Kale earns its superfood status by being low in calories and packed full of vitamins and minerals. It is also rich in protein, at 2 grams a cup and is full of antioxidants that counteract aging and diseases such as cancer. Cucumbers are loaded with fiber, and low in calories, making them great for digestive health and weight loss, explains Dr.

They also contain the flavonol antioxidant, quercetin, helping fight inflammation in the digestive system and reducing the symptoms of leaky gut. No, this is not a typo. According to nutritionist and co-author of Diabetes Comfort Food Diet along with the editors of Prevention , Laura Cipullo , R.

Why chocolate? It contains antioxidants and is a source of satiating fat. Beans are an important weight loss food, as they are not only versatile, but will help you to feel full for hours due to their high content of insoluble fiber.

Cipullo points out that button mushrooms contain glutamic acid , a compound that tastes just like salt. Instead of noshing on potato chips or salted nuts—foods that most of us struggle to eat in small quantities—add raw or cooked mushrooms to your sandwich, wrap or as a side with lunch to get the salty taste you crave.

You can also incorporate them in nearly every meal, including omelets, salads, and wraps, stir fry and stews. Some people are even making mushroom coffee.

The middle eastern spread—made primarily out of garbanzo beans, olive oil, and tahini—is a great diet food according to Cipullo. She suggests using one-third a cup to add to veggie sandwiches or just as a snack with a side of veggies. Okay, so water is not a food, but it is definitely a must-have when optimizing your nutrition goals, according to Cipullo.

This means when you notice yourself eating for behavioral reasons after dinner, grab a mug of warm water. Add an edible essential oil, such as peppermint or lavender, or a squeeze of citrus. It will not only relax you, but also curb those cravings.

She suggests eating whole wheat pasta, which will provide your carb fix, while fueling your brain and muscles. She suggests sticking with seasonal and organic apples since conventional apples tend to be stored a long time, which makes them lose nutritional value, and be ridden with pesticides.

Cipullo maintains that a natural nut butter is ideal for preventing overeating. Avocado is rich in monounsaturated fat—the good kind—and is a great food to eat when you are trying to lose weight because it helps increase satiety until your next meal, explains Lisa Mikus, R.

Another small study of 11 people showed that adding vinegar to the diet reduced daily calorie intake by up to calories For example, many people dilute apple cider vinegar with water and drink it as a beverage a few times per day with meals.

SUMMARY: Vinegar may help increase feelings of fullness, decrease calorie intake and lower body fat. Although it may seem counterintuitive, increasing your intake of healthy fats may actually help prevent weight gain and help you maintain feelings of fullness.

Fat takes a while to digest and can help slow the emptying of the stomach, which can reduce appetite and hunger One study found that following a Mediterranean diet rich in healthy fats from olive oil and nuts was associated with a lower risk of weight gain compared to a low-fat diet Another small study found that when people on a weight loss diet took two tablespoons 30 ml of coconut oil daily, they lost more belly fat than those who were given soybean oil Meanwhile, unhealthy types of fat like trans fats have been shown to increase body fat, waist circumference and belly fat in human and animal studies 20 , Olive oil, coconut oil, avocados, nuts and seeds are just a few examples of healthy types of fat that may have beneficial effects on fat burning.

However, keep in mind that healthy fat is still high in calories, so moderate how much you consume. Instead of eating more fat overall, try swapping the unhealthy fats in your diet for these healthy fat varieties.

SUMMARY: Fat is digested slowly, so eating it can help reduce appetite. A higher intake of healthy fats is associated with a lower risk of weight gain and decreased belly fat.

Swapping out empty-calorie drinks for some healthier selections is one of the easiest ways to increase fat burning. For example, sugar-sweetened beverages like soda and juice are packed with calories and offer little nutritional value. Alcohol is also high in calories and has the added effect of lowering your inhibitions, making you more likely to overeat Studies have found that consuming both sugar-sweetened beverages and alcohol is associated with a higher risk of belly fat 23 , Limiting your intake of these beverages can help reduce your calorie intake and keep your waistline in check.

