Flat-Belly Food For Summer

Summer can totally ruin a person's diet. All the weekend BBQs, family gatherings for the summer holidays and vacation splurges can really hinder your weight-loss efforts. Here are some essential summer foods that are considered bulge-battlers. The more you consume these foods, the better your chances of keeping those abs flat throughout this skin-baring season.

1. QUINOA:It's basically whole grains that contains twice the belly-filling protein as regular cereal grains, fewer glucose-raising carbohydrates, and even a handful of healthy fats.Penn State researchers found that dieters who ate whole-grains lost twice as much belly fat as those who stuck to white-flour products—even though they'd consumed the same number of calories. You can easily start your day off with a bowl of of cooked quinoa as an alternative to your traditional oatmeal.

2. GREEN TEA: A study by Japanese researchers found that participants who consumed 690 milligrams of catechins from green tea daily had significantly lower body mass indexes and smaller waist measurements than those in a control group. It's safe to say that green tea is one of the best beverages for your health, which is why it has become so popular!

3. AVOCADO: There are many rumors out there that avocados are fattening. Well, they are, but here's the good news: they are filled with healthy fat. It's teeming with healthy monounsaturated fats (also found in olive oil), which have been linked to lowered LDL cholesterol levels and weight loss. In fact, a recent study published in The New England Journal of Medicine found that the healthy-fat Mediterranean diet (that included loads of avocados) was more effective than a diet that avoided fats altogether—so go ahead and indulge!

4. Eggs: Usually a breakfast staple for many, eggs are packed with tons of protein. Boost your metabolism as soon as you wake up with a protein-rich breakfast of scrambled eggs.

5. Grapefruit: A grapefruit a day in addition to your regular meals can speed weight loss. The fruit's acidity slows digestion, meaning it takes longer to move through your system, and you'll end up feeling fuller, and more satisfied longer.