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In our quest to live healthier, more fulfilling lives, the foods we choose to consume play a pivotal role. One of the most beneficial categories of food, superfoods, are particularly celebrated for their high nutritional value and potential to aid in weight loss. Specifically, when it comes to stripping away belly fat, certain superfood snacks rank at the top. As well-known nutritionist and author, Dr. Jonny Bowden, expressed in his book The 150 Healthiest Foods on Earth, “Superfoods are the powerhouses of nutrition. They not only facilitate weight loss but also boost the immune system, improve heart health, and slow down aging.”
While the term ‘superfoods’ is not a scientific one, it is used widely to represent foods that are nutrient-dense, and have a high volume of vitamins, minerals, and antioxidants. Many superfoods also contain fiber, which is beneficial for digestive health and can help you feel full, reducing the urge to indulge in unhealthy foods. This article will explore the top 10 best superfood snacks that not only provide these health benefits but are also known for their ability to strip away belly fat.
1. Almonds
Almonds are a potent superfood snack that can aid in the reduction of belly fat. As a great source of healthy monounsaturated fats, almonds help reduce body fat, particularly in the abdominal area. Certified Nutrition Support Clinician, Cathy Leung, writes in her online article, “Almonds are not only high in monounsaturated fats but also packed with fiber, protein, and various important nutrients, making them a great addition to your weight loss diet.”
- A single ounce of almonds (approximately 23 nuts) contains:
- 3.5 grams of fiber
- 6 grams of protein
- 14 grams of fat (mostly monounsaturated)
Moreover, brands such as Blue Diamond offer raw, unsalted almonds for around $6 for a 14-ounce bag. Eating a handful of these nutrient-dense nuts can help keep your belly feeling full and prevent overeating.
2. Greek Yogurt
Another great superfood snack for reducing belly fat is Greek yogurt. It contains probiotics that can enhance your gut health, thereby improving digestion and leading to a flatter tummy. According to Dr. Michael Roussell, a nutritionist, and author of “The MetaShred Diet”, “The probiotics in Greek yogurt help promote a healthy gut, which can aid in digestion and reduce the storage of fat, especially around your belly.” His book is available here.
- A typical serving of non-fat plain Greek yogurt (200 grams) has:
- 17 grams of protein
- 5 grams of carbs
- Less than 1 gram of fat
Chobani is a well-known brand that offers plain Greek yogurt at approximately $1.50 for a 5.3oz cup. Including it in your diet regularly can help support your weight loss journey.
3. Avocados
Another nutritious superfood snack that can aid in reducing belly fat is avocado. Known as a ‘superfruit’, avocados are high in monounsaturated fat and fiber, which can help improve digestion and reduce your appetite. Dietitian Sally Warren explains in her book The New Supercharged Hormone Diet, “Avocados are packed with healthy fats, essential minerals, and B-vitamins that can help support your overall health. The monounsaturated fat in avocados helps reduce belly fat, improve digestion, and reduce the risk of chronic diseases.” Her book is available here.
- A single medium avocado (approximately 200 grams) contains:
- 17 grams of fiber
- 4.6 grams of protein
- 30.5 grams of fat (mostly monounsaturated)
Organic avocados can be purchased from brands such as Wholly for $2 to $3 each. Incorporating them into your diet often can help you reach your weight loss goals and keep your belly flat.
4. Chia Seeds
Chia seeds are another effective superfood snack for reducing belly fat. These nutrient-dense seeds contain high amounts of omega-3 fatty acids, which can help support your digestive system and increase the rate at which you burn calories. Wellness coach and author, Nora Minno, states in her book The Ultimate Nutrition Guide for Women, “Chia seeds contain a high concentration of omega-3 fatty acids, which are essential for good health. These fats help reduce inflammation in your digestive system and can lead to the reduction of belly fat.” Her book is available here.
- A single ounce (approximately 28 grams) of chia seed contains:
- 11 grams of fiber
- 4 grams of protein
- 9 grams of fat (primarily omega-3 fatty acids)
Bob’s Red Mill is a popular provider of chia seeds, offering them at around $6 for a 16oz bag. Consuming these seeds regularly can help you reach your health goals and reduce belly fat.