In one small, week study, drinking 17 ounces ml of water before meals increased weight loss by 4. Green tea is another great option. It contains caffeine and is rich in antioxidants, both of which may help increase fat burning and enhance metabolism 26 , Trading in even just one or two servings of high-calorie beverages for a glass of water or a cup of green tea is a simple way to promote fat burning.

SUMMARY: Sugar-sweetened beverages and alcoholic drinks may be associated with a higher risk of belly fat. Green tea and water have been shown to increase weight loss and fat burning. Soluble fiber absorbs water and moves through the digestive tract slowly, helping you feel fuller for longer According to some studies, increasing your intake of high-fiber foods may protect against weight gain and fat accumulation.

One study of 1, adults found that for each gram increase in soluble fiber intake per day, participants lost 3. Another review also found that increasing fiber intake promoted feelings of fullness and decreased hunger. Not only that, but it was also linked to nearly 4. Fruits, vegetables, legumes, whole grains, nuts and seeds are a few examples of high-fiber foods that can boost fat burning and weight loss.

SUMMARY: A higher intake of fiber may be associated with fat loss, decreased calorie intake and greater weight loss. Refined carbs also tend to have a higher glycemic index, which can cause spikes and crashes in blood sugar levels, resulting in increased hunger Studies show that a diet high in refined carbs may be associated with increased belly fat 33 , Conversely, a diet high in whole grains has been associated with a lower body mass index and body weight, plus a smaller waist circumference One study in 2, people also showed that those with higher intakes of refined grains tended to have a higher amount of disease-promoting belly fat, while those who ate more whole grains tended to have a lower amount For the best results, reduce your intake of refined carbs from pastries, processed foods, pastas, white breads and breakfast cereals.

Replace them with whole grains such as whole wheat, quinoa, buckwheat, barley and oats. SUMMARY: Refined carbs are low in fiber and nutrients. They may increase hunger and cause spikes and crashes in blood sugar levels.

Consuming refined carbs has also been associated with increased belly fat. Cardio, also known as aerobic exercise, is one of the most common forms of exercise and is defined as any type of activity that increases your heart rate. For example, one review of 16 studies found that the more aerobic exercise people got, the more belly fat they lost Other studies have found that aerobic exercise can increase muscle mass and decrease belly fat, waist circumference and body fat 38 , 39 , Most research recommends between — minutes of moderate to vigorous exercise weekly, or roughly 20—40 minutes of cardio each day Running, walking, cycling and swimming are just a few examples of some cardio exercises that can help burn fat and kick-start weight loss.

SUMMARY: Studies show that the more aerobic exercise people get, the more belly fat they tend to lose. Cardio may also help reduce waist circumference, lower body fat and increase muscle mass.

One way to increase your calorie burn is to exercise at higher intensities. This doesn't necessarily mean that you should avoid low-intensity exercise if you want to burn more fat.

There are some specific things you can do to burn more fat and it all starts with how often and for how long you exercise. You may be confused about exactly how hard to work during cardio. You may even think that high-intensity exercise is the only way to go.

After all, you can burn more calories and you don't have to spend as much time doing it. But having some variety can help you stimulate each of your energy systems, protect you from overuse injuries, and help you enjoy your workouts more.

You can set up a cardio program that includes a variety of different exercises at different intensities. Or, if you're not using heart rate zones, about a six to eight on a point perceived exertion scale. What this translates to is exercise at a level that feels challenging and leaves you too breathless to talk in complete sentences.

But you're not going all out, as in sprinting as fast as you can. There's no doubt that some high-intensity training work can be helpful for weight loss as well as improving endurance and aerobic capacity. You can get the same benefit from short workouts spread throughout the day as you do with continuous workouts.

For example, a pound person would burn about calories after running at 6 mph for 30 minutes. If this person walked at 3.

But, the number of calories you can burn isn't the whole story. Too many high-intensity workouts every week can put you at risk in a number of ways. If you don't have much experience with exercise, you may not have the conditioning or the desire for breathless and challenging workouts. If you have any medical condition or injury, check with a healthcare provider before training.

If you're doing several days of cardio each week, you would probably want only one or two workouts to fall into the high-intensity range. You can use other workouts to target different fitness areas like endurance and allow your body to recover.

