6 Ways Bananas Melt Belly Fat, Say Dietitians | Eat This Not That – Eat This, Not That
When the time comes to get in shape and burn off some stomach fat, picking the right foods to incorporate into your weight loss regimen proves crucial. Even if an item appears healthy on the surface, it might hold some nutritional secrets that hamper weight loss around your midsection. When you have to devise a new weekly menu designed to burn fat, bananas are one of the best foods to melt belly fat fast.
According to the Mayo Clinic, we have a ton of reasons to love bananas, especially when we need to diet. The fruit has a lower GI impact than many other fruits, provides a solid amount of fiber to keep us feeling full, and serves up the perfect cocktail of vitamins and minerals with virtually no fat. This fruit really shines when you need to shed some weight off your midsection, and knowing exactly how they affect your body helps us form the perfect attack strategy to melt belly fat.
To get the lowdown on how bananas help us shave off some unwanted midsection poundage, we talked to a handful of dietitians and medical experts to learn exactly what happens when we incorporate bananas into your daily eating plan. Read on to learn how bananas can help melt stubborn belly fat you've been wanting to get rid of, and for even more healthy weight loss tips, be sure to check out our list of 15 Underrated Weight Loss Tips That Actually Work.
When you need to start watching your weight and burn off some belly fat, getting your internal flora balanced can start the entire weight loss journey off right. Bananas do just that by helping introduce good bacteria to our stomachs and getting our bodies prepared to lose some weight.
"Bananas are high in prebiotic fibers and have been shown to increase the number [of] bifidobacteria in the gut," says Kate Netz, RDN, LD. "Research shows that healthy levels of bifidobacteria can aid in weight loss and improve metabolic health."
For more insight into this underrated fruit, make sure to check out 17 Amazing Things That Happen to Your Body When You Eat Bananas.
"When you work or live in a stressful environment, which is now the case of most Americans, your cortisol levels are high, which makes you crave sugar-dense food," says Dr. Sandra El Hajj. "This is one of the main reasons why people start gaining weight and eating uncontrollably sweets and candies. Bananas help prevent these cravings by first offering the body high Magnesium levels that can help control your stress levels as well as make you feel full."
To learn more about how to avoid cravings when dieting, check out What Your Cravings Say About YouAnd How To Crush Them.
Everyone has heard some extra fiber in our lives can help us shed pounds, and thanks to banana's particularly high fiber count, we can feel full and avoid overeating.
"Bananas are an excellent source of fiber, and each banana contains a high amount compared with the number of calories," says Dr. Don Grant."Fiber takes a long time for the body to suggest, which can help you to feel full for longer. By including a lot of fiber in your diet it will stop you from feeling hungry and reduce the amount that you're eating."
Get even more healthy tips straight to your inbox by signing up for our newsletter!
You may have heard that a banana's sugar content can do some damage, especially when you need to cut excess carbs out of your diet. While bananas do contain some sugar, they also help improve your insulin sensitivity in dieters who don't have diabetes, making it a great deterrent to the disease while helping us achieve the nutritional balance we need to shed belly fat.
"Bananas improve insulin sensitivity, which helps the body process glucose more efficiently, thereby reducing weight," says Trista Best, RD for Balance One Supplements. "Bananas are an excellent source of resistant starch, which has a positive impact on insulin resistance."
Nothing can work stomach fat off like the proper set of physical exercises, but if we don't supply our body with what it needs, our efforts could be for nothing. Thanks to bananas, we get the proper nutrition to keep our workout regimens moving and balanced, ensuring some real results.
"Your workouts may be more efficient due to fewer muscle cramps as well," says Best. "Muscle cramps can be associated with an electrolyte imbalance, especially from potassium, and bananas are packed with this nutrient."
While yellow bananas provide certain benefits, unripe bananas should really stand in the spotlight as you work on flattening your stomach.
"Unripe bananas are high in resistant starch and low sugar," Dr. Madathupalayam Madhankumar said. "This starch is resistant to [digestion] and acts like fiber. It will reduce the absorption of sugar as well. Thus it helps with weight loss."
"The greener the banana, the higher its resistant starch content (it turns into simple sugars as it ripes)," Silvia Carli, RD added. "Resistant starches help control carbohydrates metabolism improving blood sugar control and contribute to digestive health as they feed the gut bacteria in our gut. You may also want to know that green bananas can be pretty bitter and are definitely less sweet. Both green and ripe bananas contain the same amount of vitamins and minerals."
