Skip the millions of crunches! If you want to get rid of stubborn belly fat, Jade Jenny, head CrossFit coach and owner of Champlain Valley CrossFit, said there are really no exercises to reduce belly fat. "Unfortunately, this is the age-old myth," she told POPSUGAR. "People think they can get abs, and just abs."
It may surprise you to hear a CrossFit coach say that "reducing belly fat ultimately comes down to how you eat," but it's true. You can't exercise away a bad diet, and abs truly are made in the kitchen. Plus, you can't pick and choose where you want fat to disappear from your body. In order to lose belly fat, you need to reduce your overall body fat percentage by dialing in your diet, eating whole foods, ditching the junk, and creating a calorie deficit.
There are certain foods proven to target abdominal fat. Ingredients such as whole grains and MUFAS (monounsaturated fatty acids) — think avocados, nuts, and seeds — help diminish visceral fat around your inner organs. Don't forget about lean protein, especially fish like salmon, eggs, tofu, and plant-based protein powders; they can also help burn away belly fat. Berries, such as blueberries, are also key belly-fat fighters, along with fibre-rich fruits, veggies, and legumes, such as raspberries, leafy greens, and beans.
Let the first meal of the day help you lose belly fat by cooking up these satisfying breakfast recipes that contain belly fat-fighting ingredients.