Here are some examples of how to incorporate high-intensity workouts. One way to incorporate high-intensity workouts is to exercise at a fast pace. You can use any activity or machine for a minute workout at a fast pace, but the idea is to stay in the high-intensity work zone throughout the workout.

Twenty minutes is usually the recommended length, and most people wouldn't want to go much longer than that. Tabata training is another form of high-intensity interval training in which you work very hard for 20 seconds, rest for 10 seconds, and repeat for 4 minutes.

In this workout, you should be breathless and unable to talk. Additionally, interval training is a great way to incorporate high-intensity training without doing it continuously. Alternate a hard segment e.

Repeat this series for the length of the workout, usually around 20 to 30 minutes. That would be a level four to six on a point perceived exertion scale. You are breathing harder than usual, but can carry on a conversation without much difficulty. Schedule your day around exercise instead of trying to squeeze it in when you can.

Making your workout a priority increases the chances that you will accomplish your goal. The American College of Sports Medicine ACSM often recommends this level of intensity in its exercise guidelines. The lower end of this range usually incorporates the fat-burning zone.

Moderate-intensity workouts also have some great benefits. For instance, even modest movement can improve your health while lowering your risk of heart disease, diabetes, and high blood pressure. Also, it takes time to build up the endurance and strength to handle challenging exercises.

Moderate workouts allow you to work at a more comfortable pace, which means you may be more consistent with your program. You also can usually get into the moderate heart rate zones with a variety of activities.

Even raking leaves or shoveling snow can fall into that category if you do it vigorously enough. For weight management, you would likely want the majority of your cardio workouts to fall into the moderate range. Some examples include:. This level of intensity is no doubt one of the most comfortable areas of exercise, keeping you at a pace that isn't too taxing and doesn't pose much of a challenge.

This fact, along with the idea that it burns more fat, makes low-intensity exercise popular. But, as we've learned, working at a variety of intensities is ideal for weight loss. That doesn't mean that low-intensity exercise has no purpose, though. It involves the long, slow activities you feel like you could do all day.

Even better, it includes activities you usually enjoy, such as taking a stroll, gardening, riding a bike, or a gentle stretching routine. Low-intensity cardio can be something you do all day long by doing an extra lap when you're shopping, taking the stairs , parking farther from the entrance, and doing more physical chores around the house.

Exercise such as Pilates and yoga are at a lower intensity but help develop your core, flexibility, and balance. They can be a part of a well-rounded routine. It may seem like a no-brainer that regular exercise can help you burn fat.

But it's not just about the calories you're burning. It's also about the adaptations your body makes when you exercise on a regular basis. Many of those adaptations lead directly to your ability to burn more fat without even trying. Adding more muscle by lifting weights and doing other resistance exercises can also help with burning fat.

People who experience rapid weight loss may be more likely to put weight back on in the future. The CDC recommends that people aim for steady, gradual weight loss of around 1—2 pounds per week.

This should include 10 portions of fruit and vegetables, good quality protein, and whole grains. It is also beneficial to exercise for at least 30 minutes every day. Losing weight effectively and avoiding weight regain involves a number of factors.

Learn how to lose weight here. Fad diets and rapid weight loss can be unsafe and often lead to people regaining the weight later on. In this article, learn how to lose weight safely…. People often want to lose weight quickly, but there is a risk of malnourishment, or of giving up and putting on more weight than before.

What are the best exercises for weight loss? Find out the best types of exercise for weight loss, according to research, and get other useful tips. Losing 10 pounds safely is possible in 5—10 weeks or more. Creating a calorie deficit, eating a nutritious diet, and moving more are important factors.

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Medical News Today. Health Conditions Health Products Discover Tools Connect. How to naturally lose weight fast. Medically reviewed by Amy Richter, RD , Nutrition — By Tracey Williams Strudwick — Updated on November 8, Intermittent fasting Tracking diet and exercise Mindful eating Protein with meals Avoid sugar Fiber Gut bacteria balance Sleep Managing stress FAQ Takeaway Many diets, supplements, and meal replacement plans claim to ensure rapid weight loss, but lack any scientific evidence.