Here are some Surprising Side Effects Bananas Have On Your Immune System, Says Science.
See the article here:
6 Ways Bananas Melt Belly Fat, Say Dietitians | Eat This Not That - Eat This, Not That
- Cindy Crawford: 'In the '90s People Thought a Big Bowl of Pasta Was Low-Calorie' [Last Updated On: October 11th, 2014] [Originally Added On: October 11th, 2014]
- In 1990s people thought pasta was low-calorie: Cindy Crawford [Last Updated On: October 11th, 2014] [Originally Added On: October 11th, 2014]
- Healthy Weight Loss & Dieting Tips: How to Lose Weight and ... [Last Updated On: October 11th, 2014] [Originally Added On: October 11th, 2014]
- Dieting - Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia [Last Updated On: October 11th, 2014] [Originally Added On: October 11th, 2014]
- Cutting with Elliot: Full Day of Flexible Dieting IN COLLEGE - REFEED EDITION - IIFYM - Ep.16 - Video [Last Updated On: October 11th, 2014] [Originally Added On: October 11th, 2014]
- DO YOU JUDGE YOURSELF IF YOU'RE NOT DIETING? - Video [Last Updated On: October 11th, 2014] [Originally Added On: October 11th, 2014]
- Flexible Dieting Q and A - Part 1 - Video [Last Updated On: October 11th, 2014] [Originally Added On: October 11th, 2014]
- Elliot Fitnes Q&A - Reverse Dieting, Future Goals, and Competing? - Video [Last Updated On: October 11th, 2014] [Originally Added On: October 11th, 2014]
- Why Can't I Lose Weight Eating Healthy: Healthy Dieting May Slow Weight Loss - Video [Last Updated On: October 11th, 2014] [Originally Added On: October 11th, 2014]
- Dieting - Ep. 19 | As We Proceed - Video [Last Updated On: October 11th, 2014] [Originally Added On: October 11th, 2014]
- The Deal With Diets - KidsHealth [Last Updated On: October 13th, 2014] [Originally Added On: October 13th, 2014]
- Post Competition Dieting - Video [Last Updated On: October 13th, 2014] [Originally Added On: October 13th, 2014]
- Why dieting doesnt work [Last Updated On: October 14th, 2014] [Originally Added On: October 14th, 2014]
- Crash dieting IS the best way to loose weight, say experts [Last Updated On: October 15th, 2014] [Originally Added On: October 15th, 2014]
- Crash-dieting more effective that gradual weight loss, study suggests [Last Updated On: October 16th, 2014] [Originally Added On: October 16th, 2014]
- Losing weight quickly is just as good (or bad) as losing it gradually [Last Updated On: October 16th, 2014] [Originally Added On: October 16th, 2014]
- Crash-dieting more effective than gradual weight loss, study suggests [Last Updated On: October 16th, 2014] [Originally Added On: October 16th, 2014]
- The Geordie Motivator on Dieting - Video [Last Updated On: October 16th, 2014] [Originally Added On: October 16th, 2014]
- SAVING YOUR DIETING MACRO'S TO EAT JUNK FOOD & CRAP: IFBB BIKINI PRO - Video [Last Updated On: October 18th, 2014] [Originally Added On: October 18th, 2014]
- HOW TO MAKE DIETING EASIER - Video [Last Updated On: October 19th, 2014] [Originally Added On: October 19th, 2014]
- Flexible Dieting Q and A - Part 2 - Video [Last Updated On: October 19th, 2014] [Originally Added On: October 19th, 2014]
- Calories VS. Food Volume - The Secret To Successful Dieting - Video [Last Updated On: October 20th, 2014] [Originally Added On: October 20th, 2014]
- How to Stop Yo-Yo Dieting For Good - Video [Last Updated On: October 20th, 2014] [Originally Added On: October 20th, 2014]
- Dieting How to Do an Isagenix Shake Day - Video [Last Updated On: October 21st, 2014] [Originally Added On: October 21st, 2014]
- Donna Noble ~ "But I've been dieting" (HUMOUR) - Video [Last Updated On: October 21st, 2014] [Originally Added On: October 21st, 2014]
- Q&A with Sohee episode 2: revelations with flexible dieting - Video [Last Updated On: October 22nd, 2014] [Originally Added On: October 22nd, 2014]
