Burn Belly Fat

In many ways the diet industry is to blame for a lot of the weight problems that we are faced with today. As a nation we are getting bigger and bigger and although we are living longer, the quality of our lives are deteriorating because of our size. Diet after diet is being promoted in the media as the "solution" to losing weight.

Yes, diets do have a role and are important but nowhere is there any real education about actually adopting a healthy lifestyle. Diets by nature are only temporary. The reason why so many people give up on losing weight is simply because they fail to maintain their results.

Fat-free foods, diet soda and sugar free snacks are being sold as "diet food". How ridiculous! None of these are responsible for the belly fat that is crippling so many kids and adults. Let's look at these 3 myths and why you need to be especially careful of these diet gimmicks

Low Fat
Low fat products is at the order of the day and it is a proven methods for retailers to sell more. What most people don't know is that these so-called low fat foods are nothing but cleverly disguised junk food. Yes, it might be low in certain types of fats, but if you look closely at the ingredients they usually make it up with some other garbage ingredient.

Sugar
This is probably the biggest and oldest myth about getting fat. We've all been taught that sugar makes you fat; that chocolates will add pounds to your waist. Yes, excess sugar is not good for you, but sugar-free products is even worse. It uses replacement sugars that are even more harmful.

Sit ups and Ab Machines
you've probably had the experience of staring at your belly fat with disgust and then dropping for some sit ups to "work it off". Sit ups and other abs machines that being sold in their millions are actually one of the most ineffective exercises if you want to burn belly fat. Yes, it seems "logical" but spot reducing fat around your belly with sit ups does not work.

1. Red Chillies
The capsaicin in chillies is what makes it hot and it's this quality that is beneficial to burning fat. Often you will sweat after eating chillies - which is evidence of an increase in metabolism. Chillies are known to have a thermic affect that speeds up metabolism and helps you to burn fat faster.

2. Salmon and Tuna
Salmon and tuna are 2 great additions to a healthy meal plan. It is rich in omega3 essential fatty acids which has immense health benefits. These good fats are essential in breaking down the bad fats. It also helps to decrease insulin resistance and helps to burn off calories before it turns into fat. They are also great replacements for red meat.

3. Olive Oil
Olive oil is one of the most popular ingredients of Mediterranean cooking and the health benefits have been known for centuries with the Greeks treating virtually anything with olive oil. Olive oil contains good fats which are important in breaking down bad fats. It also helps to lower colesterol and plays an important role in breaking down stored fat.

4. Soybeans
These "magical beans" are being reinvented in our modern era and has hundreds of amazing uses. Scientists discovered that soy actually increases metabolism. It is a very high-quality protein that's low in both fat and calories. It also has a low GI, which means it won't trigger a sharp increase and decrease of blood sugar. More recent studies have also shown that soy protein actually helps to reduce hunger and makes you feel fuller for longer.

5. Kidney beans

Recently, white kidney bean extract has has been promoted heavily for it's ability to burn fat. Some studies suggest that it is lipogenic and unlike many other lipogenic foods it's safe(er). Apart from it's ability to help you brun belly fat, kidney beans are rich in nutrients and a great source of protein. It is a great food to add to your diet as a protein that is also rich in nutrients.

6. Grapefruit

Grapefruit contains an ingredient called pectin, which is known to breaks down fat cells. It is also rich in galacturonic acid, which is very effective at breaking down fat. Grapefruit is rich in Vitamin C which is important in controlling the amount of stored fat in your body. A recent study from Arizona State University found that, individuals consuming sufficient amounts of vitamin C burn as much as 30% more fat during moderate exercise than those who were lacking vitamin c in their diets.

7. Green Tea
Green tea has been around around for centuries and the health benefits are well known as a powerful anti oxidant. Some of the component of green tea actually stimulates thermogenesis (a fancy word for burning fat). According to research at the University of Chicago's Tang Center for Herbal Medical Research, green tea reduces the fat deposits under your skin and in your belly area.