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Make 2018 the year you naturally shrink belly fat and feel better about your health — without depriving yourself of delicious, nutritious foods. These eight protein-rich foods are natural, low in sugar and carbohydrates, and are so versatile they can be incorporated into your daily diet with no problem.
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Almonds
All nuts are great for your health, but almonds stand out as one of the lowest-calorie nuts. They contain a wealth of calcium, vitamin E, protein, fiber, and monosaturated fiber. And the energy they'll provide is far more sustaining than carb-heavy breads, crackers, or chips. Sprinkle a handful of almonds into your breakfast oatmeal or chicken and rice dinner and reap major benefits.
Beans
Beans contain fiber, protein, and iron and it takes just a few to fill you up and suppress your appetite. They're low in calories, fat, and carbohydrates and can be used in a variety of ways — whip up a bean soup or heat up a side of black beans seasoned with metabolism-boosting chili powder.
Oats
Starting your day with a warm bowl of steel-cut oats can actually lower your risk of heart disease, type 2 diabetes, and high blood pressure. But it's also an incredible food for belly fat — one that's high in fiber, protein, and minerals and will provide long-lasting energy without causing your blood sugar levels to spike.
Eggs
There's a legit reason why eggs are one of the top ingredients on every low-carb diet list. One egg has just 75 calories and no carbs, but is packed with protein, vitamins, and minerals like iron and choline. Choosing omega-3 rich eggs has the aded benefit of reducting triglycerides in the blood, which can lower your risk of heart disease.
Quinoa
The next time you crave rice with your meal, consider swapping a carb-heavy food with quinoa, which has more fiber and protein than brown rice and is an excellent source of vitamin B6, copper, magnesium, folate, and more. Thanks to its nutritional value, quinoa is even more filling than rice and will keep your tummy satisfied for longer.
Salmon
You may feel like you're listening to a broken record, but all of the hype surrounding salmon and its nutritional benefits is true. Choose wild salmon, which is filled with omega-3 fatty acids, protein, and all of the B vitamins. Aim to incorporate fatty fish like salmon, mackarel, and sardines into your meal plan at least two to three times a week for major health and weight loss benefits.
Spinach
It's always a good idea to eat more veggies, but if you're on the fence about which to whip up at a moment's notice, spinach is among the healthiest. Spinach is loaded with vitamins K, A, C, E, and fiber, niacin, zinc, and protein.
Greek Yogurt
Counter the "bad" bacteria in your gut with good bacteria found in Greek yogurt, which has probiotics, calcium, potassium, zinc, protein, and vitamins B6 and B12. Unlike thinner, traditional yogurts, Greek yogurt contains little added sugar, few carbs, and a lot more protein to keep you full for longer.
