If you are on your health journey this year but have been struggling with that stubborn belly fat for a long time, you may benefit from some great advice from a dietician!
Of course, some softness around your middle is really not something to worry about as far as “aesthetics” are concerned but you should also know that carrying it for a long time can unfortunately lead to some serious health issues.
With that being said, whatever you do to get rid of it, do it for your health and not for the sake of fitting into any beauty standards as that can ultimately become detrimental to your mental health if you are not careful.
Abdominal fat, also known as visceral fat or “harmful” fat, sits around your internal organs, suffocating them in the long run.
Furthermore, because of its location, it can also lead to some serious health problems such as heart disease and type 2 diabetes.
It sounds scary if you think about it but thankfully, with some simple changes to your exercise routine and to your eating habits, you will definitely be able to lower your visceral fat levels in no time!
The First Time Mom’s Pregnancy Cookbook and Fueling Male Fertility author, Lauren Manaker, mentions one particular breakfast habit that can do wonders for anyone who deals with some belly fat and that is adding some protein to your first meal of the day!
She explains that “Whatever you’re eating for breakfast, just be sure to include some protein into your meal. From a full fledged cooked egg breakfast to a quick protein smoothie that’s sipped while on the go, protein is a nutrient that can really boost the satiety factor of your meals, ultimately just helping people eat less in the long run and even possibly combat their belly fat concerns.”
So how does a protein-rich breakfast help diminish visceral fat?
According to a lot of research on this topic, diets rich in protein can help with the overall weight loss process.
For instance, a study by Nutrition, Metabolism, and Cardiovascular Diseases showed that participants who were already obese or overweight, were able to lower their cholesterol levels by simply following a diet high in protein for a limited period of time.
Another thing proven by the same study was that people who have a higher risk of cardiovascular disease are able to achieve more weight loss success by following diets higher in protein as well.
Another similar study, this time from Nutrition & Metabolism, showed that there is a strong connection between quantity and quality of protein consumption and reducing abdominal fat.
The researchers involved in this second study stress just how important these findings are, due to the fact that abdominal fat “is a strong independent marker for disease and mortality.”
Breakfasts high in protein.
Now that you know all the science behind the importance of incorporating more protein into your diet and especially for the first meal of the day, you may wonder how to get it!
With that being said, here are some great ideas of protein-rich breakfast foods that are not only healthy but are also delicious!
Of course, eggs are the easiest way you can get more protein into your diet and the good news is that they are arguably the most versatile food ever so you can prepare them in many different ways without getting bored of eating the same thing!
Lean meat is also a great source of protein so don’t hesitate to eat it for breakfast!
Furthermore, if are a really busy person or simply prefer drinking your breakfast, get yourself some protein powder and make some delicious smoothies!
Finally, a high protein yogurt with low sugar can also be an alternative. Just take your pick!