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.

Although there's a hundred trendy diets out there and products that promise miracle cures that "melt fat"—especially on celebrities' Instagram accounts—the following famous women have found techniques that help them shed pounds that don't rely on gimmicks or the latest fads. They just work, pure and simple. And the best part is anyone can do them! CelebWell spoke with experts who revealed why these six ways could help you star in shape. Read on to see all 6—and to get beach-ready yourself, don't miss these essential 30 Best-Ever Celebrity Bathing Suit Photos!

1. HIIT Training

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Molly Sims stays fit by doing HIIT Training. She stated on her blog, "I used to be that girl who wouldn't pick up the 2-lb weights at SoulCycle with the fear that I'd bulk. That mentality has shifted drastically." Marius Varzaru, a registered dietitian and personal trainer with Strenthgang, explains why it's so effective. "High intensity interval training (HIIT) is a cardio training technique in which phases of high-intensity exercise are alternated with low-intensity phases," he says. "Generally, a training session lasts less than 30 minutes, and each exercise is performed between 20-90 seconds. HIIT increases the thermogenic effect in your body, which increases the length of time your body burns calories during the day. So with just under 30 minutes of work per day, your body keeps burning more calories than usual for hours to come. Furthermore, many of the exercises that make up the foundation of a HIIT workout use all the major muscle groups in your body. This is why, in some cases, HIIT was associated with muscle mass gain, and an effective way to stay in shape."

"So in Molly Sims' case," he continues, "HIIT cardio is a time efficient way to burn fat and also work all the major muscle groups, to the extent where she keeps looking fit year round."Adds Latonya Fore MSN, APRN-CNP and obesity and weight management specialist: "HIIT or high intensity interval training involves repeated bouts of high intensity or 'all out' workout followed by recovery. You perform a high intensity exercise, like a running sprint for 60 seconds followed by a 60 second recovery. Then you repeat the cycle for 8 to 10 repetitions. HIIT not only improves your aerobic and anaerobic performance but it also improves your insulin sensitivity, which is key to weight loss. HIIT also increases post exercise metabolism, which means you continue to burn fat after the exercise is complete."

2. Apple Vinegar and Lemon Water

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Spice Girl Victoria Beckham starts her day off with apple vinegar and lemon water. "First thing I do every morning is… 2 tsp of Apple Cider Vinegar," Beckham revealed on her Instagram story. "Followed by… fresh lemon squeezed into boiling water." Fore says, "The research is inconclusive regarding the benefits of apple cider vinegar for weight loss and maintenance. There are some studies that show apple cider vinegar may reduce total cholesterol and fasting glucose levels. The acidity of the apple cider vinegar and lemon can cause slight nausea after in the morning, which may help control the appetite and cravings later in the day. Starting the day with a protein and complex carbohydrate, like a greek yogurt and granola, would also control the appetite and cravings, without the bitter taste." Just don't skip the water part—lemon-flavored or otherwise, it's an essential key to staying your healthiest.

3. Lunges

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Julianne Hough, 33, always looks amazing and one way she maintains that killer body is by doing lunges. The pro dancer shared an Instagram video of a workout that included lunges and Fore states, "Lunges or lunging is a form of resistance training. Resistance training also raises your resting metabolic rate so you continue to burn fat after the workout. You can perform this exercise using your body weight alone or with dumbbells. What makes lunges so great is because this exercise uses several muscle groups including the quadriceps (thighs), gluteus maximus (buttocks), hamstrings, and the core."

4. Intermittent Fasting

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Brooke Burke, 50, has always been into health and fitness, and it shows! The TV host and fitness guru spoke to CelebWell in September, 2021 and revealed how she likes to do intermittent fasting. "I intermittently fast most every day," she told us. "I give myself a resting window of 16 hours, and I eat in an eight-hour window. It's 1:30p right now and I'm breaking my fast. I'm having a shake which is high in calories and in fat, which is totally okay. It has protein, matcha, MCT oil, dates, almond butter, one Tru Niagen stickpack, collagen powder, and cinnamon." Jordan Trinagel, a Licensed Occupational therapist and online health coach states, "Intermittent fasting has been used in ancient healing ayurvedic medicine for decades and has been shown to; let the digestive system rest, detoxify it, and restore and reset the body's systems and improve overall function. A common breakdown is to fast for 14-16 hours and then eat for a period of 8-10 hours, however it is recommended to consult a doctor and not sustain fasting for an extended period of time."

