Common Healthy Foods That Will Take Inches From Your Waistline

There are plenty of delicious foods that can pack on the belly fat, but there are also many tasty options that can rid it. These high-fiber, low-calorie foods are filled with vitamins and minerals to help aid in digestion while preventing the pounds.

Hot peppers 

Peppers get their spice from something called capsaicin. This alkaloid helps aid in digestion by improving the function of antioxidant enzymes in the digestive system. Peppers that contain capsaicin include jalapeños, cherry peppers, serrano peppers, habaneros, and cayenne, so try a new hot sauce recipe if you want to soak up the benefits of this spicy food.

Olive oil 

No, frying foods in olive oil does not make your waistline slimmer. However, the majority of fats in olive oil are monounsaturated fats, which are healthy fats, so when consumed in moderation, olive is very good for the body. Olive oil also contains antioxidants that help promote weight loss. A study found that those who consume olive oil as a part of their diets are actually at a lower risk of obesity.

Kale 

Besides being filled with vitamins, kale is high in fiber, which makes you feel fuller and less bloated. Kale is also high in protein and low in fat, so you definitely won’t put on any pounds with this leafy green. Celebrities like Jennifer Aniston and Gwyneth Paltrow credit kale for their slim figures. Plus, it can even help with brain development. Other greens, like collard greens and swiss chard, have similar benefits.

Quinoa 

This ancient grain is also filled with fiber — five grams per cup. It packs a punch as far as feeling full. It’s low in calories, fat, and sodium, but high in fiber, protein, and complex carbohydrates, so it keeps belly fat low while still high in nutrients. Although it is called an ancient grain, it is technically a seed. Since quinoa is gluten free, it’s great for virtually any diet.

Fresh fruit 

Fresh fruits contain powerful antioxidants and vitamins that help burn belly fat. Berries, in particular, are rich in polyphenols, which helps to decrease the formation of fat cells, according to two studies done by Texas Women’s university and The University of Michigan. While dried fruit can be beneficial, it’s often packed with far more fat-building sugars, so always choose fresh fruit over dried.

Chicken 

Simply adding chicken to your diet won’t promote weight loss, but replacing something in your diet with chicken can help you shed some belly fat. While all meats pack protein, chicken breast is very low in calories yet contains 25 grams of protein per serving, making it a great option for slimming your waistline. Plus, eating chicken can increase satiety levels, which makes you less likely to eat later in the day.

Sweet potatoes 

These starchy vegetables are rich in fiber (25% daily intake), vitamins, and minerals, which helps promote digestion. Unlike white potatoes, sweet potatoes do count toward the five-per-day vegetable intake. The best part? These tasty spuds only have 162 calories per serving, and they’re super easy to cook up and incorporate into your diet.