Prioritize protein-rich foods
According to research from the American Journal of Clinical Nutrition, protein is an important nutrient for reducing belly fat. Protein increases feelings of fullness, reduces cravings, and boosts metabolism.
Add protein-rich foods like lean meat, fish, eggs, beans, and low-fat dairy products to your diet. A high-protein diet can reduce belly fat by up to 10% in 12 weeks.
Limit sugar and processed foods
Foods containing refined sugar and processed foods are major causes of belly fat accumulation.
According to the World Health Organization (WHO), consuming too much sugar leads to storing excess calories as visceral fat.
Instead of eating cakes and soft drinks, you should choose natural foods such as fresh fruit or pure honey.
Eat plenty of soluble fiber
Soluble fiber helps reduce belly fat by slowing down digestion and nutrient absorption, helping you feel full longer.
A study published in the British Journal of Nutrition found that every 10 grams of soluble fiber added daily can reduce belly fat by up to 3.7% over 5 years.
Sources of soluble fiber include oats, avocados, chia seeds, flax seeds, and green vegetables.
Pay attention to meal times
According to research from the journal Cell Metabolism, the timing of your meals significantly affects how much belly fat you burn.
Eating breakfast within 1 hour of waking up and dinner before 7pm helps the body optimize metabolism.
At the same time, practicing intermittent fasting, such as fasting for 14-16 hours overnight, can stimulate the body to burn stored fat more effectively.
Increase water intake and limit alcoholic beverages
Water is an important factor in weight loss and belly fat reduction. According to the National Institutes of Health (NIH), drinking water before meals reduces calorie intake and increases metabolism by up to 30%. At the same time, alcoholic beverages, especially beer, can increase belly fat due to the empty calories they provide.
Replace alcoholic beverages with water, green tea or detox water made from natural fruits.