5. Quinoa
Quinoa is a superfood grain that can help in reducing belly fat. It’s a complete protein, containing all nine essential amino acids, and is also high in fiber. “Quinoa’s high fiber content boosts feelings of fullness, helping you to control your food intake,” says Registered Dietitian, Amy Shapiro.
- A single cup of cooked quinoa (approximately 185 grams) contains:
- 5.2 grams of fiber
- 8.1 grams of protein
- 3.4 grams of fat
You can purchase quinoa from brands like Nature’s Earthly Choice for roughly $5 for a 14oz bag. Including quinoa in your daily diet can help maintain a flat belly.
6. Berries
Berries are nutrient-packed superfood snacks that can aid in stripping away belly fat. They are high in fiber and antioxidants, which can boost your metabolism and burn fat. As expressed by Certified Diabetes Educator, Toby Smithson, in her book Diabetes Meal Planning and Nutrition for Dummies, “Berries are rich in antioxidants and fiber which can help increase your metabolism and burn belly fat.”
- A single cup of mixed berries (approximately 144 grams) contains:
- 4.4 grams of fiber
- 1.4 grams of protein
- 0.5 grams of fat
Brands like Driscoll’s offers a variety of berries for around $4 for a 6oz box. Regular consumption of these small fruits can help you achieve your weight loss goals.
7. Green Tea
Famous for its weight loss properties, green tea is a superfood drink that can help cut belly fat. The catechins found in green tea increase fat burning, particularly in the abdominal area. Renowned fitness coach, Jillian Michaels, endorses its benefits in her blog post.
- A standard cup of brewed green tea contains:
- No calories
- No fat
- 0.3 grams of protein
Brands such as Lipton offer green tea for around $3 per 20-bag box. Regularly drinking green tea can be a simple, yet effective method to reduce belly fat.
8. Dark Chocolate
Dark chocolate, specifically those with high cocoa content, is a tasty superfood snack that can aid in reducing belly fat. It’s rich in monounsaturated fats which boost your metabolism and burn fat. As mentioned by Medical Doctor, Dr. Daniela Jakubowicz, in her book The Big Breakfast Diet, “Dark chocolate with high cocoa content can help reduce belly fat by boosting your metabolism.”
- A one-ounce serving of dark chocolate (approximately 28 grams) contains:
- 2.2 grams of fiber
- 1.4 grams of protein
- 12.1 grams of fat
Brands like Lindt offer dark chocolate for around $2.50 for a 3.5-ounce bar. Incorporating a bit of this sweet treat in your diet can help control your appetite and maintain a flat belly.
9. Oats
Oats are another superfood that can help reduce belly fat. High in fiber and low in calories, oats can keep you feeling full for a longer period. Nutritionist, Dr. Mike Roussell, mentions in his article here, “The fiber in oats helps slow down the absorption of carbs, controlling your appetite and blood sugar level.”
- A half-cup serving of raw oats (approximately 40 grams) contains:
- 4 grams of fiber
- 5.5 grams of protein
- 3.2 grams of fat
A well-known brand, Quaker, offers oats for approximately $3 for an 18oz canister. Regular consumption of oats can aid in your weight loss journey.
10. Eggs
Finally, eggs are a superfood snack that is great for reducing belly fat. They’re high in protein and can keep you feeling full longer. As Sports Nutritionist, Nancy Clark, states in her book Nancy Clark’s Sports Nutrition Guidebook, “Eggs are a great source of protein and can help control your appetite, making them an ideal snack for those trying to lose belly fat.” Her book is available [here](https://www.amazon.com/Nancy-Clarks-Sports-Nutrition-Guidebook/dp/1450429762).
- A single large egg (approximately 50 grams) contains:
- 0 grams of fiber
- 6.3 grams of protein
- 5 grams of fat
Organic eggs can be purchased from brands like Vital Farms for around $7.50 for a dozen eggs. Eating eggs can help you maintain a healthy weight and keep your belly flat.
isn’t it awesome how superfood snacks can help you achieve your health goal? Incorporating these healthy snacks in your daily diet will not only reduce belly fat but also promote overall wellbeing. However, it’s important to remember that reducing belly fat doesn’t happen overnight and requires consistency and dedication. So, start eating healthier today and give yourself a chance to reach a healthier version of yourself!