Reluctant to slog it out in the gym to achieve weight loss results?
Thankfully, abs really are made in the kitchen.
You can tone your tummy by incorporating fat-burning foods into your diet.
Here’s what you should be eating to see the best results.
Five foods that will help you to torch belly fat, according to science:
1. Whey protein
The food can suppress appetite as it releases hormones that keep you feeling fuller for longer, including PYY and GLP-1.
A study published in the NCBI measured the affect of whey protein on 22 men.
It found that these participants had less cravings and therefore consumed less calories as mealtimes.
Further research was carried out by Radavelli-Bagatini of Edith Cowan University.
It showed that the supplement can boost fat burning potential of those who are both lean and overweight.
SPICE UP YOUR LIFE: Eating chillis could help to speed up your metabolism (Pic: GETTY)
2. Chilli peppers
Spicy foods have been found to boost metabolism by up to 20%.
Chillis also contain capsaicin, a compound that aids weight loss and improves heart health.
A study published in the NCBI found that the peppers encourage the body to use up energy – and therefore, fat.
It noted: “Meta-analysis findings suggest that daily consumption of capsaicinoids may contribute to weight management through reductions in energy intake.
“Subsequently, there may be potential for capsaicinoids to be used as long-term, natural weight-loss aids.”
THE ROOT TO SUCCESS: Ginger helps the body to burn fat (Pic: GETTY)
3. Ginger
A study published in UK National Library of Medicine found that ginger promotes feelings of fullness.
Researchers tracked the impact of the spice on a group of overweight men.
Participants reported feeling more satiated, leading to them eating less and losing more weight.
This theory is backed by researchers at China Agricultural University.
Scientists collected data from 60 different studies to see how ginger affects the body.
It’s believed that the superfood aids carbohydrate digestion, fat-burning and insulin regulation.
They added that it “has built a consensus that ginger and its major constituents exert beneficial effects against obesity, diabetes, (cardiovascular diseases) and related disorders.”
GO COCO-NUTS: Coconut oil could also be beneficial in small quantities (Pic: GETTY)
4. Coconut oil
A study published in the NCBI listed the benefits of coconut oil.
Researchers found that the medium-chain fats in the product can boost metabolism.
It’s also believed that it encourages the body to burn calories instead of storing them in the body.
Scientists at Universiti Sains Malaysia tested this theory on 20 volunteers.
Participants consumed coconut oil daily for 12 weeks saw positive results.
The obese men lost an average of 1.1 inches from their waists without altering their diet or exercise regimes.
5. Papaya
The superfood is packed with vitamins C, E and other antioxidants.
It is also believed to help slimmers to achieve a flatter stomach.
A 100g serving contains just 43kcal, which is significantly less than crisps, chocolate or any other processed snacks.
A study published in the NCBI found that eating papaya helps to prevent bloating.
It’s likely that this is because it contains an enzyme called papain, which aids digestion.
