Ways to Eat Healthy & Lose Belly Fat

Losing extra fat in the belly area has as much to do with eating and weight loss as it does with exercise and toning. By consuming a diet full of fresh, whole foods and reducing your intake of high-calorie processed foods, you can improve your success for losing belly fat. Eating right will help you lose weight while the appropriate amount of nutrients will keep you energized for physical activity.

Reduce Processed Foods

• Most of the unnecessary calories, sugar and fat people consume come from processed, packaged foods. Snack cakes, crackers and cookies can all be culprits which keep you from losing unwanted weight. Even if these foods are labeled "light" or "diet" they still contain additives and excess calories.

  Take a look at your current eating patterns and start making smart, healthy substitutions for these foods. Include whole fruits, vegetables, nuts and whole grain breads for snacks. Put together a filling smoothie with soy or cow's milk or yogurt, and fresh or frozen fruit. Enjoy some high-quality cheese with a few grapes.

  Even homemade desserts from scratch are a better choice than packaged foods which often contain additives and preservatives. Make a homemade version of your favorite cookies and enjoy one when you get a craving.

Rethink Your Meals

• When planning your meals, think about splitting your plate into three parts. Half of the plate should be full of fruits and veggies. This can be in the form of a green salad or squash sautéed in olive oil with basil. The other half of the plate should be split between a protein source and a grain. Enjoy a piece of salmon, a chicken breast or grilled tofu. A healthy grain choice would include a whole wheat roll, a wheat berry salad or quinoa.

Fuel Your Body for Exercise

• Include snacks throughout the day to keep your body fueled. If you eat lunch and then plan to exercise after work, eat a snack about 3 p.m. This will give your body the energy it needs to exercise. The more energized you feel and the harder you can work, the more calories you will burn to help you lose belly fat. Choose a snack like an apple with some cheese, or half of a whole grain bagel and a glass of low-fat milk.

  Experiment with what works best for you before a workout. Foods like peanut butter, nuts and seeds are ideal for some, but others may not respond well to the fat in these foods before exercise. Eat whatever healthy foods work best for you.