5. High Protein Diet

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Rebel Wilson has lost 77 pounds and credits one of the ways she lost so much weight to a high protein diet. The Pitch Perfect actress told People, “Before I was probably eating 3,000 calories most days, and because they were normally carbs, I would still be hungry,” the star said. “So, I've really changed to eating a high-protein diet, which is challenging because I didn't used to eat a lot of meat. I eat fish, salmon, and chicken breast.” Trinagel says, "Studies show that a high protein diet can help with weight loss because it decreases the hormone ghrelin, which makes you hungry. Protein is broken down into building blocks called amino acids which can be categorized as essential and non-essential. They are called essential because you can only get them through your diet, non-essential meaning that your body can make them on its own. So, it is suggested that at least 30% of calories should come from protein to help you lose weight. Also, protein builds muscle and the more muscle you have the more effective your body is at shedding fat."

6. Eating Veggies

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One way Elizabeth Hurley keeps her figure is by eating veggies. The 56-year-old told the U.K 's Sunday Times, "I think one of the most transformative things that I've done is making 50 percent of what I eat vegetable matter....If you have a slice of toast for breakfast, have an apple too. Counteract everything with vegetables." According to Trinagel, "fruits and vegetables contain antioxidants, nutrients and minerals and have been associated with lower oxidative stress and inflammation which can counteract insulin resistance. Insulin resistance or sensitivity make it difficult for your body to convert glucose into usable energy and negatively impacts blood sugar levels leaving you with stubborn fat."

There are a million fad diets, trendy workouts, and gimmicky supplements, shakes, and gadgets that promise to melt fat away. However, losing weight and getting into great shape shouldn’t be that complicated, says Serena Poon, certified nutritionist and celebrity chef. In fact, all you need to do to melt fat away is make these 11 healthy habits part of your daily routine. Read on to see 11 healthy habits that will help you melt your fat away—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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Poon, who works with several celebrities, including Kerry Washington, maintains that hydration is really important for optimal health. “Your body is made up of about 60 percent water and every single system operates better if you are hydrated. Drinking an ample amount of water will help you feel great and better connected to your body and your hunger signals,” she says. Plus, researchers have found that drinking water before a meal can help you reduce your calorie intake, she adds. How much water should you drink? There is no universal amount. “I recommend that most people drink their body weight in ounces of water every day,” she suggests.

2. Eat Apples

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An apple might not keep the doctor away, but it may help burn fat. “Apples are a wonderful food to eat every day. Not only are they rich in fiber, which will keep you feeling full for longer, they also contain a powerful antioxidant, quercetin. Antioxidants protect your cells from free radicals, which can help you ward off the signs of aging,” says Poon, adding that “it really is a win-win in terms of satiety and protecting your body from oxidative stress.”

3. Snack On Raw Veggies

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Snacking on raw veggies is another great way to increase your fiber intake, says Poon. “Plus, raw veggies contain an array of vitamins, minerals and phytonutrients that support overall health,” she says. “Everything I do in my Culinary Alchemy® programs revolves around increasing vegetable intake. Carrots, celery and broccoli make wonderful snacks, and also deliver a satisfying crunch that can make them a go-to when your cravings might be instigated by boredom rather than hunger.”

4. Amp Up Your Protein Intake

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Protein is the most filling macronutrient, so eating high-quality options with every meal and snack can help you manage your appetite, notes Poon. “As a plant-based eater, I opt for meals and snacks that include tofu, tempeh, beans and nuts. Though they are healthy, and have appetite suppressing qualities of their own, make sure to moderate nut consumption simply because a little goes a long way in terms of calories and fat content,” she says.

5. Drink Green Tea

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Not only does green tea deliver a powerful antioxidant that supports optimal health, it can also help you lose weight. “Research has found that green tea supports improved metabolism and fat mass reduction,” states Poon. However, she maintains that it’s important to note that green tea alone won’t help you move the needle that much, but drinking green tea as part of an overall healthy lifestyle that includes nourishing food and exercise can be helpful. “Choose organic, fair trade green tea for the best quality,” she suggests.

6. Infuse Spices Into Your Food

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Spice up your life and give your metabolism a boost! Poon explains that certain spices have metabolic powers. For example, cayenne pepper might help you develop brown fat, which can protect fat accumulation, ginger can support fat metabolism, and turmeric can support weight loss in certain populations. “Spices are also a wonderful way to increase the flavor of a dish, which can help you feel more satisfied by your dining experience,” she says.

7. Get Your Nutrients

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Poon also suggests consuming nutrient dense foods and taking supplements when needed. “Research demonstrates that foods that are nutrient dense can help keep your hunger at bay,” she says. “Foods like leafy greens, cruciferous vegetables (broccoli and cauliflower), berries, nuts, and whole grains will keep your body feeling satisfied.” She also recommends that people go to their doctor to get their vitamin levels checked. “This can help you determine if you have a need for supplements and ensure that you have everything you need to feel your best.”

8. Take Probiotics

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According to Poon, “gut health is really at the foundation of optimal health. Not only does a healthy gut microbiome guide digestive function, immune function and mental health, it can also help you lose weight,” she says. Researchers have found that probiotics can impact weight loss significantly.

