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Want a flatter stomach? Cardio and workouts targeted specifically for your ab muscles will help — but a diet rich in fiber and protein and low in sugar and unhealthy fats is the best way to lose weight and keep it off.
Don’t make the mistake of eliminating all carbohydrates from your diet. These foods get a bad name, thanks to refined and processed carbs like white bread and white rice. But if you include these five good-for-you carbs in your diet, you’ll feel more satisfied and they’ll help you lose stubborn belly fat.
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Quinoa
It resembles a starch, and is often used as a rice replacement, but quinoa is actually the seed of a plant that has more in common with Swiss chard than it does rice. One-half cup of quinoa contains 4 grams of protein, 2 grams of fat, 111 calories, and 20 grams of carbohydrates. Of those carbs, 3 grams are from fiber and quinoa is considered a complete protein, thanks to the fact that it contains all nine amino acids. For those reasons, the benefits of eating quinoa far outweigh the negatives of any carb content.
Barley
Barley is an incredibly filling grain that’s excellent is soups and even salads. It’s carb content per one cup serving seems unusually high at first glance — 135 grams. That is, until you realize that a one cup serving of cooked barley is more than you’d probably eat in one setting AND 32 grams of those carbs are fiber, with one 1.5 grams counting as added sugar.
Green Vegetables
Non-starchy vegetables that are considered low in carbs and high in vitamin and nutrient content include lots of green veggies like celery, broccoli, asparagus, Brussel sprouts, cabbage, and peppers. Enjoy them as often as possible, but aim for between 5-13 servings of veggies and fruits per day, as recommended by the USDA.
Legumes
Loved by vegetarians and carnivores alike, legumes include beans, lentils, peas, and peanuts. They’re packed with fiber, complex carbs that give you energy, protein, healthy fats, and minerals like folate, iron, and magnesium.
Acorn Squash
This winter squash is often overlooked in favor of other vegetables, but it’s low in carbs and calories and contains a wealth of nutrients like vitamin A, folate, vitamin B6, niacin, and thiamine.
