10 Skinny Smoothies That Will Help You Bust Belly Fat
When it comes to belly bloat, drinking enough (of the right kind of) liquid can help flatten distended abs. Getting rid of bloat means being properly hydrated, so aim for at least eight glasses of liquid per day, and don’t forget to consume plenty of fluid-rich foods, such as fruits and vegetables.
Overview
When it comes to belly bloat, drinking enough (of the right kind of) liquid can help flatten distended abs. Getting rid of bloat means being properly hydrated, so aim for at least eight glasses of liquid per day, and don't forget to consume plenty of fluid-rich foods, such as fruits and vegetables. In addition to water, which should be your main source of hydration, there are certain foods and spices that can help reduce a bloated belly and even burn belly fat. From coconut and citrus to papaya, yogurt and peppermint smoothies, battling belly fat never tasted so good.
1. Blueberry, Cucumber and Green Tea
Incredibly refreshing, this purple smoothie exudes tart and earthy flavors from fresh lime juice and green tea. It also includes blueberries, which help banish belly fat. Researchers at the University of Michigan found that rats fed a blueberry-enriched diet for 90 days showed significantly reduced abdominal belly fat as compared to the control group. Plus, green tea contains catechins, which help speed up metabolism and increase the release of fat from fat cells, particularly those in the belly.
Related: Full Recipe: Blueberry, Cucumber and Green Tea Smoothie
2. Banana, Pear, Cinnamon and Coriander
This creamy, spiced smoothie has a complex taste that is sure to please. Rich in resistant starch, bananas provide a boost to your metabolism by encouraging your liver to switch to fat-burning mode. The potassium in bananas can also reduce belly bloat by regulating sodium levels. Pears are an excellent source of fiber, which slows digestion to help you feel fuller longer. Quinoa, a whole grain, provides additional fiber as well as protein to further enhance the "staying power" of this smoothie. Derived from cilantro seeds, coriander contains a unique blend of oils that work like over-the-counter meds to help calm your gut. And cinnamon has been shown to create a thermogenic burn that helps your body to actually burn fat — particularly the fat around the belly.
Related: Full Recipe: Banana, Pear, Cinnamon and Coriander Smoothie
3. Kiwi, Zucchini and Apple
This bright-green smoothie bursts with health benefits from kiwi, kale, zucchini and green apple. Not only are these green fruits and veggies low in calories, but they also provide fiber to help regulate blood sugar levels and keep your hunger at bay. When it comes to the fat-fighting powers of apples, it might be about more than just fiber. Studies have shown that overweight women who ate three apples (or pears) each day for three months lost more weight than others who ate a similar fiber-filled diet that did not include fruit. Green apples contain compounds that help cleanse the colon and the bowels, burn fats and toxins and promote the growth of "good" bacteria in the gut.
Related: Full Recipe: Kiwi, Zucchini and Apple Smoothie
4. Coconut and Citrus
Wake up to a refreshing, flat-belly treat that tastes like it's straight from the tropics. Packed with resistant starch and potassium, bananas are a healthy carbohydrate offering metabolism-boosting and bloat-reducing benefits. Fresh orange juice and ripe mango are packed with immunity-strengthening vitamin C, while mango can help you feel fuller with fewer calories. Finally, raw cashews offer healthy monounsaturated fatty acids, which are not only beneficial for heart health, but also helpful for reducing belly fat.
Related: Full Recipe: Coconut and Citrus Sunshine Smoothie
5. Grapefruit, Ginger and Turmeric
This zesty smoothie bursts with grapefruit, ginger and turmeric. Grapefruits can increase the body's digestive enzymes and burn up stored body fat. Ginger has been used for centuries as a natural remedy to accelerate gastric emptying and treat bloating. And as a close relative to ginger, turmeric provides powerful anti-inflammatory properties and can help give you a boost in fat burning. Finally, the live beneficial bacteria in yogurt (aka probiotics) helps tame tummy bloat by improving digestion.
Related: Full Recipe: Grapefruit, Ginger and Turmeric Smoothie
6. Avocado, Apple and Asparagus
This thick and creamy green smoothie offers a slightly sweet and earthy taste. Avocados are rich in monounsaturated fatty acids — plant-based fats that enhance heart health. The latest research also shows that these dietary superstars may even ease digestion and target belly fat. Crisp apples contain fiber to slow digestion, and they are made up of nearly 85 percent water to keep you hydrated and reduce bloating. But that's not all: We're also throwing in asparagus and spinach! Both vegetables are low in calories and rich in fiber, which keeps you full for longer in between meals. And as a natural diuretic, asparagus facilitates digestion to decrease discomfort and bloat.
Related: Full Recipe: Creamy Avocado, Apple and Asparagus Smoothie
7. Chocolate, Cannellini Bean and Cinnamon
Creamy and chocolatey, this smoothie is so indulgent that it's hard to believe it's packed with superstar ingredients. Quality dark chocolate (anything above 65 percent cacao) contains antioxidants and healthy monounsaturated fatty acids, which help speed up metabolism. The unique addition of cannellini beans provides protein and fiber to make you feel full longer and regulate digestion. Beans are also a good source of iron, a mineral that, when lacking in your diet, can slow down your metabolism. The potassium and resistant starch in the banana can help reduce bloat and may give your metabolism a slight boost. To spice things up further, cinnamon contains powerful antioxidants called polyphenols that can help improve insulin sensitivity and create a thermogenic burn that helps your body burn fat.
Related: Full Recipe: Creamy Chocolate, Cannellini Bean and Cinnamon Smoothie
8. Carrot, Mandarin and Cayenne
This tangy, orange-hued smoothie is spiked with just enough cayenne to give it a satisfying kick and help liven up your metabolism. Naturally low in calories and full of nutrients, carrots are a smart food for weight loss. Foods that are rich in vitamin A (like carrots) can influence fat storage. Researchers have noted that obese people tend to have low levels of vitamin A in their tissues, which can prevent cells from working at optimal levels. Fruits like mandarins and apples are low in calories and provide fiber to help fill you up and aid with digestion. Raw almonds not only provide protein and fiber for staying power, but they also contain healthy monounsaturated fats to help your body burn fat and fight hunger.
Related: Full Recipe: Carrot, Mandarin and Cayenne Smoothie
9. Papaya, Yogurt and Peppermint
This tropical mint smoothie tastes so refreshing that you'll imagine you've been transported to a remote island paradise. Packed with vitamin C, papaya contains an enzyme called papain, which helps you break down difficult-to-digest foods, preventing inflammation and belly bloat. And not only does Greek yogurt add a creamy texture to this smoothie, but the gut-friendly bacteria in most yogurts help keep your digestive system healthy and reduce gas, bloating and constipation. Rich in fiber, peppermint promotes digestion and helps your body dissolve gas, which helps make your stomach look flatter.
Related: Full Recipe: Papaya, Yogurt and Peppermint Smoothie
10. Savory Tomato, Basil and Carrot
If you're a tomato fan, you're going to like this. We're mixing things up with a savory smoothie. This flavorful flat-belly drink tastes like a fresh tomato-basil gazpacho. Low in calories and packed with flavor, tomatoes provide potassium to help combat belly bloat. Plus, since the water content of tomatoes is high, they will help you feel full. And because they're rich in fiber, carrots help improve digestive health.
Related: Full Recipe: Savory Tomato, Basil and Carrot Smoothie
What Do YOU Think?
Do you find that certain foods cause your belly to bulge or shrink? Are you a fan of smoothies? Would you try any of these smoothie recipes?
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