The other day, I was having a conversation with another girl at work about food. Yeah, no surprise there, right? We ended up talking about various foods that have been deemed “superfoods” in the world of nutrition.
She told me that she was curious about foods that could help get rid of some extra belly fat, so I decided to do a little research on my own. As it turns out, there ARE superfoods out there that are said to help get rid of belly fat AND rev up your metabolism.
Even more exciting to find out? I’ve been eating ALL of ‘em! Have YOU?
Bananas
Bananas are loaded with potassium, which helps limit the amount of sodium in your body, which is a major culprit of belly bloat.
- Toss one into a smoothie, such as my Blueberry Banana Smoothie.
- Slice one on top of a batch of some Protein Pancakes.
- Whip half of a banana into a batch of Banana French Toast Oatmeal.
- Slice one into a bowl of whole grain cereal with almond milk and chia seeds.
- Top a whole grain English muffin with a tablespoon of nut butter and some bananas slices.
Speaking of whole grains…it’s another superfood!
Whole Grains
Complex carbs, such as whole wheat bread and whole grain pastas, help keep insulin levels low thanks to the extra fiber.
- Include 1/2 cup quinoa or brown rice as a side dish with your dinner, such as this one.
- Make a quinoa bowl packed with lots of fresh veggies and protein.
- Try out my Roasted Veggie & Wheatberry Salad.
- Buy whole grain English muffins and top with some nut butter and fruit or make an egg and cheese sandwich.
Oranges
Oranges are a vitamin C powerhouse! Foods rich in vitamin C help curb fat absorption, and studies have shown that low levels of the nutrient can be linked to bigger waistlines. 75 milligrams a day is all you need.
If you’ve been reading at all for the past couple weeks, then you already know that I am completely HOOKED on cara cara oranges. They are so incredibly sweet and delicious. I just can’t get enough of them!
Green Tea
Thanks to the antioxidant compound EGCG, sipping on three cups of green tea a day may rev your metabolism enough to burn 30 extra calories!
I haven’t always been a huge fan of green tea, but often times, it’s just about finding one that you like. I recently came across this Celestial Seasonings Honey Lemon Ginseng Green Tea and I think it’s great.
Spinach
Spinach is loaded with nutrients, including both calcium and vitamin C; it is said that diets that are low in these two nutrients can increase your odds of gaining belly fat.
- Try it in a wrap with turkey, veggies, and hummus.
- Mix it into a quinoa bowl with diced tomatoes, onions, and chicken sausage.
- Toss it in a smoothie to make a Green Monster. You won’t even taste it!
- Jazz up canned soup by adding a couple handfuls of fresh spinach leaves.
- OR, try making a batch of my Spinach Lentil Soup.
Yogurt
Yogurt encourages the growth of good bacteria in your belly while getting rid of the bloat-causing kind. Opt for low-fat, plain varieties, with a Live & Active Cultures seal.
My favorite way to enjoy yogurt is in a big ‘ol yogurt bowl. Mix it with lots of fresh fruit, whole grain cereal, granola, and spices.
(I spy two extra superfoods up there!) 
How many superfoods have you incorporated into your meals today??
Well, I guess I’m doing pretty well! I eat all of those things (except yogurt) on a fairly regular basis. I actually have a banana almost every morning. And when I don’t have a banana I have an orange!
Oranges are my favorite fruit during this time of year, though I have yet to try cara cara oranges. Definitely need to check if they are stocked at Wegmans! I’ve also read that MUFAs (think almonds and avocados) are also helpful in getting rid of belly fat. Unfortunately, genetics also plays a huge role!
Love all these foods!! Great post :)
I’ve actually heard that even whole wheat breads/pastas still raise your blood glucose levels, which then leads to an increase in insulin levels….not sure what to think! There are so many health situations where you hear both things. I never know what to do!!!
I actually eat at least 3 of these ingredient every day, so I am feeling pretty good about how I incorporate healthy meals into my diet. Now if only I could lay off the chocolate and sweets, I would have a six-pack for sure.. lol!
