"Belly Fat" Foods: Calories Still Count!

I'm doing a blog on an area that is quite "hot" in the weight loss department: Foods that promise to "banish belly fat." Boy, does that sound great or what?

As many of you know from reading this blog, if it sounds too good to be true, it probably is. This idea has a basis in real science, and here it is: When people consumed a calorie-controlled (key word here!) diet plan and included foods with MUFA (a kind of heart healthy fat, Mono Unsaturated Fatty Acids), they had a better rate of weight loss with these foods added. These foods include, avocados, nuts, olives, and olive oil. But, they did not have these foods in unlimited amounts! While these can be part of a weight loss plan, proceed with caution! These foods contain high numbers of calories, for even modest amounts.

I'd love to hear your thoughts on this highly controversial topic!

When it comes to weight loss, there's no such thing as a "free lunch." Calories in, and calories out are what counts. And "belly fat" is a relative term. For so many, we can be "apple" or "pear" shaped, and we all have fat in our midsection. Also, be aware that losing weight will reduce the fat around your middle, but if the muscle tone underneath isn't worked on (as in no exercise), you'll still wind up with a flabby middle! As we all know, both eating and activity are the keys to modifying belly fat.

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So, enjoy a few slices of avocado in your salad, or a small handful of nuts as a snack, and a drizzle of olive oil on your salad or to saute some chicken. Just remember to count those calories in your daily plan. Just because they're healthy foods doesn't mean your body doesn't register the calories! If weight loss is you goal (and not just healthy eating), the portions matter. If you're not concerned with your weight (or need to gain), then these foods are a great healthful choice, and you don't have to worry much about the amounts.