- Dieting For People Who FEEL Too much - Video [Last Updated On: October 23rd, 2014] [Originally Added On: October 23rd, 2014]
- IIFYM Day of Eating Ep5 Chili Cheese Fries, 1400 calories, flexible dieting - Video [Last Updated On: October 23rd, 2014] [Originally Added On: October 23rd, 2014]
- Dr. Oz Show Schedule 10/22/2014: Ending Yo-Yo Dieting Weight Loss Traps - Video [Last Updated On: October 25th, 2014] [Originally Added On: October 25th, 2014]
- Does Flexible Dieting Work? IFBB Pro opinion - Video [Last Updated On: October 27th, 2014] [Originally Added On: October 27th, 2014]
- Full Day Of Eating IIFYM Flexible Dieting - Video [Last Updated On: October 29th, 2014] [Originally Added On: October 29th, 2014]
- Common Sense Dieting Tip! - Video [Last Updated On: October 31st, 2014] [Originally Added On: October 31st, 2014]
- Flexible dieting Grocery shopping run - Video [Last Updated On: November 2nd, 2014] [Originally Added On: November 2nd, 2014]
- Dieting Tips: Avoid This #1 Mistake If You Want To Lose Weight - Video [Last Updated On: November 3rd, 2014] [Originally Added On: November 3rd, 2014]
- Most important item to have while dieting - Video [Last Updated On: November 3rd, 2014] [Originally Added On: November 3rd, 2014]
- No Dieting Thanksgiving Day 2014 Metro Detroit Boot Camp Burns Thousands of Calories Eat Anything - Video [Last Updated On: November 4th, 2014] [Originally Added On: November 4th, 2014]
- IceCream4PRs Podcast 2 - Donuts, Post-Show Feels, Reverse Dieting - Video [Last Updated On: November 4th, 2014] [Originally Added On: November 4th, 2014]
- Liposuction. Take off what dieting wont! - Video [Last Updated On: November 4th, 2014] [Originally Added On: November 4th, 2014]
- Cutting with Elliot: Full Day of Flexible Dieting Ep. 19 IIFYM (Natural Teen Bodybuilding College) - Video [Last Updated On: November 5th, 2014] [Originally Added On: November 5th, 2014]
- Here I will teach you how to pronounce 'dieting' with Zira.mp4 - Video [Last Updated On: November 5th, 2014] [Originally Added On: November 5th, 2014]
- Interview with Sohee Lee on metabolic adaptation, reverse dieting, and more... - Video [Last Updated On: November 7th, 2014] [Originally Added On: November 7th, 2014]
- Full Day of Flexible Dieting IIFYM IN COLLEGE Ep.20 (Being Basic) - Video [Last Updated On: November 9th, 2014] [Originally Added On: November 9th, 2014]
- Reverse Dieting: Tips & IIFYM Grocery Pickups - Video [Last Updated On: November 10th, 2014] [Originally Added On: November 10th, 2014]
- Kevin Van Voris-Full day of Flexible Dieting #2 - Video [Last Updated On: November 10th, 2014] [Originally Added On: November 10th, 2014]
- Full Day of IIFYM #17 Reverse Dieting - Video [Last Updated On: November 11th, 2014] [Originally Added On: November 11th, 2014]
- How To Balance Dieting and Social Life | FitnGeeky QnA - Video [Last Updated On: November 11th, 2014] [Originally Added On: November 11th, 2014]
- Lets Play the Sims 4 [Part 23]- Dieting - Video [Last Updated On: November 11th, 2014] [Originally Added On: November 11th, 2014]
- Drew Barrymore Has No Interest in Dieting - Video [Last Updated On: November 12th, 2014] [Originally Added On: November 12th, 2014]
- Full Day Of Eating IIFYM Flexible Dieting 2 - Video [Last Updated On: November 12th, 2014] [Originally Added On: November 12th, 2014]
- Top 10 Ways to Lose Weight Fast Without Dieting - Video [Last Updated On: November 14th, 2014] [Originally Added On: November 14th, 2014]
- Dieting just got easier - Video [Last Updated On: November 16th, 2014] [Originally Added On: November 16th, 2014]
- Almost a Full Day of Flexible Dieting - Video [Last Updated On: November 17th, 2014] [Originally Added On: November 17th, 2014]
- Post Bodybuilding Contest: Reverse Dieting - Video [Last Updated On: November 18th, 2014] [Originally Added On: November 18th, 2014]
