Belly Blasting Foods

With summer months comes beach days, and with beach days comes the bikini. After a long winter, its swimsuit season once again! Here are some awesome foods that are not only delicious, but can help you look leaner and get you ready to hit the beach.
Plain Greek Yogurt
Not only is this a great food because it is lower calorie and higher protein to help you stay full, but it contains probiotics to keep your gut healthy. The probiotics can help to keep you “regular,” and prevent bloating and constipation. You will not only feel better, but your tummy can look leaner as well. Try it for breakfast with mixed berries, or toss it with chopped chicken, green apples, and walnuts for a healthy lunchtime salad.
Switching to Whole Grains
Consuming refined grains like white rice, sugar-filled pastries, and white breads can cause our blood sugar to spike and crash, leading us to feel hungry and wanting to eat again soon after. Consuming these “high-glycemic” carbs can cause us to overeat, and may even cause bloating. Switching over to whole grains like quinoa, brown rice, and oatmeal will help to stabilize blood sugar in comparison, and the fiber helps us feel full. Making this simple swap may help to reduce calories in the diet, making that bikini not so terrible after all!
Apple Cider Vinegar
Studies have shown that the acetic acid in this type of vinegar triggers the body to break down fat. A tablespoon to get your day started can give you that jumpstart to a flatter belly. If taking apple cider vinegar as a shot doesn’t sound too appealing, try adding it to olive oil, black pepper, and herbs for an awesomely fresh salad dressing.
Cucumber
This soothing green veggie is a natural diuretic, and helps to relieve fluid retention. The cucumber skin is high in fiber and can aid in digestion. Add cucumbers to your morning smoothie, or make a refreshing salad of chopped cucumbers, tomatoes, and onions. Another way to make your diet more belly friendly is to swap tortilla and potato chips out with cucumbers. Hummus is a great dip, both low in calories and high in fiber.
Cayenne Pepper
The magical ingredient in hot peppers, such as cayenne, is called capsaicin. Capsaicin has been known to boost metabolism, and also create a feeling of satiety. Try having sliced mango or jicama with a sprinkling of cayenne and a squeeze of lime for a light snack. You can also add cayenne into any herbs and spice mix to create a nice dry rub for fish or chicken.