So far today, I can check of bananas, whole grains, and yogurt off of my list for today! :)
I totally love this post and I couldn’t agree with you more. Good to know I eat all of these goodies! Especially the yogurt!! Thanks for keep are bellies slim!
Yogurt is interesting – I had a personal trainer tell me that if I wanted to lose body fat, cutting out dairy was the way to go. I’m not intending on following his advice because I want dairy for the calcium, but how strange that his opinion is so opposite!
I love reading about the different ways foods nourish our bodies. All of those foods are so tasty and do so much beyond just showcasing awesome abs. Plus reading about healthy foods always leaves me craving fresh, whole foods. Great post!
Whole grains, bananas, and yogurt have already been included in my day! :)
I’m not a huge fan of oranges, but I eat a lot of those other superfoods! Too bad they don’t seem to “magically” be taking away my little belly pooch. Maybe all the pizza and ice cream I eat counteracts their benefits? ;)
These are some great ideas and some great foods! Thank the Lord, I love all of them :)
This is great for us to remember!
I never knew that about bananas! I wanted to thank you because after months of reading your blog, I finally decided to start one of my own! Thanks for the inspiration!
Glad to know that I eat those too, except for bannanas…I can only seem to stomach them with peanut butter… oh well!! Thanks for posting such informative content on this Saturday morning. :)
Check. Check. And check. Glad to see I eat all those too! Good ideas for using the suprtfoods.
Omg I love oranges and spinach! Win! :) Also, I have that same Celestial Tea you do. So good! Thanks for sharing this post– very useful!
Yay, I actually eat a lot of those on a regular basis too! The one I haven’t tried a lot is green tea. I always mean to have some, but for some reason it just never occurs to me, even though I do love tea!
My mouth is watering…When I eat these simple but healthy dishes I always have the so much energy and my long runs seem to fly by.
I love all these foods and eat them all daily! So far today for me I have incorporated bananas, green tea, whole grains, spinach and yogurt.
I’m a green tea addict! I was like you too, though, wasn’t always the biggest fan. But I’ve recently discovered an all natural, organic brand that has flavoured green tea. Like lime gelato. Or mom’s apple pie. I’m not even kidding either. David’s Tea … they’re brilliant. I have to tell myself to STOP drinking green tea…haha it’s hard to put the mug down!
Hope you’re having a wonderful weekend!
I love looking at those lists on like women’s health and self, and finding out that I eat most of them already.
I do eat all those everyday except oranges. I’ve just now started getting into citrus with grapefruit and blood oranges. I’ve never tried the cara cara that I’ve seen you enjoying on here.
Wow, I eat all those things except yogurt and oranges. I almost always have half a banana after a workout for the simple sugars! Almost all of my carbs are complex whole grain- the only exception being fruit! Have a great weekend!
I love all of these and try to eat most on a daily basis (especially bananas and yogurt!!)
Great round up of superfoods! I like all of these :)
Great post! I’ve recently started getting in to running and feel like I should be doing some weight training along side it strengthen and build up my muscles….any at home DVDs you’d recommend? (random question I know!)
Yogurt is my middle name
I had orange and banana in my smoothie today :)
goin to pin this :)
Love most of these foods! I heard though that spinach contains something that makes the body not absorb calcium or iron as well. Have you heard this? I used to quite like spinach, but now I’m thinking of using kale instead.
Hmm, no, I hadn’t hear that before. Interesting!
Good thing I already love so many of those foods!! Now,thanks to you, I also have new ideas and recipes for how to use them. Thanks so much!
The first 3 are such a slap in Atkins’ face- love it!
YES! I already eat all of those things! ;)
PS just had to add that I already regularly make some of these classics of yours! Like banana on English muffin and yogurt filled with berries, nuts, etc. (Having that right now!)
Have a lovely Sunday
Well I love all those foods :( Sadly no killer abs for me.
I don’t know if you have a Keurig, but the “Tazo-Zen” green tea k-cups are the best! I drink 2 everyday :)