5 metabolism-boosting foods that melt belly fat

Are you sick to death of the word diet because it signifies counting calories, watching carbs and brings to mind complicated eating programs that turn mealtimes into a hassle?

I want to talk about a different diet today… one that’s all about eating instead of a list of don’ts you get from your doctor.

Today is about the do’s… and it includes things you should eat that taste great and actually rev up your metabolism, kick your digestion into gear and blast away that stubborn belly fat.

#1 – Grapefruit

Grapefruit has been a part of the diet scene for a long time now for a good reason… it not only helps you burn belly fat, the compounds in grapefruit keep you full longer.

In fact, in one study, people that ate grapefruit not only lost more than those that skipped the fruit, they also experienced improvements in their blood sugar levels.

If you don’t like it plain, try broiled grapefruit with cinnamon.

#2 – Almonds

Almonds are rich in protein, fatty acids, and fiber to help lower your cholesterol and reduce belly fat.

Just remember, they are also high in calories, so don’t overdo. But just the right amount can help you nibble away your waistline…

According to a study published in the Journal of the American Heart Association, people who ate just 1.5 ounces of the healthy nuts per day significantly reduced their belly and leg fat as well as their waist size in just six weeks.

There are typically 23 almonds in a one ounce serving so if you think about it, that’s a pretty good-sized snack. Spread them out through the day to feel fuller longer.

#3 – Tart Cherries

Eating just a handful of tart cherries at bedtime helps to raise your melatonin level.

And, while most of us have heard of using melatonin to help fall asleep and stay asleep, most people don’t realize it’s effects on metabolism and fat-burning.

The key to melatonin’s ability to help you lose weight is found in your brown fat… that’s the lean fat in your body.

Brown fat burns more calories that white fat or adipose tissue and people with higher levels of brown fat are thinner and healthier.

And, studies have shown that consuming just 5 mg of melatonin at night raises the level of brown fat in your body, turning you into a fat burning machine.

So, why not get your melatonin the natural, tasty way through a bed-time snack of cherries or  a delicious sleepy-time smoothie made with tart cherry juice.

#4 – Hot Peppers

If you like spicy foods, then you are in luck because the capsaicin in hot peppers is great for weight loss.

Its main benefits come from the way it boosts thermogenesis, helping your burn more calories.

But, new research has also shown that capsaicin has a positive effect on the way fat is oxidized and stored, meaning that it can help prevent fat accumulation to keep you lean.

So, spice up your food using jalapenos, chili peppers or chipotles.  The choice is yours.

Just remember, the hotter the pepper, the more capsaicin in contains and the higher the fat-burning potential. And according to my colleague, Jenny Smiechowski, hot peppers are the secret to a long, spicy and disease-free life.

#5 – Berries

Berries are a sweet treat with double the weight loss power.  They don’t just increase fat burn, they also prevent your body from making more fat.

In fact, studies credit the flavonoids (the same flavonoids that slay cancer) found in strawberries, blueberries, raspberries and black currants for “pushing the right biological buttons” to turn off belly fat absorption and boost metabolic rate.

The highest amount of these powerful weight loss compounds are found in blueberries, but any berries you like will provide you with a nice dose to help you achieve your fitness goals.

Eat to lose weight

Just remember, losing weight is not always about what you shouldn’t eat.

Stop starving yourself to try to reach your target weight and instead, start eating foods that rev up your metabolism, block fat absorption and make losing weight easier.

Editor’s note: Being fit and healthy is not as complicated as you might think. In Dr. Cutler’s free report, you can read about 10 easy steps to a natural total health makeover based on just 7 basic fundamentals that cover ALL the bases… My favorite is #7: Indulge occasionally! For the rest, click here!

Sources:

1. https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/16579728
2. https://www.forbes.com/sites/robertglatter/2015/01/11/almonds-can-reduce-belly-fat-study-finds/#63d635e7654c
3. https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/20557470
4. https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/13129472
5. http://www.bmj.com/content/352/bmj.i17
6. http://www.cnn.com/2016/01/27/health/flavonoids-foods-weight-loss/