free foods

Fat-free foods
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Many people think that choosing the fat-free option makes it healthier or better for weight loss. But in reality, fat-free foods won’t make you feel as full as if you ate full-fat foods, explains Dr Romm. She says that high-quality fats like ones found in olive oil and avocados are one of the best good fats to eat since your body requires them for healthy functioning. Dr Romm adds, “The nice thing about fat is that it has so much energy in it that it makes us feel full longer, more energised, and more likely to snack less.” So, don’t think fat-free means less belly fat. In actuality, quality full-fat foods are good for your body…and that includes your belly.

Discover the healthy, high-fat foods you should be eating.

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Alcohols

Alcohols
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It’s not just your liver that may suffer effects of a night out drinking. Alcohol carries a lot of empty kilojoules with it, and drinking a lot of it can also slow down your body’s fat-burning processes. (Hey, they don’t call it a “beer belly” for nothing.) “Alcohol converts to sugar just the way starches do,” says nutritionist, Robin De Cicco. “Therefore, the same effect regarding an increase in fat storage/belly fat will happen.” Furthermore, she says that alcohol can decrease inhibitions, making you more likely to reach for foods that can put on the kilos like desserts. She suggests considering drinks that are lower in sugar and not using soft-drinks and diet beverages as mixers. “Hard liquor like tequila and vodka are best,” she says, as is using lemon or lime or seltzer.

Fructose-sweetened beverages

Fructose-sweetened beverages
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Fructose-packed drinks are not ideal for your tummy either. You might already know that soft-drink can have adverse effects on your health, but be aware of more sneaky culprits like fruit juice and sweet tea too. As for soft-drink, the Mayo Clinic specifically warns about it, noting that carbonated drinks release carbon dioxide gas which can contribute to belching and general stomach discomfort. They suggest avoiding it altogether. But if you must, consider drinking slowly. This can help reduce the chances of swallowing air.

Breakfast pastries

Breakfast pastries
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Muffins or scones may have little bits of blueberries in them, but don’t assume that they’re actually a healthy option. They’re still processed and packaged, explains Dr Romm, so they’re still culprits for belly no-nos. She says that processed flour products such as muffins, white bread and white pasta, can interfere with your body’s ability to maintain proper energy and blood sugar levels. Ultimately, this can lead to obesity and other health issues.

Don’t miss these healthy breakfast ideas to start each day right.

Takeaway salads

Takeaway salads
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Not even salad is safe?! you’re probably wondering. But don’t worry, salad itself isn’t one of the foods that cause belly fat. It’s when you get a pre-packaged salad that usually comes with a little – or not-so-little – cup of thick dressing that can counteract the nutritional value of the salad. “I like to ask for olive oil and vinegar on the side and to also use spices to add flavour instead of dressings,” De Cicco says. “Look for paprika, black pepper, rosemary, garlic and onion powder, or lemon juice to add flavour to any salad.” Other things that may contribute to belly fat when it comes to grab-and-go salads, she explains, are croutons, fried wontons, crackers, candied nuts (which are coated in sugar), cheeses and excessive amounts of dried fruit.

Salty snacks

Salty snacks
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Salt in any form is a major culprit for belly fat, mostly because it causes your body to retain lots of water, which leads to bloating and weight gain. In fact, a study published in The American Journal of Gastroenterology in 2019 explains that bloating is one of the most common gastrointestinal complaints – and sodium is likely to blame. Among the 412 participants in the study, it was found that “higher dietary sodium increased bloating, as did the high-fibre DASH diet.” The study explains that high-fibre diets may increase bloating; however, this could be due to dietary sodium intake. Decreasing sodium, therefore, may help. Furthermore, salty snacks like potato chips and cheese puffs also contain lots of hydrogenated oils. Translation: hydrogenated oils are bad fats.

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Source: RD.com

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