What should you not eat to lose belly fat?

To get rid of stubborn belly fat and lose weight, there are particular foods and beverages you should avoid. Diet plays a large part in determining your physical health, and poor nutrition can make it very hard to lose weight even if you exercise regularly. Cut the following items from your diet to improve your overall health and slim down in the process.

Saturated Fats and Trans Fats

Avoid foods heavy in calories and saturated fat such as red meat, butter, cheese and cream. According to the American Heart Association, saturated fat clogs arteries and increases your risk of heart disease. Also, stay away from trans fats found in items such as frosting, margarine, French fries, cake, fried chicken, burgers, cookies and doughnuts. Fatty foods are high in calories, making it hard to lose weight if eaten regularly. In addition, the American Heart Association's Nutrition Committee claims that saturated fat and trans fats may put you at risk for cancer and arterial damage.

Simple Carbohydrates

Eliminate simple carbohydrates from your diet. According to a research study conducted by Beth Israel Deaconess Medical Center and published by "Science Daily," complex carbohydrates such as whole grains and legumes give you lasting energy, whereas simple carbohydrates like white rice and pasta convert much quicker into sugar in the blood stream. This triggers a reaction which diverts your metabolism to using the excess sugar rather than burning stored fat deposits, making it harder to lose weight. In contrast, when a diet is extremely low in simple carbohydrates, blood sugar levels decrease and the body must draw from an alternative fuel source. Fat deposits stored in the body are the primary alternative fuel source. According to "Science Daily," this means that by eating less simple carbohydrates you stand a better chance to lose weight. Avoid foods such as potatoes, pretzels, white bread, bagels, spaghetti, pizza and chips. All these items contain lots of simple carbohydrates.

Beverages

Limit the kinds of beverages you consume. What you drink is just as important as what you eat. Stop drinking calorie-laden soda and juice. Switch to water and drink at least 64 fluid ounces per day. Replace sweetened coffee with green tea, a natural fat burner that stimulates the metabolism. Reduce your intake of alcohol. Beer and other spirits contain lots of calories and carbohydrates. Alcohol can also cause long-term health problems. The common thread with all these beverages you should be avoiding is the high calorie and simple carbohydrate content. Simple carbohydrates are not just found in food, but also in drinks. As the previously mentioned study by Beth Israel Deaconess Medical Center suggests, eliminating consumption of simple carbohydrates may facilitate weight loss. Choosing the right beverages can go a long way in preserving your health and shedding that unwanted belly fat.

Source:

NetDoctor

Science Daily

American Heart Association