Are you tired of hearing about “swimsuit bodies” yet? I am and it’s only June. We have a lot of summers — and bikini season — left before that uninspiring phrase is traded in for the year. While I’d have to say my favorite swimsuit-body advice is the infamous two-step program (1. Have a body, 2. Put on a bathing suit), I understand the desire for looking good at the pool or beach. But perhaps instead of focusing on how we look, we should focus on how we feel.
Do you feel good in a bathing suit? Are you comfortable? Or are you hiding, covering yourself up, or sitting in an awkward position to hide certain things? While there’s no magic or instant solution to improving your self-perception or body shape, there are ways to make the potential battle easier.
By switching up what you’re eating (and exercising of course) you can be on your way to feeling more confident as you lounge poolside. Swap out some of your less-than-stellar diet choices for some of these natural fat-blasters instead.
Burn more fat by swapping out some of your less-than-stellar diet choices for some of these natural fat-blasters instead. Add these 7 foods to your diet to help naturally burn more fat:
1. Cinnamon
Cinnamon helps blood cells use sugar, meaning it doesn’t end up stored as fat. Boost your cinnamon intake by sprinkling it on smoothies, oatmeal, fruit, and more.
2. Green Tea
Compounds found in green tea can help boost your fat and calorie burn, making you more likely to drop some extra pounds. Try adding green tea to a smoothie instead of milk or water, or slurp down an iced green tea as you cool off this summer.
3. Salmon
Just like “like attracts like,” fat fights fat. Salmon is packed with omega-3 fatty acids that help regulate leptin levels, which are essential in keeping your metabolism fired up. Try tossing salmon on a salad or cooking it on the grill for a fun summer meal.
4. Avocado
Avocados are a great source of monounsaturated fat, which helps lower your LDL cholesterol (the bad guy). Add avocados to your diet by munching on turkey-wrapped avocado slices, guacamole, or avocado salsa.
5. Eggs
People who eat eggs in the morning lose more weight than those who chow down on carbs for breakfast. It’s likely because eggs are a fabulous source of protein, which revs up your metabolism and keeps you full for a long time. If you’re not an eggs-for-breakfast kind of person, consider having them for lunch or as a snack instead. Hard-boiled eggs are easy to keep on hand and at the ready for a hand-held snack or to make into egg salad.
6. Yogurt
The probiotics in yogurt and other cultured dairy products may help balance the good bacteria in your gut, which helps digest food and potentially reduce the amount of fat you absorb. While it may sound counter-intuitive, skip the fat-free versions and go for the real stuff. The real version tends to have fewer fillers and will keep you satisfied longer. Opt for plain varieties and add your own fruit to help keep the sugar content down as well.
7. Beans
I know, beans are probably the least sexy food out there. But beans can be powerful in the fight against the bulge by helping you keep control of how often and how much you’re eating. They’re packed with fiber and protein, which help keep you full for a longer time, meaning you’re less likely to carelessly munch between meals. If you experience bloating or gas with beans, try soaking them in water before eating them. Canned versions tend to be less offensive as well, as they’ve been soaked too.