TheBUZZ Cruciferous vegetables can burn abdominal fat?
WHAT THEY’RE SAYING
Cruciferous vegetables (broccoli, kale, Brussels sprouts, cauliflower, cabbage, etc.) have a very unique compound of phytonutrients that can help decrease stomach fat.
WHAT WE KNOW
The magical “fat-burning” properties of cruciferous vegetables have yet to be proved.
HOW DO WE KNOW THIS?
Cruciferous vegetables contain vitamins, minerals, and phytonutrients that promote a healthy lifestyle. Eating a diet rich in healthfully-prepared vegetables may replace higher calorie foods and make you feel fuller longer (due to their fiber content). This could lead to a decrease in overall caloric intake and weight loss over time. Food has no known “fat-burning” properties – only your body burns fat.
When it comes to weight loss, remember that you can’t choose from what area of the body you would like to lose weight. So, one food can’t target one area of the body any better than another. If you’re living an active lifestyle and eating a healthy, balanced diet (rich in fruits and vegetables), the extra weight will begin to come off in all areas of your body.
OUR ADVICE
Eating a balanced diet rich in all fruits and vegetables and being active is the best formula for meeting your weight loss goals! Fruits and vegetables not only provide vitamins and minerals for an optimal mind and body, but they also promote weight loss/maintenance. How? Here are some weight-maintenance qualities of fruits and vegetables …
- Low in fat or fat free
- No added sugars
- Full of fiber (which keeps you fuller … longer)
- Nutrient dense (more vitamins and minerals for the same amount of calories in other foods)
- Low in calories
- Help you eat less
- Replace high-fat, high-sugar foods
Here are some steps to follow that can help you decrease your total caloric intake each day …
- Eat fruits and vegetables before a meal.
- Replace higher-calorie side options with fruits and vegetables.
- Fill half of your plate with fruits and vegetables.
- Replace some of the high-calorie ingredients in your recipes with fruits and vegetables.
- Substitute meat for beans several times per week.
