Did you know that even a few extra inches around your tummy might signify a build-up fat and plaque in your precious arteries?
Let’s face it — belly fat is both unattractive and unhealthy. People who have more of an apple shape have an increased risk of heart disease and cancer, even if they are at a normal weight.
Fortunately, losing just 5% of your body weight could drastically reduce your odds of developing cancer and heart disease without shuddering at the thought of dieting.
Here’s the good news! You probably already know that in season foods are more affordable, fresher, and packed with flavor and nutrition.
They are high in filling fiber and loaded with compounds to make dropping winter weight easier.
Want to try it yourself? If you’ve put on a few extra pounds over the winter, try these foods to help take it off.
CURB YOUR SUGAR CRAVINGS WITHOUT GUILT
– Mix Greek yogurt with raw honey and a sliced banana. This is a win-win situation. They’ll help you sleep better and promote your heart health.
– Chocolate. It’s not just for dessert anymore. Raw, unprocessed cacao powder can be mixed into nearly anything. Try this: Blend into smoothies, oatmeal, or pancake batter. Add to chili for a rich flavor. And of course, it’s still fantastic in frozen dessert treats.
– Lean turkey and granny smith apples are an intriguing, sweet sandwich pairing.
SNACK WHENEVER YOU WANT
– Air popped popcorn is great bedtime snack. It’s dirty cheap and has tons of heart-healthy fiber. Add a tbsp. of Parmesan and olive oil to boost its antioxidant load and make a tasty low-calorie snack.
– Pumpkin seeds are a low-fat, mineral rich alternative to almonds that possess antifungal and antiviral compounds. While low in fat, pumpkin seeds are still calorie dense, so a little goes a long way.
– Take a slice of toasted sourdough bread, slather it with natural peanut butter, and top with sliced banana and a drizzle of melted dark chocolate (80% cocoa). This is our favorite daily snack to trick our sweet tooth.
Try this: Add to granola, hot cereal, yogurt, salad, or stir fry.
‘ALL YOU CAN EAT’ SALAD DRESSING
While considered a winter food, fennel is still in season in early spring. Fennel tastes a little like licorice and is loaded with antioxidant phytonutrients known to bring down inflammation.
Try this: Mix sweet apples, fennel, and crunchy endive to make a bright, light salad, which is a lovely side dish for lunch or dinner. And then dress it with this healthy salad dressing.
- Fill 1/3 of your salad dressing container with balsamic wine vinegar
- Fill 1/3 of your salad dressing container with apple cider vinegar
- Fill 1/3 of your salad dressing container with extra virgin olive oil
- Add 2 Tsp. of real maple syrup or raw honey
- Add a touch of dried onion and garlic
- Add black pepper
Shake in your salad dressing container to combine all ingredients well.
