A healthy diet is essential if you want to slim down, and some foods are particularly effective when it comes to shedding excess pounds.
A health educator specialising in weight loss shared the top foods for banishing stubborn belly fat. He advised slimmers to up their salmon intake because it helps to reduce insulin and cortisol in the body, both of which contribute to weight gain.
Speaking about the foods that "guarantee" speedy weight loss in the tummy area, Dr Eric Berg revealed that salmon takes a top spot. This is because it is one of the foods that is highest in omega-3 fatty acids.
The expert said: "Omega-3 fatty acids do two things. They help to reduce insulin by making insulin more sensitive, and they also help to reduce cortisol - and they have virtually zero carbohydrates."
Salmon is packed with omega-3 fatty acids
GETTY IMAGESAnd there may be a secondary benefit to consuming more fish. According to one nutrition expert, it might even be the "secret to staying young".
Similarly to salmon, cod liver oil is also great as part of a weight loss diet due to its high quantities of omega-3 fatty acids.
Dr Berg said: "Cod liver is mostly fat and has some protein, but it's super high in omega-3 fatty acids, which can make insulin more sensitive and reduce cortisol."
A study published in the National Library of Medicine seconded the benefits of omega-3 fatty acids for weight loss.
The study found that "omega-3 polyunsaturated fatty acids supplementation augmented the reduction of abdominal fat mass and percentage in overweight or obese individuals on a weight loss diet".
The experts at 24/7 Fitness also confirmed the benefits of omega-3 fatty acids for weight loss.
They said that they "help curb your appetite, boost your metabolism, reduce inflammation and promote muscle recovery".
Dr Berg's top 10 foods for burning belly fat
- Eggs
- Salmon
- Cod liver/cod liver oil
- Sauerkraut
- Cruciferous vegetables
- Grass-fed hamburger (minus the bun, sauce and side of chips)
- Avocado
- Broccoli sprouts
- Asparagus
- Unfortified nutritional yeast
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Omega-3s help 'curb your appetite, boost your metabolism, reduce inflammation and promote muscle recovery'
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Dr Berg also named the best high-protein food that "breaks down" fat and "keeps you feeling full".
While everyone knows that what you eat is crucial, some slimmers neglect to think about the importance of when you eat.
According to a dietician, leaving a specific amount of time between dinner and breakfast is essential for burning fat.
