GET SNATCHED FOR SUMMER
Stubborn fat deposits on your waistline and dull skin can impact your self-image, your dress size, and your health. When you have concerns about your midsection, you may be tempted to try things like a flat stomach diet or a slim waist big booty diet. Unfortunately, that's not quite how it works. Despite what many diet claims, you don't get to pick and choose where you drop weight by eating certain foods. When you lose fat, it comes from all over your body, not in one particular area. But what you eat can support your efforts for a smaller waist and beautiful skin.
Foods rich in antioxidants, vitamins, and other nutrients can have surprising, glow-up-worthy effects on your waistline and complexion. Focus your dieting efforts on trying to eat plenty of the RIGHT foods. Filling your diet with fresh, nutritious, low-calorie foods is the best way to transform your body and skin. Fresh produce contains essential micronutrients and fiber to keep your digestion healthy. Eat plenty of these fresh, seasonal, green vegetables, berries, and fruits. Eat these superfoods to achieve your summer body goals and get that filter-free skin. Aim for 3 - 5 servings daily.
Asparagus: Asparagus is considered a SUPERFOOD, and it's for a good reason. Each spear is packed full of vitamins A, B-complex, C and E, and contains high levels of skin-clearing zinc and potassium, which assist in removing excess fluids from the body. Asparagus has long been used to treat inflammations such as arthritis and rheumatism.
Broccoli: Apart from containing almost ALL of the VITAMINS, there is one property broccoli possesses that other green veggies lack; Alpha lipoic, which is a naturally-occurring substance that prevents collagen in the body from hardening, which causes cellulite. Get your fill by including three or four steamed portions a week to your meals. Broccoli also contains carotenoids, a natural plant compound that can help stimulate fat burning and thereby aid in weight reduction. Broccoli contains 90% water, which makes it an excellent food for promoting healthy metabolism and staying hydrated. A healthy metabolism is vital for burning calories efficiently.
Flax seeds: Flax seeds are not only a must for anyone looking to get a flat belly, but they are also ideal for preventing wrinkles. With high levels of fiber, these seeds will keep your digestive system in good health and help reduce belly bloat. Flax seeds contain lignans and antioxidants that help prevent fine lines and wrinkles on the face. The inherent quality of the flax seeds also helps in keeping the skin tight and lessen sagging with age. Sprinkle flaxseeds over your oatmeal, smoothies, and salads.
Salmon: The quickest way to achieve a glowy complexion is to ensure your skin is well moisturized. But things like indoor heat or dry outdoor air can suck all the moisture out of our skin. Incorporate more salmon into your diet to regain the internal hydration you need. The fish contains healthy omega-3 and omega-6 fatty acids, which nourish your skin from the inside out.
Green Tea: Green tea has been proven to aid weight loss by speeding up the metabolism, inhibiting fat absorption, and aiding glucose regulation. This is not because of the caffeine it contains, but is instead due to the high concentration of natural antioxidants called catechin polyphenols. Green Tea's antioxidants start to degrade as it cools, so drink it while it's hot.
Spinach: If you’re looking to improve the appearance of cellulite, spinach is brilliant. It is high in vitamin A, which can help to reduce fatty deposits under the skin because it aids the production of collagen – a protein that strengthens, smooths, and plumps. Plus, the water in greens penetrates cell membranes—which makes for plumper and less wrinkled skin.
Blueberries: Overall health is essential to maintaining a high metabolic rate, so I recommend eating blueberries. Their deep pigmentation hints at their high antioxidant content. Not only are they full of beauty-boosting antioxidants, but they’re packed with fiber, too – essential for staving off hunger pains and regulating insulin production.
Alfalfa Sprouts: Tiny but mighty, each stringy sprout is packed with valuable, skin-clearing nutrients such as calcium, folic acid, magnesium, manganese, phosphorus, potassium, silicon, sodium, and zinc among others, as well as supplying a full range of vitamins A, B complex, C, E, and K. The vitamins in these sprouts can help stimulate metabolism, increasing energy levels and burning fat faster. While you shouldn’t eat too many alfalfa sprouts due to potential toxicity, daily consumption in your salads can help to curb hunger pains.
Cucumber: This hydrating veggie is a natural diuretic, which makes it great for removing water weight, a factor in belly bloat. Cucumbers are also fabulous fat burners. Not only do their seeds contain stimulant properties, which can boost metabolic rates, but they are also high in Sulphur and Silicone, which can help the body’s natural fat-burning process.
Mushrooms: Low levels of vitamin D are connected to abdominal obesity. Mushrooms are a good source of vitamin D. They are also low in calories, high in protein and water content, extremely versatile, and extremely delicious. You can easily prepare mushroom soup or add them to salads and sandwiches to make a delicious lunch or dinner without worrying about calories.
Almonds: Not only are almonds packed full of skin-boosting vitamin E and protein, but their high fiber content stops you from feeling hungry. They are good sources of nutrients for vegetarians to burn fat and are also rich in omega-3 fatty acids that increase energy and metabolism. Aside from the fact that almonds are one of our favorite nuts, they help regulate blood sugar levels and contain components that help cut cholesterol. Try to avoid salted almonds, though, and avoid marzipan!
Watermelon: This popular summer fruit is refreshing thanks to its dense water content. Snacking on watermelon is an excellent way to regulate salt levels and flush out the excess water you may be holding onto due to dehydration (a.k.a. bloat). Cut up a few refrigerated slices and eat your heart out.
When putting together your summer body diet, be inventive. You don’t have to have it plain!
When a snack attack hits, reach for an apple or baby carrots instead of a cookie! Don't think of it as having to avoid the treat; think of it as having to fill your daily fruit and vegetable quota. Try some blueberries and strawberries with Greek yogurt and honey or sliced apples and peanut butter. There are endless combinations, and it’s a great way of mixing it so you don't get nutritionally bored.
While diet is important for a sexy shape and dazzling skin, it's not the only factor. Incorporating physical activity, rest, and stress management into your daily routine can achieve a snatched waist and radiant skin!
Award-winning serial entrepreneur and multi-media proprietor J'Que Ellis, with over 22 years of experience, excels in various roles, including personal trainer, actress, and wellness influencer, and is dedicated to helping others succeed and live healthier, driven by her achievements, faith, and passion for diverse cultures and new adventures.