- Cutting with Elliot - Full Day of Flexible Dieting IIFYM in College - Ep. 21 - Video [Last Updated On: November 19th, 2014] [Originally Added On: November 19th, 2014]
- Exercise and Dieting - Video [Last Updated On: November 19th, 2014] [Originally Added On: November 19th, 2014]
- IIFYM/ Flexible dieting/ IF Day Of Eating EP.1 - Video [Last Updated On: November 19th, 2014] [Originally Added On: November 19th, 2014]
- Ogus Chat #1 (Reverse Dieting Controversy, Competing, Etc) - Video [Last Updated On: November 19th, 2014] [Originally Added On: November 19th, 2014]
- Healthy Living Looks at Dieting for Diabetics - Video [Last Updated On: November 21st, 2014] [Originally Added On: November 21st, 2014]
- OpenLine: Holiday Dieting - Video [Last Updated On: November 21st, 2014] [Originally Added On: November 21st, 2014]
- High Fat, High Protein, Medium Carb Bodybuilding Meal Example While Dieting - Video [Last Updated On: November 22nd, 2014] [Originally Added On: November 22nd, 2014]
- The 'Weight Loss' Goal is a Dieting Thing - Gain Health & Fitness VS Lose Weight - Video [Last Updated On: November 22nd, 2014] [Originally Added On: November 22nd, 2014]
- Dieting Websites Let You Make a Healthy Wager on Your Weight Los - Video [Last Updated On: November 23rd, 2014] [Originally Added On: November 23rd, 2014]
- Q&A Part 4: Flexible dieting tips, lifting and cardio, and female training - Video [Last Updated On: November 24th, 2014] [Originally Added On: November 24th, 2014]
- The "Dark Side" of Dieting and Fitness Modelling - Video [Last Updated On: November 25th, 2014] [Originally Added On: November 25th, 2014]
- IIFYM Day of Eating - Flexible Dieting - Day 9 - Video [Last Updated On: November 26th, 2014] [Originally Added On: November 26th, 2014]
- Peter Brooks Does a Commercial for All in One XS Dieting Pills - Video [Last Updated On: November 26th, 2014] [Originally Added On: November 26th, 2014]
- Dieting Makes you FAT - Video [Last Updated On: November 27th, 2014] [Originally Added On: November 27th, 2014]
- Fat Loss Transformation - Part 2 - Flexible Dieting - Video [Last Updated On: November 27th, 2014] [Originally Added On: November 27th, 2014]
- Is dieting necessary post weight loss surgery? CODS nutrition team answers - Video [Last Updated On: November 29th, 2014] [Originally Added On: November 29th, 2014]
- Holiday Detox and Dieting CHTV Episode 42 - Video [Last Updated On: December 1st, 2014] [Originally Added On: December 1st, 2014]
- Full day of eating 6 - IIFYM - Flexible eating/dieting? - Video [Last Updated On: December 2nd, 2014] [Originally Added On: December 2nd, 2014]
- IIFYM - Full Day of Eating - - Flexible Dieting - Day 10 - Video [Last Updated On: December 2nd, 2014] [Originally Added On: December 2nd, 2014]
- Holidays are coming... with Macros & Flexible Dieting - Video [Last Updated On: December 2nd, 2014] [Originally Added On: December 2nd, 2014]
- Biology Documentary on Dieting - Video [Last Updated On: December 2nd, 2014] [Originally Added On: December 2nd, 2014]
- VLOGMAS DAY 2: Rebellious, Dieting, Netflix, Laundry - Video [Last Updated On: December 4th, 2014] [Originally Added On: December 4th, 2014]
- 2015-16 VENUSFACTOR LoseWeight Without Dieting Discover a Slimmer, Sexier, and Healthier You - Video [Last Updated On: December 4th, 2014] [Originally Added On: December 4th, 2014]
- Reverse Dieting Book Sohee Lee | Amazing Reverse Dieting Book Sohee Lee - Video [Last Updated On: December 6th, 2014] [Originally Added On: December 6th, 2014]
- She's DIEting the Gangster - Video [Last Updated On: December 6th, 2014] [Originally Added On: December 6th, 2014]
- The Uplift Movement Flexible Dieting - Video [Last Updated On: December 7th, 2014] [Originally Added On: December 7th, 2014]
- Dieting - with Jane Plan - Video [Last Updated On: December 9th, 2014] [Originally Added On: December 9th, 2014]