It’s time to shake up your supermarket sweep. Take a detour around the complex carbs, scratch the candy isle and soda pop completely, and vow to reduce your salt intake infinitely—and then watch how your body will respond. Remember, there are fat-busting, belly-flattening foods that you can add to your diet to help reduce bloating and do away with hunger pangs. Here are the top ten food items to add to your shopping list immediately.
GRAPEFRUIT
This seriously acidic fruit slows down digestion and can help create the sensation of being full. Start the day with this citrus delight and kick-start your metabolism.
YOGHURT A probiotic milk product, yoghurt aids your digestive system and keeps bloating at bay. With a daily serving, your stomach will be thankful and flatter as a result.
FRESH FISH We are not talking farmed here—make sure your fish is fresh, or better yet, go fishing and catch one yourself. Salmon, tuna, and mackerel—all full of omega-3—are good sources of protein that regulate digestion and help curb the cravings.
ASPARAGUS This vegetable, with seriously low calories, helps your body flush out the toxins. Not only is it a good source of vitamins A, B, C, and E, but zinc and potassium as well.
BANANA This fruit is bursting with fat-free energy. The high levels of potassium will ensure that your blood sugar levels are kept in check. A good carbohydrate, it makes for the perfect low-calorie mid-morning snack.
QUINOA If your carb-cravings won’t subside, then forget the white floury pasta and opt for the super grain quinoa. More protein and less carbohydrates per cup than competing grains, it will help you feel full and won’t wage a war against your waistline.
BERRIES
Spread these little cancer fighting, antioxidant-packed beauties on everything—from your porridge to your frozen yoghurt, and even your salad. Filled with fiber, they are great for your digestive tract.
NUTS We aren’t talking peanut butter and jelly sandwiches here—think more along the lines of a handful of almonds or walnuts, both of which are great as a healthy snack. Rich in fiber, these slow releasing, energy sources help you build muscle—so it is time to ditch the crisps.
GREEN TEA A powerful antioxidant, green tea is a healthy alternative to a calorie-laden latte with extra whipped cream on top. It revs up your metabolism so you can process and burn excess fat.
TOMATOES
This thirst-quenching fruit has high water content and is packed with cancer-fighting lycopene. A daily serving of tomatoes can help you beat the bloat by helping eliminate excess water and toxins from the body, making them a great diuretic.
AVOCADO
This creamy fruit is sometimes overlooked in the diet plan as it is high in calories compared to apples and pears. It is true that your body does need some fat to function and which would be better digested if in the form of this monounsaturated fat, which is also good for your heart. The high levels of potassium help to keep the digestion moving along.
LEMON
This vibrant citrus fruit is a detox delight. With a serving in the morning (just add hot water), you will help to flush out your system and your stomach will be thankful for it.
It’s time to shake up your supermarket sweep. Take a detour around the complex carbs, scratch the candy isle and soda pop completely, and vow to reduce your salt intake infinitely—and then watch how your body will respond. Remember, there are fat-busting, belly-flattening foods that you can add to your diet to help reduce bloating and do away with hunger pangs. Here are the top ten food items to add to your shopping list immediately.
—Elizabeth Whiston-Dew
Homepage image: Balmain Spring 2016
