The key to having flat abs lies in your ability to keep fat from
forming. So, watching what you eat is definitely a step towards the
right direction. Couple that with the right exercise and soon enough
your midsection will be as flat as a washboard (or at least very close
to it).
Following are the foods that have a reputation for flattening bellies.
Avocado
A study in the journal Diabetes Care have found that people who consume monosaturated fat have less stomach bulge than those who consume the same amount of calories with minimal fats. Additionally, a study in the journal Obesity indicates that monkeys that ate trans fats have waistlines 30 percent bigger than those that ate monosaturated fats. What causes this is that monosaturated fats prevent blood sugar levels from spiking which in turn prevents your body from storing fat around your midsection.
The great thing with avocados is that they contain high amounts of monosaturated fats. To be more precise, half an avocado contains 10 grams of healthy monosaturated fats.
Green Tea
Green tea has been known to boost metabolism rate. According to studies, drinking three cups of green tea every day could boost your metabolism rate, enough to burn 30 calories (each day) or 3 pounds a year just from sipping your tea. This metabolism boosting power lies in the compound ECGC (epigallocatechin-3-gallate) that green tea contains. Additionally, the ECGC is also found to be capable of preventing the death of heart muscle cells following ischemia/reperfusion (restriction in blood supply) injury.
Yogurt
Even if you're technically fat free around your midsection, it is still possible that your belly will still look puffy. In addition to fat, abdominal bloating can also be caused by the excessive production of gas by bad bacteria residing in your belly. The good news is a cup of plain yogurt can promote the growth of good bacteria in your stomach which, in turn, could prevent the accumulation of those nasty gas producing bacteria in your tummy.
Blueberries and Blackberries
Blueberries and blackberries are a very good source of antioxidants. As a matter of fact, they top the antioxidant chart. In addition to preventing cancer, antioxidants also improve blood flow which delivers more oxygen to your muscles. Having a good supply of oxygen in your muscles makes exercise easier, thus allowing you to work out harder, longer, and more frequently.
Bulgur
A study in The American Journal of Clinical Nutrition indicates that people who consume whole grains lost more belly fat than calorie cutters who fed on refined grains. The thing is, bulgur has more fiber and fewer calories than other grains. And speaking of fiber, fiber keeps your body's insulin levels low which, according to researchers, could shrink fat cells.
Chocolate Milk
According to the findings presented at the American College of Sports Medicine meeting in Seattle, athletes who consumed chocolate milk had lower levels of muscle damage than those who drank sports drinks (after four days of intense training). It has been found that chocolate milk makes carbs and proteins work better together thus promoting muscle building.
If you began reading this wondering how to get ripped, well, these foods can help you. But, of course, you need to do weight training, too.
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Following are the foods that have a reputation for flattening bellies.
Avocado
A study in the journal Diabetes Care have found that people who consume monosaturated fat have less stomach bulge than those who consume the same amount of calories with minimal fats. Additionally, a study in the journal Obesity indicates that monkeys that ate trans fats have waistlines 30 percent bigger than those that ate monosaturated fats. What causes this is that monosaturated fats prevent blood sugar levels from spiking which in turn prevents your body from storing fat around your midsection.
The great thing with avocados is that they contain high amounts of monosaturated fats. To be more precise, half an avocado contains 10 grams of healthy monosaturated fats.
Green Tea
Green tea has been known to boost metabolism rate. According to studies, drinking three cups of green tea every day could boost your metabolism rate, enough to burn 30 calories (each day) or 3 pounds a year just from sipping your tea. This metabolism boosting power lies in the compound ECGC (epigallocatechin-3-gallate) that green tea contains. Additionally, the ECGC is also found to be capable of preventing the death of heart muscle cells following ischemia/reperfusion (restriction in blood supply) injury.
Yogurt
Even if you're technically fat free around your midsection, it is still possible that your belly will still look puffy. In addition to fat, abdominal bloating can also be caused by the excessive production of gas by bad bacteria residing in your belly. The good news is a cup of plain yogurt can promote the growth of good bacteria in your stomach which, in turn, could prevent the accumulation of those nasty gas producing bacteria in your tummy.
Blueberries and Blackberries
Blueberries and blackberries are a very good source of antioxidants. As a matter of fact, they top the antioxidant chart. In addition to preventing cancer, antioxidants also improve blood flow which delivers more oxygen to your muscles. Having a good supply of oxygen in your muscles makes exercise easier, thus allowing you to work out harder, longer, and more frequently.
Bulgur
A study in The American Journal of Clinical Nutrition indicates that people who consume whole grains lost more belly fat than calorie cutters who fed on refined grains. The thing is, bulgur has more fiber and fewer calories than other grains. And speaking of fiber, fiber keeps your body's insulin levels low which, according to researchers, could shrink fat cells.
Chocolate Milk
According to the findings presented at the American College of Sports Medicine meeting in Seattle, athletes who consumed chocolate milk had lower levels of muscle damage than those who drank sports drinks (after four days of intense training). It has been found that chocolate milk makes carbs and proteins work better together thus promoting muscle building.
If you began reading this wondering how to get ripped, well, these foods can help you. But, of course, you need to do weight training, too.