In addition to sticking to a fat-burning workout routine, making a healthy diet a priority is one of the most important things to do if you want to shed stubborn belly fat. And while cutting out fattening, processed foods is one crucial step to take, it also helps to remember that there are many healthy foods you can add to your plate in order to nourish your body and lose weight at a faster rate.
Eating healthy isn’t all about counting calories and restricting! There are plenty of healthy, nutritious options you can eat every day while navigating your weight loss journey and working towards a flatter belly. To discover two of the best choices out there, we spoke to dietitians Trista Best and Krutika Nanavati. They told us that Greek yogurt and oats are among the best options. Find all of their expert insight below.
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1. Greek Yogurt
Yogurt isn't only versatile and delicious; it's also fantastic for your body. This is especially true of Greek yogurt, which is packed with probiotics, protein, and so many benefits that can help you slim down.
"Greek yogurt is a nutritional powerhouse, packed with protein and probiotics. These beneficial components work together to enhance gut health and boost metabolism, leading to weight loss and a reduction in stubborn belly fat," Nanavati says.
When you choose high-protein foods like this, you're more likely to stay satisfied throughout the day and avoid overeating later on. Protein is also important when it comes to muscle maintenance and metabolism, both of which can help you get closer to the body of your dreams. Plus, yogurt serves as the perfect base for plenty of delicious, waist-slimming toppings.
2. Oats
Here's another perfect, weight loss-friendly breakfast food. You can't go wrong with good old oats, which offer up a wide array of benefits, especially if you're looking to shed a few pounds.
"Oats are an excellent source of whole grains and contain plenty of fiber and nutrients that make them a healthy meal or snack," Best says. Like Greek yogurt, eating oats is a fantastic way to promote satiety so that you don't overindulge on processed snacks between meals. "The fiber in oatmeal keeps you feeling full for longer, which can prevent overeating throughout the morning," she says.
Additionally, Best notes, "the whole grains keep your blood sugar stabilized, preventing spikes and dips that are associated with increased weight gain." Amazing!
And, like yogurt, you can customize oatmeal with healthy add-ins to your heart's content. "Some of the best toppings and mix-ins for oatmeal include nuts, cinnamon, blueberries, strawberries, and bananas. Savory oats can be made healthy by adding tomatoes, eggs, mushrooms, and spinach," Best suggests. Sounds delicious!
