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SPOILER ALERT: one of them is a carb.
Add these six tummy-shrinking foods to your diet each day for a flatter, healthier and happier belly…
Wholegrain breads and cereals
Superpower: Preventing your body from storing fat. You crave carbs because your body needs them. The key is to eat ones that have all their heart-healthy, belly-melting fibre intact. Wholegrain carbs keep insulin levels low, keeping you from storing stomach fat.
Chicken and turkey
Superpowers: Building muscle; strengthening immune system. These are the classic lean muscle-building protein machines. Turkey breast is one of the leanest meats you’ll find, and it packs nearly one third of your daily requirements of niacin and vitamin B6. They’re also good sources of iron and zinc. But watch your salt intake: if you’re buying deli slices of turkey, go for plain over oven-smoked.
Beans and legumes
Superpowers: Building muscle; helping burn fat; regulating digestion. All beans are low in fat, plus they’re packed with protein (containing about twice the amount as cereal grains), fibre and iron – nutrients crucial for building muscle and losing weight.
Green veggies
Superpowers: Neutralising free radicals; filling you up. They’re full of belly-busting fibre, vitamins (including A, C and K) and minerals such as magnesium and calcium. They’re also low in kilojoules, so you can fill up on them. Spinach is especially nutritious: one serving provides nearly a full day’s vitamin A requirements and half your vitamin C needs.
Whey protein powder
Superpowers: Building muscle; helping to burn fat. Whey protein contains essential amino acids that build muscle and fight fat. But it’s especially effective because it has the highest amount of protein for the fewest kilojoules. So eat (or drink) up!
Berries
Superpowers: Preventing cravings; protecting your heart; enhancing memory and eyesight. Berries are antioxidant powerhouses, repairing muscles and keeping your body in top fat-burning shape. You also get six grams of fibre from just one cup of raspberries; and strawberries are a good source of pectin – a valuable form of fibre that keeps you full for ages.
This is the best diet for losing fat and building muscle. Plus: Exactly how to build lean muscle – without the bulk.