Flat-Belly Foods and Nutrients

10 Super-Nutrients for a Flat Belly

Lose weight faster—and see results where it matters most—by packing your diet with these secret weapons
By Erin Hicks fitbie
 

Omega-3 Fatty Acids

What it is: Omega-3s are polyunsaturated fatty acids. They are considered essential fatty acids your body can’t make alone—you have to gain these through your diet.

The belly-flattening science: Several studies published in The American Journal of Nutrition and the International Journal of Obesity suggest that 1.5 to 2 grams daily of fish oil can produce weight loss of a couple of pounds over a month or so. A study from the University of Georgia found that fish oils prevent pre-fat cells from being converted into fat. Also, researchers from the University of Navarra in Spain and the University of Iceland found that Omega-3-rich foods keep people feeling full, longer.

Research also shows omega-3 fatty acids lower levels of stress hormones, such as cortisol, that can contribute to fat storage.

Foods to choose: Beyond taking a fish-oil supplement, you can get omega-3s from fish oils in your natural diet. Fatty fish like salmon, mackerel, herring, lake trout, sardines, and albacore tuna are high in omega-3 fatty acids. You can also get these healthy fats in oil like peanut oil, flaxseed oil, canola oil, and soybean oil.

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