This is an archived article and the information in the story may be outdated. Please check the time stamp on the story to see when it was updated last.
Although the conversation around dieting is usually what you “shouldn’t” eat, what you “should” eat is just as important. Rather than focusing purely on restricting foods, try shifting your attention to all of the great ingredients you can incorporate into your diet, especially ones that will help you reach your individual goals. Need some inspiration? Keep reading for 4 foods to eat for a flat belly and slim waist.
Whole Grains
Cutting out carbs to lose weight is not necessary, and restrictive dieting is typically less effective in achieving longterm results. However, focusing on less processed foods--and replacing refined grains with whole grains--can be a good way to make sure the carbs you are eating are nutrient-dense and satiating. This way, you're less likely to be hungry again in an hour.
Some examples of whole grains are brown rice, buckwheat, and oats.
Leafy Greens
Leafy greens like kale and spinach can also be a useful addition to any diet, particularly if your aim is weight loss. According to Healthline, "They have several properties that make them perfect for a weight loss diet, such as being low in calories and carbohydrates and loaded with fiber."
Plus, they contain plenty of antioxidants, vitamins, and minerals, which can help maintain your overall health.
Cruciferous Vegetables
Cruciferous vegetables are vegetables that are low in calories and high in fiber. This combination makes them the perfect veggie for weight loss, considering a fiber-rich diet is linked to fat loss.
Broccoli, cauliflower, cabbage, and Brussels sprouts are all cruciferous veggies you should consider incorporating into your diet.
Berries
If you aren't already eating berries on a regular basis, consider this your sign to start. According to Livestrong, eating foods with lower energy density like berries can be beneficial for weight loss. The article explains, "The goal when dieting is to eat a greater volume of food that's lower in calories to help you feel fuller with fewer calories."
With that in mind, berries, which are high in fiber and antioxidants while low in calories, are a great option for a weight loss friendly snack.