Science-backed ways to lose weight. Trying intermittent fasting. Tracking your diet and exercise. Eating mindfully. Eating protein with meals. Cutting back on sugar and refined carbohydrates. Eating plenty of fiber. Balancing gut bacteria. Managing your stress levels.

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For instance, even modest movement can improve your health while lowering your risk of heart disease, diabetes, and high blood pressure. Also, it takes time to build up the endurance and strength to handle challenging exercises.

Moderate workouts allow you to work at a more comfortable pace, which means you may be more consistent with your program. You also can usually get into the moderate heart rate zones with a variety of activities. Even raking leaves or shoveling snow can fall into that category if you do it vigorously enough.

For weight management, you would likely want the majority of your cardio workouts to fall into the moderate range. Some examples include:. This level of intensity is no doubt one of the most comfortable areas of exercise, keeping you at a pace that isn't too taxing and doesn't pose much of a challenge.

This fact, along with the idea that it burns more fat, makes low-intensity exercise popular. But, as we've learned, working at a variety of intensities is ideal for weight loss.

That doesn't mean that low-intensity exercise has no purpose, though. It involves the long, slow activities you feel like you could do all day. Even better, it includes activities you usually enjoy, such as taking a stroll, gardening, riding a bike, or a gentle stretching routine.

Low-intensity cardio can be something you do all day long by doing an extra lap when you're shopping, taking the stairs , parking farther from the entrance, and doing more physical chores around the house.

Exercise such as Pilates and yoga are at a lower intensity but help develop your core, flexibility, and balance. They can be a part of a well-rounded routine. It may seem like a no-brainer that regular exercise can help you burn fat.

But it's not just about the calories you're burning. It's also about the adaptations your body makes when you exercise on a regular basis. Many of those adaptations lead directly to your ability to burn more fat without even trying. Adding more muscle by lifting weights and doing other resistance exercises can also help with burning fat.

While many people focus more on cardio for weight loss, there's no doubt that strength training is a key component in any weight loss routine. Here are some benefits of weight training. If you lift weights at a higher intensity, you can increase your afterburn, or the calories you burn after your workout.

That means that you burn calories during your workouts, but your body continues to burn calories even after your workout while your body gets back to its resting state. Lifting weights and maintaining muscle helps keep the metabolism up, even if you're cutting your calories.

If you are restricting calories, you risk losing muscle. Muscle is metabolically active , so when you lose it, you also lose the extra calorie burn muscles produce. To start, choose a basic total body workout and do that about twice a week, with at least one day in between. As you get stronger, you can do more exercises, increase intensity, or add more days of strength training.

It may take a few weeks but you'll eventually see and feel a difference in your body. If you want a more structured program, try a four-week slow build program which includes a schedule of cardio and strength workouts that allows you to gradually increase your intensity.

When it comes to burning more fat, you have to work at it. The good news is that it doesn't take much activity to push the body into that fat burning mode. Try incorporating some type of activity every day, even if it's just a quick walk.

Then, build on that over time. Soon you're on the way to burning more fat. It also can be beneficial to work with a registered dietitian or certified personal trainer to develop a more individualized program.

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Probiotics are bacteria found in some foods and supplements. They may have health benefits, including helping improve gut health and enhancing immune function Researchers have found that different types of bacteria play a role in weight regulation and that having the right balance can help with weight loss, including loss of belly fat.

Those shown to reduce belly fat include members of the Lactobacillus family, such as Lactobacillus fermentum , Lactobacillus amylovorus , and Lactobacillus gasseri 61 , 62 , 63 , However, while probiotics may be beneficial for weight loss , more research is needed.

Taking probiotic supplements may help promote a healthy digestive system. Studies also suggest that beneficial gut bacteria may help promote weight loss. Intermittent fasting has recently become very popular as a weight loss method.

One popular method involves hour fasts once or twice per week. Another consists of fasting every day for 16 hours and eating all your food within an 8-hour period. One study found that combining intermittent fasting with protein pacing — which involves consuming nutrient-dense meals spaced evenly throughout the day — led to greater reductions in body weight, total fat, and visceral fat compared to calorie restriction Although certain modified intermittent fasting methods appear to be better options, stop fasting immediately if you experience any negative effects.

