Incorporating fruit into your diet is a great way to boost weight loss, especially if you choose low-calorie and high-fiber fruits that help keep you fuller longer. Although most fruits offer the benefit of a variety of vitamins and minerals to help strengthen your immune system, naturally detox your body, and even streamline your metabolism, there are certain fruits that are just better than others. By eating fruits, like blueberries, regularly, you can help speed up your weight loss and gain better control over your appetite.
To learn more about the best fruit to help blast belly fat, we spoke to Lisa Richards, registered nutritionist and creator of The Candida Diet. She said this tiny fruit is packed with antioxidants, high in soluble fiber, and low in calories and carbs. It’s the best fruit for burning fat and boosting collagen production.
Blueberries
Not only are blueberries the perfect snack for a quick energy boost, but Richards says they're also packed with antioxidants that have been shown to reduce belly fat and minimize your risk of disease. "Berries of just about every variety, but especially blueberries, contain fiber and phytonutrients which act as antioxidants in the body," she explains. "Antioxidants work to reduce free radical damage from toxins which lead to inflammation and chronic disease, like obesity."
In addition, Richards adds that blueberries greatly improve gut bacteria because they are rich in prebiotics, an indigestible food ingredient that promotes the growth of beneficial microorganisms in the gut. "Antioxidants work to reduce free radical damage from toxins which lead to inflammation and chronic disease along with outward impacts like those associated with aging," Richards says. "Their specific antioxidants are flavonoids, plant compounds that give these berries protection and when consumed give us similar protection on a cellular level as well."
Because blueberries are packed with fiber, they keep you fuller longer and ultimately increase satiety. The longer you stay full after eating, the easier it will be to maintain a calorie deficit in order to lose weight in a healthy way.
Blueberries have also been linked to reducing blood pressure, blood sugar, and the overall risk of chronic diseases. "This is likely due to their ability to prevent and reverse oxidative stress," Richards notes. They are also well-known for their collagen-stimulating effects on the skin. It is frequently recommended by dermatologists as an anti-aging skincare tool. That means they're as healthy for your overall health as they are delicious—we like the sound of that!
If you're looking for new ways to add blueberries to your diet, throw a handful on your oatmeal or yogurt every morning for a burst of natural flavor and sweetener. And, if you're not an oatmeal fan, try adding blueberries to your smoothie or protein shake for added nutrients.
Overall, Richards notes that prioritizing blueberries and antioxidant-dense fruits is a great way to optimize your diet so you can achieve your weight loss goals. Losing weight will never be as easy as eating one food and achieving the body of your dreams, but making small changes to your diet, like snacking on fruit instead of chips or crackers, can make all the difference. Your body will thank you!
