Eat Away the Fat

Wish we could eat foods that would make our giant muffin top melt away… Wait. We can. Spring is in the air—and so are fiber-filled foods. Fiber is a weight-loss superstar. That means you can have carbs and slim down if you choose the right carbs.

via GIPHY

These are good carbs:

BARLEY- Barley is killer appetite suppressant, with lots of soluble fiber that has been shown to lower cholesterol, decrease blood sugars and increase satiety. It also helps decrease inflammation, stabilize blood sugar levels and helps keep you full, longer.  It acts as a bulking agent, which pushes waste through the digestive tract.

WHOLE WHEAT PASTA- Whole-grain pasta is made from the entire kernel of wheat. This means that the important nutrients, such as fiber, iron and B vitamins remain in the pasta.

LENTILS- Although lentils include all the beneficial nutrients like fiber, protein, minerals and vitamins, they are still low in calories and contain virtually no fat. One cup of cooked lentils only contains about 230 calories, but still leaves you feeling full and satisfied. They are great for blasting belly fat.

CHICKPEAS- Super affordable, tasty and (if you buy dried or canned beans) long-lasting, chickpeas deserve a spot in any health-conscious kitchen. Each serving comes packed with nutrients, from iron to B vitamins. And chickpeas have plenty of nutrients that can help you lose weight, too. How? Chickpeas are a great source of protein. Your body burns a lot of energy, in the form of calories, just breaking down the protein.

OATMEAL- Oats are loaded with complex carbs, but the release of those sugars is slowed by fiber, and because oats also have 10 grams of protein per half-cup serving, they deliver steady, ab-muscle-friendly energy. And that fiber is soluble, which lowers the risk of heart disease.

QUINOA– Quinoa is higher in protein than any other grain, and it packs a hefty dose of heart-healthy, unsaturated fats. Quinoa is also a great source of fiber and B vitamins, and it’s gluten-free.

BANANAS– Bananas help reduce stomach bloating and are a good source of potassium, which can help lower water retention and prevent muscle cramping during a workout. Bananas are also rich in glucose, a highly digestible sugar, which provides a quick energy boost.

SWEET POTATOES- Sweet potatoes are loaded with fiber, nutrients and can help you burn fat. The magic ingredient here are antioxidants - they stabilize blood-sugar levels and lower insulin resistance, which prevents calories from being converted into fat. They provide a great energy boost before a work out.
 
BROCCOLI– Broccoli is a cruciferous vegetable that’s rich in Vitamin C. Vitamin C builds collagen, which forms body tissue and bone, and helps cuts and wounds heal. It has nearly 1 gram of fiber per 10 calories. Fiber helps keep you regular and helps maintain healthy bacteria levels in the intestines. Broccoli also aids in digestion by helping to keep your stomach lining healthy.

BLUEBERRIES- A cup of blueberries has 21 grams of carbs, but they couldn’t be better for you.  They are loaded with polyphenols—chemical compounds that prevent fat from forming— and that actively burns belly fat.

We can do this. But we ain’t gonna lie. We can’t ever exclude a good ol’ loaf of fresh-baked bread and butter. We’re not gonna eat the whole loaf at once!

Try this good-carb-fat-burning recipe. You’ll be able to see your toes before you know it.
​

​BABY QUINOA SALAD WITH ROASTED VEGETABLES

Ingredients:
1 cup Pereg’s Baby Quinoa
1 sweet potato
1 small red onion
1 red pepper
¼ cup olive oil, plus more for veggies
¼ cup balsamic vinegar
2 TBSP honey
Salt and pepper
 
Directions:
Preheat oven to 425 degrees; Prepare Baby Quinoa according to package directions. Dice the onion, sweet potato and pepper into small pieces. Put on a sheet pan, coat with olive oil, salt and pepper. Roast veggies till golden brown and soft (about 25 minutes). Mix honey, ¼ cup of olive oil and balsamic vinegar in a container, until completely mixed. Once the Baby Quinoa has cooked and rested, mix with the roasted veggies and dressing. Enjoy this dish at room temperature.
 
Recipe: Courtesy of Pereg Natural Foods

---