Additionally, talk with a doctor before trying intermittent fasting or making other changes to your diet. Intermittent fasting is an eating pattern that alternates between periods of eating and fasting.

Studies suggest that it may be one of the most effective ways to lose weight and belly fat. Green tea is an exceptionally healthy beverage. It contains caffeine and the antioxidant epigallocatechin gallate EGCG , which appear to boost metabolism 68 , EGCG is a catechin, which several studies suggest may help you lose belly fat.

The effect may be strengthened when green tea consumption is combined with exercise 70 , 71 , Interestingly, one review concluded that green tea could increase weight loss, especially when consumed in doses of less than milligrams per day for 12 weeks Another review showed that regular consumption of green tea could be beneficial for reducing body weight and waist circumference Though more research is needed, regularly drinking green tea has been linked to weight loss.

Interestingly, many of these methods are generally associated with balanced eating and an overall healthy lifestyle. Therefore, changing your lifestyle for the long term is the key to losing your belly fat and keeping it off.

When you have healthy habits, stay active, and reduce your intake of ultra-processed foods , fat loss tends to follow as a natural side effect Losing weight and keeping it off may be difficult unless you maintain consistent dietary habits and lifestyle measures.

Studies suggest that intermittent fasting may be one of the most effective ways to lose weight and belly fat. While there are healthy ways to lose weight, it will likely take longer than 7 days.

There are no magic solutions to losing belly fat. Adopting some or all of the strategies and lifestyle goals discussed in this article may help you lose belly fat and improve overall health. Our experts continually monitor the health and wellness space, and we update our articles when new information becomes available.

VIEW ALL HISTORY. Belly fat is the most harmful fat in your body, linked to many diseases. Here are 6 simple ways to lose belly fat that are supported by science. We all have belly fat, but having too much can harm your health. This article explains the different types of belly fat, how they affect your health….

Losing weight overall is the only way to lose any belly fat in a healthy way. Here are some exercises, eating habits, and lifestyle changes you can…. Working out your upper body and core will strengthen and tone your muscles, but you can't "spot-treat" the layer of fat on your upper belly.

Patients with diabetes who used GLP-1 drugs, including tirzepatide, semaglutide, dulaglutide, and exenatide had a decreased chance of being diagnosed…. Some studies suggest vaping may help manage your weight, but others show mixed…. The amount of time it takes to recover from weight loss surgery depends on the type of surgery and surgical technique you receive.

New research suggests that running may not aid much with weight loss, but it can help you keep from gaining weight as you age. Here's why. A Quiz for Teens Are You a Workaholic? How Well Do You Sleep?

Health Conditions Discover Plan Connect. Nutrition Evidence Based 18 Effective Tips to Lose Belly Fat Backed by Science. Medically reviewed by Adam Bernstein, MD, ScD — By Franziska Spritzler — Updated on November 30, Was this helpful? Eat plenty of soluble fiber.

Avoid foods that contain trans fats. Moderate your alcohol intake. Eat a high protein diet. Exercise such as Pilates and yoga are at a lower intensity but help develop your core, flexibility, and balance. They can be a part of a well-rounded routine.

It may seem like a no-brainer that regular exercise can help you burn fat. But it's not just about the calories you're burning. It's also about the adaptations your body makes when you exercise on a regular basis.

Many of those adaptations lead directly to your ability to burn more fat without even trying. Adding more muscle by lifting weights and doing other resistance exercises can also help with burning fat. While many people focus more on cardio for weight loss, there's no doubt that strength training is a key component in any weight loss routine.

Here are some benefits of weight training. If you lift weights at a higher intensity, you can increase your afterburn, or the calories you burn after your workout. That means that you burn calories during your workouts, but your body continues to burn calories even after your workout while your body gets back to its resting state.

Lifting weights and maintaining muscle helps keep the metabolism up, even if you're cutting your calories. If you are restricting calories, you risk losing muscle.

