Shrink Fat Eating These 5 Foods, Says Celebrity Nutritionist

Contrary to what you may think, celebrities don’t starve themselves to lose weight and achieve fantastic figures. In fact, most of them maintain they use food as fuel, and simply know the right things to eat to stay in shape. So, what do they consume to blast fat? Serena Poon, certified nutritionist and celebrity chef, whose job it is to advise A-listers on what to eat, reveals five of the best foods to eat to melt fat away. Read on to see 5 foods that help shrink fat—and to get beach-ready yourself, don't miss these essential 30 Best-Ever Celebrity Bathing Suit Photos!

1. Drink Water

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Staying hydrated is an important component for overall health, maintains Poon. “Drinking a lot of water helps support healthy digestion and also combats belly bloating,” she points out. “There is also research that suggests that drinking water can help increase your body’s resting energy.” And, drinking water is only one component to hydration. “Try to limit alcohol intake as well. Alcohol is composed of empty calories and your liver will digest alcohol in the place of fat for energy, which is a cause of the infamous beer or wine belly,” she says.

2. Fill Up with Fiber

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Eating a diet that is rich in fiber can help your digestion run smoothly and protect you against belly bloating and weight gain, explains Poon. “Foods that are high in fiber help you feel fuller for longer, thus decreasing your overall calorie consumption,” she says. “Many fiber-rich foods also serve as probiotics, fueling the prebiotics that support a healthy gut microbiome.” She suggests fueling up on raw vegetables and fruit, beans, legumes and whole grains, “all wonderful foods that will supply a healthy dose of fiber.”

3. Provide Your Gut with Probiotics

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Gut health is important for a variety of reasons, including weight gain. ”Inside of your digestive system there is an ecosystem of bacteria that greatly impacts your overall health, including your waistline,” Poon explains. Eating foods that contain probiotics such as kefir, kombucha, sauerkraut and kimchi or taking high quality prebiotics and probiotics can help you keep this delicate microbiome healthy. “Not only does a healthy gut microbiome support digestive, immune and mental health, research is finding that gut health is directly tied to body fat.”

4. Load Up on Leafy Greens

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If you are experiencing an extended belly, you might actually be suffering from belly bloating caused by water retention, Poon points out. “Eating foods that are high in potassium and magnesium, such as spinach and leafy greens can help balance your body’s sodium levels and decrease bloating,” she says.

5. Add Vitamin Rich Foods and Supplements

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Vitamins and nutrients need to be considered in terms of your diet. “Foods and supplements that contain vitamins B6, B12, C, D, E, and folate are all proven to support a healthy metabolism,” says Poon. “I would recommend turning to fresh, wholesome foods containing these nutrients first and checking with a nutritionist on your vitamins and minerals before beginning a supplement program. Always reach for high-quality, third-party tested supplements.”

6. Sometimes, It Isn’t About Food

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Poon also emphasizes that it’s not always what you are eating that is responsible for your waistline. “Beyond overall weight loss, it is possible that your belly fat is an indication of a deeper problem,” she says. “You might simply be bloated, or you could be experiencing an imbalance in your hormones or gut microbiome. People who are experiencing high levels of stress and sleep deprivation also tend to have a more challenging time losing weight.” If problems persist, you should contact your health practitioner.