The holiday’s – we love the celebrations, the food and connecting with loved ones. We hate the stress and drama but most of all, we hate the toll it takes on our waistlines. The bloated bellies, the sluggishness and all the hard work it’ll take to get your waistline under control again. Why do we do it? Why do we throw caution to the wind when we know better or do we?
Well, I’ve put together a list of essential foods you should always have in your kitchen cupboard and fridge to banish “holiday bloat” and keep your waistline sensibly flat, year a round, regardless of your holiday calender.
If the old adage is true, “You are what you eat”, then if you eat like crap you’ll look and feel like crap. But how do you stay on track during the holidays or any day for that matter? Can you really “will” your belly thin? No! Science has proven that willpower alone can’t help you reach your weight-loss goals. But this simple list of essential fat burning foods will stock your pantry and fridge without straining your purse. The best part about these foods, they all have “belly-flab torching powers” and are super versatile so you never get bored eating them.
1.) Coconut Oil – It’s trendy for a good reason. When coconut oil hits your blood stream your body uses it for energy and doesn’t store it as fat. Scientific studies have shown that 2 tablespoons of coconut oil a day has the potential to shrink your waistline an average of 1.1 inches in one month. An added benefit: You can used it everywhere. You can use it in place of butter in recipes; you can use it as a skin moisturizer; it improves dental and brain health; protects your hair from damage and the list goes on. So this holiday season try swapping out butter for coconut oil.
2.) Cinnamon – Is a guaranteed morning energy booster. The compounds found in this spice prevent what I call the “hangry rollercoaster”, the typical hunger spikes and crashes that make you want to rip someone’s face off. This little spice is chock-full of benefits. Studies have shown that daily servings of Cinnamon kick-starts your metabolism and helps you lose belly fat. Yay for Cinnamon! So make sure you sprinkle some into your holiday dishes.
3.) Avocados & Avocado oil – Otherwise known as “Alligator Pear”. Avocado’s are rich is Omega 3-fatty acids -“the good fats”. Making it a heart healthy fruit. Avocado oil accelerates fat loss. It improves digestion and protects your body against cell damage. Make it a point to add avocado oil to your holiday’s salad dressing.
4.) Cayenne Pepper – This spice is the added boost your meal prep and holiday menus need. Cayenne pepper reduces belly fat, suppresses appetite and makes your body better able to burn food as energy. Published scientific studies have shown that a daily dose of cayenne pepper improves abdominal fat loss and appetite suppression. So this holiday season add a little spice to your life with some Cayenne.
5.) Almond and Almond Butters – Known as the “skinny nut butter”, Almonds and almond butter are loaded with protein that build lean muscle and burns fat. Scientific studies have shown that eating 1.5ozs of almonds daily led to lower belly and leg fat. All the more reason to add a bowl of almonds to your holiday table.
6.) Spinach – Is a natural appetite suppressor. Swedish researchers found that a compound found in Spinach, when given to women – over a 3 month period – experienced a 25% reduction in hunger and cravings and significantly more weight loss. You’re holiday table is looking greener by the minute.
7.) Berries – All berries are loaded with fat blasting power. A Texas Women’s University Study, showed that when mice who consumed berries had 73% less body fat then those that didn’t eat berries. I can see cobblers and berry pies in your holiday future.
8.) Sweet Potatoes – This “belly fat-burning slow carb”, is high in fiber, and bursting with energy boosting vitamins. Compounds found in sweet potatoes prevents the calories you eat from being converted into fat. So pile on the sweet potato mash with gravy this holiday.
I hope this post was helpful as you navigate through this holiday season.