Battle of the Bulge

Nothing reminds you of how tough it can be to lose weight than when your belly fat won’t budge. Top off your grocery list with a few of these fat-fighting foods.

Carrying excess weight around your waist isn’t just uncomfortable, it’s unhealthy. Belly fat can lead to Type 2 diabetes, heart disease, high blood pressure, high cholesterol and hormone imbalance. As estrogen levels decrease with menopause, your body shifts its fat-storing locations, placing more in your middle. Even if you look thin, excess belly fat puts you at risk.

A diet that includes these foods can help you fight belly fat.

• Fiber: Fresh fruit (apples, bananas, pears, oranges), beans, Brussels sprouts, chia seeds, lentils, oats, potatoes, chickpeas
• Lean protein: Chicken breast, eggs, cod, salmon, tuna, black beans, peanut butter, low-fat or nonfat dairy
• Monounsaturated fats: Avocados, nuts, oils (canola, olive, sesame, sunflower), seeds (sunflower, sesame, pumpkin)
• Probiotics: Low-fat and low-sugar yogurts

Other Tips

• Eat fewer simple carbs and processed foods
• Practice portion control by using a smaller plate
• Get at least 150 minutes of exercise, including strength training, every week