Guyana Independence Carnival 2019 is right around the corner and gyms and fitness centres countrywide are filled with individuals (including myself) looking to get a tighter physique and to get primed for the many pool parties, J’ouvert celebrations and the street parade.
The journey from fat to flat belly is not an easy one but if you exercise and eat healthy foods then the task becomes a little easier. So here is a list of some flat-belly foods that can help to get you bikini or shorts ready.
Eggs
Eggs are the perfect source of protein and contain an amazing balance of essential amino acids, which are the primary building blocks of our body. According to a Pennington Biomedical Research Center study, eating eggs in the morning keeps you feel full all day. So, do incorporate one egg daily (boiled or steamed) unless you have high blood cholesterol.
Avocado
Avocados are an excellent source of monounsaturated fatty acids, which are a healthy type of fat, and contain the highest quantity of beta-sitosterol, an effective cholesterol smasher. You can eat it in a variety of ways either by mashing it with lime juice, salt and pepper or jamming it up with salsa.
Apples
The Nutrition Journal revealed in its year 2003 study that consuming three apples or pears daily for three months can help overweight women get slimmer. Apples contain five grammes of fibre and 85% water. Therefore, apples make you feel full longer. They also have a compound called quercetin that protects you from cancer and improves lung health. Pears are an excellent source of fibre and have vitamin C for only 100 calories per serving. And, they’re also sodium free, fat free, and cholesterol free.
Green leafy vegetables
These tend to be low on calories and excellent for shrinking your waistline. Also, leafy greens contain cancer-preventing carotenoids and calcium. One cup of raw spinach or half cup cooked contains about 7 calories and only 1 gramme carbohydrates. Most of the carbohydrates found in spinach come from fibre, making spinach a very filling vegetable. Mix spinach or any leafy green vegetable in pastas, salads and sandwiches and reap their benefits.
Dark chocolate
Surprised? No need to be surprised, chocolate is actually very healthy if made from defatted cocoa beans. Dark chocolate and semi-sweet chocolate contain compounds that prevent strokes, diabetes and cancer. It is a low-calorie food source. You can melt ¼ cup of dark chocolate and drizzle it over fresh strawberries to make a belly-flattening dessert.
Seafood
Omega-3 fatty acids are in abundance in seafood especially wild salmon, tuna and mackerel. These promote fat burning by improving metabolism. Overweight people must eat fish daily to augment their glucose-insulin response. Seafood prevents hunger pangs and is an excellent ab-friendly protein source.
Berries
Eating half a cup of berries is a better idea than those fattening cookies because berries are full of fibre. Fibre intake is very important for a flatter belly. Fibre captures food particles and expels them from your system immediately. Berries also contain antioxidants that improve blood flow and prevent chronic diseases.