Muscle is metabolically active , so when you lose it, you also lose the extra calorie burn muscles produce. To start, choose a basic total body workout and do that about twice a week, with at least one day in between. As you get stronger, you can do more exercises, increase intensity, or add more days of strength training.

It may take a few weeks but you'll eventually see and feel a difference in your body. If you want a more structured program, try a four-week slow build program which includes a schedule of cardio and strength workouts that allows you to gradually increase your intensity.

When it comes to burning more fat, you have to work at it. The good news is that it doesn't take much activity to push the body into that fat burning mode. Try incorporating some type of activity every day, even if it's just a quick walk.

Then, build on that over time. Soon you're on the way to burning more fat. It also can be beneficial to work with a registered dietitian or certified personal trainer to develop a more individualized program.

Mul JD, Stanford KI, Hirshman MF, Goodyear LJ. Exercise and regulation of carbohydrate metabolism. Prog Mol Biol Transl Sci. Chiu CH, Ko MC, Wu LS, et al.

Benefits of different intensity of aerobic exercise in modulating body composition among obese young adults: a pilot randomized controlled trial. Health Qual Life Outcomes. Calorie Control Council. Get moving calculator. Department of Health and Human Services.

Activity guidelines questions and answers. Centers for Disease Control. Measuring physical activity intensity. Willis LH, Slentz CA, Bateman LA, et al.

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Reviewed by Heather Black, CPT. The Western diet is increasingly high in added sugars, which has definite links to obesity , even when the sugar occurs in beverages rather than food. These include white rice, white bread, and regular pasta. These foods are quick to digest, and they convert to glucose rapidly.

Excess glucose enters the blood and provokes the hormone insulin , which promotes fat storage in the adipose tissue. This contributes to weight gain. A study links the consumption of more refined grains with weight gain. Studies show that whole grains are more likely to reduce hunger and increase fullness, which could lead to decreases in calorie intake.

Where possible, people should swap highly processed and sugary foods for more nutritionally dense options. Good food swaps include:. Dietary fiber describes plant-based carbohydrates that are impossible to digest in the small intestine, unlike sugar and starch.

Including plenty of fiber in the diet can increase the feeling of fullness, potentially leading to weight loss. One emerging area of research is focusing on the role of bacteria in the gut on weight management.

The human gut hosts a vast number and variety of microorganisms, including around 39 trillion bacteria. Every individual has different types and amounts of bacteria in their gut.

Some types may increase the amount of energy the person extracts from food , leading to fat deposition and weight gain. Numerous studies have shown that getting fewer than 5—6 hours of sleep per night is associated with an increased incidence of obesity.

There are several reasons behind this. Research suggests that insufficient or poor-quality sleep slows down the process in which the body converts calories to energy, called metabolism. When metabolism is less effective, the body may store unused energy as fat.

In addition, poor sleep can promote insulin resistance and increase levels of cortisol, which also promote fat storage. How long someone sleeps also affects the regulation of the appetite-controlling hormones leptin and ghrelin. Leptin sends signals of fullness to the brain. However, when people are under constant stress, cortisol can remain in the bloodstream for longer, which will increase their appetite and potentially lead to them eating more.

Insulin then transports the sugar from carbohydrates from the blood to the muscles and brain. If the individual does not use this sugar in fight or flight, the body will store it as fat.

If an individual does not immediately use this sugar, the body will either store it is glycogen, the storage form of glucose, or fat.

Researchers found that implementing an 8-week stress-management intervention program alongside a low-calorie diet resulted in a significant reduction in the body mass index BMI of children and adolescents who were overweight or have obesity.

Losing 10 pounds in 3 days is an unrealistic goal for most people and could entail unsafe dieting behaviors. Rapid weight loss like this may also make it more likely that someone will put weight back on, rather than losing the weight permanently.

To lose 20 pounds in a month, people must burn more calories than they take in, either through dietary changes or increased physical activity. However, rapid weight loss like this may not be a viable long-term option and could increase the risk of health complications, such as gallstones.

Losing weight too quickly may also increase the risk of certain health complications, such as gallstones, or complications associated with unhealthy dieting behaviors, such as dehydration or nutritional deficiencies. People who experience rapid weight loss may be more likely to put weight back on in the future.