Stock Your Refrigerator to Support Your Belly Fat Diet Plan

By Erin Palinski-Wade from Belly Fat Diet For Dummies

To stick with your belly fat diet plan and achieve your goal of losing weight, you can stock up on perishable food items so you can always pull together a quick meal when the need strikes. Here are some perishable staples that can keep you full without expanding your waistline:

Whole eggs and liquid egg whites: Whether you eat them alone or add them to recipes, eggs are a fantastic source of complete protein. Liquid egg whites are a great source of low-calorie protein, helping you feel satisfied throughout the day. Having an egg or egg whites for breakfast can also help to fight belly fat. Research has shown that people who eat quality protein for breakfast tend to eat fewer calories overall throughout the day, promoting a healthy body weight.
Avocado: This fruit is a fantastic source of healthy, monounsaturated fat. Multiple studies have found that a diet rich in monounsaturated fats, when compared to a diet high in saturated fats with the same number of calories, helped prevent belly fat from accumulating. So stock up on this easy source of good fats and add some to sandwiches and salads. Or consider making some fresh guacamole (just hold the side of salty tortilla chips!).
Banana: Not only are bananas a great source of filling fiber, but they also contain a high amount of potassium, which helps your body shed excess water weight (which can make your belly look and feel bloated).
Yogurt: Choose fat-free or low-fat varieties of yogurt without added sugar. Rich in filling protein, yogurt also contains live active cultures, which help aid in digestion and reduce constipation (thus helping prevent belly bloat).

To help cut down on meal preparation time, having frozen precooked options on hand can be a great way to help you stay on track with your Belly Fat Diet plan. Frozen fruits, vegetables, and meats can be a great way to keep these perishable items on hand longer, cutting down on trips to the grocery store. Here are some of the most common (and healthiest) frozen options to consider:

Precooked chicken breasts: Chicken is so versatile it can be added to hundreds of meals and recipes. However, instead of purchasing precooked frozen chicken at the store, which tends to be high in sodium and other additives, make your own. (Making your own is also a lot cheaper!). Buy skinless, boneless white meat chicken, cook it in a small amount of oil and seasonings and then freeze it. Whenever you need a quick meal option, you can take the chicken out of the freezer, microwave it, and add it to salads, wraps, or any recipe that calls for chicken. Having precooked chicken in your freezer section is a great way to cut down on your food preparation time.
Frozen berries: Berries, including raspberries, strawberries, and blueberries, are a fantastic source of disease-fighting antioxidants. In fact, a recent study found that rats fed a diet high in blueberries had a decrease in abdominal fat and a lower risk for metabolic syndrome. When berries are out of season, you may find it difficult to eat enough berries because they aren’t as easy to find (without paying an arm and a leg). Instead, pick up bags of frozen, organic varieties. They can be added to smoothies, cereals, and recipes. They can even be eaten straight from the bag as a delicious frozen treat!
Frozen green vegetables: You have a busy life with a hectic schedule that can make getting to the store to stock up on fresh vegetables every two to three days a challenge. The good news is that frozen green vegetables, such as frozen broccoli, spinach, and okra, can be just as rich in nutrients and fiber as the fresh varieties. But the best part is that the shelf life is much longer. Keep frozen green veggies on hand at all times so that when you run out of fresh vegetables, you still have options available.
Edamame: Edamame, or young soybeans, are usually found in a pod. Because they’re young and green when harvested, they’re soft and edible compared to mature soy beans, which are dry and hard. Rich in lean protein and fiber, edamame is delicious steamed, tossed in a salad, or even added to a pasta dish.