Foods That Create Belly Fat

Jorge Cruise, author of the book, The Belly Fat Cure, explains that belly fat is not only unattractive, but high amounts of it can cause fatigue, sleep apnea and hormonal disturbances. Belly fat is also more dangerous than fat located elsewhere due to its proximity to the heart and other organs. Losing these extra pounds around the midsection is possible by avoiding certain foods and replacing them with healthier options.

Trans Fats

Although many people have heard of trans fats, few people understand the danger of this type of fat. The injection of an extra hydrogen atom in common oils causes food to be tastier, but far more debilitating to the body than other fats. Jack Chellam cites a Wake Forest University study illustrating this point in his book, Stop Prediabetes Now: Monkeys gained 30 percent more belly fat by ingesting trans fats than other monkeys that consumed olive oil.

To eliminate trans fats from your diet, avoid packaged fried foods like turnovers and donuts. Pizza crusts, cookies, margarine and other foods are also high in trans fats. Read the nutritional label and avoid anything marked, partially hydrogenated.

Simple Carbs

Sugar, and consequently carbohydrates, cause insulin to spike. The body processes this reaction as a need to store fat. Therefore, avoid sugary foods that offer few nutrients. Such foods include candy, soda, white bread and potato chips.

Although fruit contains simple carbs, it also contains beneficial nutrients like fiber, vitamins and antioxidants. Nutrient-rich foods curtail the appetite whereas nutrient-deficient foods, like the simple carbs listed above, signal the body to keep eating. For a sugar fix, grab a piece of fruit.

Alcohol

in his book, The Belly Off! Diet, Jeff Csatari suggests avoiding alcohol as a way to get rid of belly fat. Sugary drinks like margaritas, daiquiris and even beer are loaded with sugar and empty calories. Alcohol is a quick way to pack the pounds without realizing it: Just one 12-oz. margarita can contain 25 to 30 percent of your daily recommended calorie intake.

Fast Foods

With the exception of a few grilled entrees and salads with low-calorie dressing, most fast food options are a stomachs worst nightmare. Most restaurants load their french fries and onion rings with trans fats, and hamburgers dripping with sauce are packed with calories and cholesterol. The sodas and seemingly-healthy lemonade are high in sugar.

Opt for sandwiches with no mayonnaise at healthier chains like Subway or Quiznos. Better yet, pack your lunch and make a sandwich using lean turkey or vegetable patties. Bring broth-based soups and snack on air-popped popcorn instead of potato chips.

Creamy Foods

Though heavenly to the taste buds, many creamy foods wreak havoc on the waistline. Foods made from cream, like ice cream, gravies and salad dressings are high in calories. Additionally, cream is high in saturated fats and cholesterol. Examples of such fattening foods are macaroni and cheese, cheesecake, mousse, Alfredo, quiche, cream pies and cream soups.