By Keren Gilbert MS RD, www.decisionnutrition.com
Wouldn’t it be nice if on your child’s Bar/Bat Mitzvah day you could throw your Spanx out the window and look svelte and beautiful in your dress? You can!
You just have to commit to eating the right foods and you can attain your weight loss goals. I have listed 7 of my favorite foods to add to your diet that have been proven to shrink your tummy and that you can start incorporating into your life- TODAY!
1. CHIA SEEDS
Chia seeds are an amazing belly flattening food. In fact, it is the staple of my nutrition practice because I believe it is the top super food that you should add to your diet regime starting now. Once a sacred food to the Aztecs, the benefits of these little black seeds are amazing. They are the highest natural source of omega -3s, which is proven to lower fattening stress hormones like cortisol. In addition, they are rich in antioxidants, minerals, fiber and protein. Sprinkle on salads, or veggies. You can mix them in yogurt, oatmeal or shakes. I recommend about 1-2 tablespoons per day. (See recipe at bottom of story).
2. ORANGES
When you replace refined sugars (like those found in white pasta or white rice) with carbs from fruits; your belly will reap the benefits.
Oranges are on top of that list due to its high levels of antioxidants like Vitamin C, and beta-carotene. Plus, fiber in the form of pectin helps you stay full longer and fend off the belly fat.
3. OATMEAL
Oatmeal contains soluble fiber so that it attracts water and stays in your stomach longer. This also helps reduce blood cholesterol by flushing those bad digestive acids out of your system.
The most beneficial oatmeal to eat is unsweetened because the sweetened oatmeal has all sorts of sugars that cancel out its health benefits. A bowl of unsweetened oatmeal with some berries and your belly will have a good day.
4. ALMONDS
These nuts are high in monounsaturated fats, and rich in the minerals magnesium and selenium, all of which have been shown to be important to support adrenal function and boost metabolism. In addition, they keep you satisfied and full for a long time.
Be cautious of salted or smoked nuts which contain a lot of sodium which cancels out the benefits since it bloats! A handful of raw almonds a day will keep the belly fat away.
5. BEANS
“Bean, beans they’re good for your heart, the more you eat the FLATTER YOUR MIDDLE PART!” Didn’t think I would say that but it’s true.
They are a low calorie food rich in protein, fiber, and iron – nutrients that contribute to a trimmer you. Try Lima, navy or white beans. Just stay away from refried since they contain a lot of saturated fat.
6. BROCCOLI
A highly nutritious green veggie that is high in fiber and packed with vitamins and minerals. It is also high in enzymes that assist in digestion and metabolism.
7. ALMOND MILK
A great alternative to milk and it contains belly flattening ingredients as well. For one, it does not have any lactose in it which makes it easier to digest.
It contains a lot of Vitamin E which aids in detoxification. In addition, it has 1.5 grams of monounsaturated fatty acids, the good fat which helps burn fat around the abdomen.
RECIPE
Start your day off with a SEXY STOMACH SHAKE!
Many of us forgo breakfast and don’t put a morsel of food in our bodies until lunch. That is doing yourself a big disservice especially if you want the pounds on the scale to decrease! Your metabolism slows down during this period of “starvation” because your body wants to conserve energy and burn only what is necessary until food becomes available. Drink this shake first thing in the morning, rev up your metabolism and start the day off right!
SHAKE
1 large peeled orange
1 tablespoon chia seeds
1 cup vanilla almond milk
1 banana (frozen)
1 teaspoon Agave Nectar
Combine all the ingredients in a blender until smooth and serve.
Congratulations on your child’s upcoming Bar/Bat Mitzvah and remember to always be healthy and live decisively!
About Keren Gilbert
Keren is a nutritionist and the Founder and President of Decision Nutrition™, a nutrition consulting firm in Great Neck, NY and Roslyn, New York. Keren has counseled patients for years with experience in both the clinical and private settings. She has counseled patients with a variety of nutrition related issues including obesity, high cholesterol, diabetes, high blood pressure, pre natal, pregnancy, and digestive issues.
Through her many years of counseling, Keren realized her true passion is to awaken her clients on how to make their “decision” to live their most healthy life through nutrition, and exercise. Keren believes that the first step lies within you. If you want too look and feel good, there is commitment involved.
Keren is a registered dietitian and certified nutritionist in the state of New York. Keren completed her Masters degree in nutrition and Food studies from New York University (NYU) and completed her dietetic residency at Mount Sinai Hospital in New York City. She is an accredited member of the American Dietetic Association and the Greater New York Dietetic Association. She is a member of Nutrition Entrepreneurs, Dietitians in Business, The Diabetes Care and Education Dietetic Practice Group and Sports, Cardiovascular, and Wellness Nutrition (SCAN).
