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You can’t burn fat and lose weight unless you are also fueling your body with healthy foods and beverages. Instead of focusing on deprivation and what you won’t allow yourself to eat, planning a healthy day of eating that includes fat-burning beverages can keep you motivated, energetic, and on the right track toward fat loss — especially if you want to lose stubborn belly fat.
“I wish people would know that skipping meals, especially skipping breakfast, is not the answer,” Rachel Goldman, PhD, a clinical psychologist in NYC specializing in health and wellness and Assistant Clinical Professor of Psychiatry at NYU School of Medicine, told Reader’s Digest. “Many people think if they just cut calories by not eating certain meals they will lose weight, but it actually does not help them lose weight and instead sets them up to overeat later and/or to make unhealthy choices later.”
Don’t skip your morning meal —instead, make this one fat-burning drink you should have when you wake up if you want a flat stomach a part of your daily routine.
A Fat-Filled Smoothie (Filled With Good Fat)
So much of what we are told about weight loss comes from misguided sources. And because new nutritional studies are always popping up, some of the beliefs we have about foods are outdated.
A reluctance to eat fat — foods that contain good, unsaturated fats like polyunsaturated and monounsaturated fats — is one of those fears that may actually be preventing us from burning fat.
“Many clients come to me and are terrified of eating avocados, nuts, hummus, and other healthy fats as they claim that the foods are ‘too fattening and caloric,’” Eliza Savage, MS, certified dietitian-nutritionist at Middleberg Nutrition in NYC told Reader’s Digest. “I explain that fat is digested slower than carbs and protein and will also help promote satiety. Full-fat dairy products, nuts, and plant-based fats promote weight loss, not inhibit it.”
Banana, Avocado, And Walnut Smoothie
This banana, avocado, and walnut smoothie is filled with fat — and that’s a good thing. Boasting heart-healthy omega-3 fatty acids and plenty of protein, selenium, vitamin E, and potassium, it provides the fat-burning fuel that will help you make the most of your morning workout and increase your body’s fat-burning potential.
Another important nutrient that increases fat burning? Fiber.
“Having a diet high in fiber is an incredible way to lose weight,” Registered Dietitian Brooke Zigler told Reader’s Digest. “Fiber helps keeps you fuller longer, which can help control weight. It also keeps your digestive system regular, preventing constipation.”
This apple and nut smoothie combines good fats and fiber for a healthy and filling morning beverage.
A Fruit Smoothie With Whole Milk
Unless you are lactose intolerant, new studies are showing that whole milk is a better option in smoothies than skim or low-fat milk when it comes to fat burning. This recipe requires just five ingredients — feel free to substitute low-fat milk for whole milk.
Ingredients:
Milk
Sliced Frozen Peaches
Frozen Strawberries
Orange Juice
Honey
