We all know that abs are made in the kitchen and revealed in the gym, so let me jump right into it, here are the 6 foods to eat every day to lose belly fat:
kale
cabbage
Brussels sprouts
Broccoli
Chinese cabbage
Cauliflower
These 6 vegetables are all members of the cruciferous vegetable family. They are already well known for their role in reducing cancer risk due to their large number of phytochemicals. They are rich in fiber, vitamin A, C and folic acid.
Cruciferous vegetables also contain glucosinolates, which give them their characteristic spiciness or better flavor. When the cell wall of these vegetables is broken down by blending, chopping, or chewing them, they release an enzyme called myrosinase that converts glucosinolates into various cancer-fighting substances, but the one I want to talk about is indole 3-carbinol, which is an anti – estrogen.
What does this have to do with my ability to lose belly fat?
I’m glad you asked. Every day we are bombarded with toxic chemicals in our environment that lead to hormonal imbalances, particularly excessive amounts of estrogen, also known as “estrogen dominance,” which is the main cause of fat gain around the stomach, hips, and the thighs. Estrogen dominance is responsible for a number of diseases:
Premenstrual syndrome
Sterility
PCOS
Tired
Irritability
Allergies and Asthma
humor changes
thyroid dysfunction.
These are just some of the diseases caused by estrogen dominance. Eating unfermented soy products, using plastics and cans that are not free of BPA, pesticides, and not eating organic products all cause an increase in estrogen levels. Even in men, excessive amounts of estrogen cause us to store fat in our abdominal area. Thank goodness for the cruciferous crew! By the way, did you know that cruciferous in Latin means to bear the cross? I thought that was an interesting fact.
Is there a special way to eat or prepare them?
They are best eaten raw or lightly steamed and the more you chew or chop them, the more enzyme is released. Mix them but 1-2 different types every day. The longer you cook them, the less anti-estrogen and cancer-fighting properties they will have and the more bitter they will taste. This is one of the reasons I love green food smoothies, I can eat my kale raw and not even taste it. In addition to creating a calorie deficit and exercising, these 6 foods will go a long way in helping you lose stomach fat for good!
