Many well-documented studies show that certain foods can help the body burn fat—from the abs!
Blueberries
In a study conducted by the University of Michigan, blueberries were found to up-regulate fat-burning genes and down-regulate fat-storing genes. The super fruit targeted abdominal fat stores in this study! Blueberries are also full of antioxidants that fight free radical damage, and the flavonoids in blueberries help fight inflammation and obesity.
The fiber content of blueberries fights fat. A New Zealand study found that fiber and protein burn more fat, specifically from the belly, while lowering cholesterol and assisting with more weight loss overall. Fiber increases hormones like CCK, which causes your feelings of fullness and satiety. CCK, or cholecystokikin, is released when one consumes adequate protein.
Apples
Apples, one of my favorite fruits, helps reduce fat stores from the belly and overall body fat with their pectin fiber content. Don’t throw away the peel though—that is where much of the nutritional content is. Like blueberries, apples up-regulate fat-burning genes. Apples help with alertness and muscle endurance. Women who consume apples regularly are 21% less likely to store fat in the abdominal region!
Peanut Butter
And don’t forget the belly fat burning power of MUFAs (monounsaturated fatty acids), like peanut butter. A recent study reported in Diabetes Care proved that MUFA’s “decrease central body fat”. That means belly fat!
Whey Protein
Our exclusive LiveRite shakes are packed with whey protein, which helps control hunger and can make it easier for you to stick to a healthful eating plan while burning fat from the abs and all over! This month, the Journal of Nutrition reported that whey protein can help reduce belly fat. Whey protein fights fatty liver disease and controls excess insulin secretion while lowering blood pressure (American Journal of Clinical Nutrition, 2010).
Dairy
It is already well-documented that the calcium in low-fat or fat-free dairy helps blast fat from the abdominal region and all over. It does this by controlling calcitriol, one of your fat-storing hormones. Studies also show that suppressing calcitrol through dairy takes this one step further and helps burn fat from your abs and all over. Scientists at McMaster University found that women who drank fat-free milk after a workout lost 5 times more body fat over a 12 week period than women who did not. The women who drank milk also saw improved bone density. Milk helps you get stronger!
Combine Super-Foods
Try these shake recipes that combine the above super-foods into one delicious blend!
Blueberry Shake
• 1 cup of fat-free milk
• 3/4 cup of blueberries
• 1 level scoop of LiveRite Vanilla whey protein
• Add some additional fiber and healthy fat with 1 level tablespoon of flaxseed.
Yum! Enjoy post-workout or as a meal replacement. You will really amp up your fat loss by consuming one or two of our weight loss supplements in 1 cup of ice cold water before you drink the shake. (About 2 cups of ice cold water will amp up your metabolism by about 30% for a full hour and a half, one recent German study showed.) As always, check with your doctor first when supplementing.
Apple Peanut Butter Shake
• 1 cup fat-free milk, light soy milk, or light almond milk
• 1/2 of a large apple or 1 small apple
• 1 tablespoon of peanut butter (no trans fats)
Enjoy as a meal replacement even if you are not exercising that day. You will see and feel the belly fat burn!
Trainer Tip by Sandra Ferrerio, certified Live Rite weight loss coach, trainer, and class instructor at Lucille Roberts in Yonkers. Read her full bio here.