9. Avoid Processed Foods, Added Sugar, and Alcohol

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Avoid or limit processed foods, added sugar and alcohol, suggest Poon. “Weight loss isn’t just about what you eat, it’s also about what you don’t eat. Processed foods, added sugar and alcohol offer the opposite of nutrient dense calories that can add up easily. These foods also cause inflammation, which is a precursor for chronic disease, something you definitely want to avoid regardless of the number on the scale,” she says.

10. Practice Mindfulness and Meditation

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Similarly, weight loss isn’t just about what you eat and don’t eat, it’s actually mostly about how you think and feel about food. “Incorporating mindfulness into your meal times by really tuning into how food is fueling your body and how it makes you feel can set you up with eating habits that will support feeling good for a long time and longevity,” Poon states. “Researchers have found that combining mindfulness with good dietary habits can support weight loss.”

11. Get Enough Sleep

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Finally, get your z’s. “If you are trying to lose weight, it is also absolutely necessary to consume sleep— lots of it,” says Poon. She cites research finding that sleep deprivation may increase hunger and appetite, specifically for high-calorie, high-carbohydrate foods. “Aim for getting eight (or more!) hours of sleep each night to keep your body feeling its best.”

Kendall Jenner has been modeling since her teenage years and the 26-year-old works hard at staying in shape. The reality star has opened up in interviews over the years, sharing her diet tricks that anyone can actually do and her eating habits aren't as strict as you might think! CelebWell chatted with experts who reveal how Jenner's diet helps her maintain her great figure and why it works. Read on to see 5 ways Kendall Jenner stays in shape and the photos that prove they work—and to get beach-ready yourself, don't miss these essential 30 Best-Ever Celebrity Bathing Suit Photos!

1. Drinking Plenty of Water

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Staying hydrated is one of Jenner's ways of staying in shape, according to Healthline. "Hydration is another key component of her diet. She drinks plenty of water and sometimes drinks up to 12 cups (2.8 liters) of detox tea per day," the site reports. Bess Berger, a women's health registered dietitian Nutrition by Bess explains, "Water helps with weight loss in a few ways. First, about 75% of people have their thirst and hunger mechanism confused. That means that sometimes when one thinks they are hungry, they are really thirsty. This can easily result in us eating more! If we make sure we are adequately hydrated, we can end up decreasing eating when we are actually hungry. Our metabolism needs to be adequate hydration to keep up to its optimal speed. If our body senses we're low on hydration, it slows down a bit. So keeping adequately hydrated is also helpful with weight loss."

2. Eating Lots of Fruits and Veggies

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The supermodel incorporates a variety of fruits and vegetables into her diet to help maintain her slim figure. She will post on Instagram from time to time an image of what she's eating, which is oftentimes a salad or healthy dish that includes a rainbow of veggies. Brooke Nicole, a Nutrition Consultant with a Master's degree in Public Health says, "Limit your food intake of sugar, salt, and refined carbohydrates, while eating plenty of fruits, vegetables, whole grains, legumes, soy products, as well as some good fats that contain omega 3 fatty acids. Mediterranean dietary patterns and diets composed largely of vegetables, fruit, whole grains, legumes, and soy have been proven to lead to weight loss and a healthy heart."

3. Snacking Throughout the Day

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The second youngest member of the Kardashian klan admits to snacking and it's not always healthy! According to The Thirty, when revealing on her app the foods she is a fan of, she said, "Here's what will forever and always make my list: Twix, Justin's Peanut Butter, chips and guac, and hummus and carrots. See, pretty simple—just feed me and I'm ready to go." Berger states, "As a women's health dietitian, I advise clients a tremendous amount about snacks. Snacks can actually make or break a healthy diet. I hear over and over again that one is eating healthy and they cannot lose weight or hit their health goals. When we look closer, many times their meals are healthy but their snacks are not. Sometimes people think the snacks are small enough to not make a difference. Other times they weren't planned well so whatever is nearest isn't healthy but they're too healthy to not dive into it. Yet other times, we are allured by the marketing that makes a food seem healthy when in fact it's hidden with sugar or fat."

4. Avocados with Breakfast

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For breakfast, Jenner enjoys a large meal that includes avocado and eggs with a big bowl of oatmeal, according to a YouTube video by The List. Berger says, "Avocados are a delicious way to get healthy fats into your diet. Studies have shown that women who included avocado daily had a decrease in visceral abdominal fat. However, for those of us who love avocado we can often eat the entire thing. I recommend having 1/4 avocado at a time."

5. She Limits Cheese

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In a Vogue video last year, Jenner broke down her skincare routine and revealed that she limits cheese to help prevent acne, but it also helps keep the weight off at the same time, according to Berger. "Most cheeses are quite high in saturated fat. One to two ounces of cheese is typically recommended daily. For those of us that like cheese, one ounce is not much at all. For this reason, people's quantity of cheese consumed is often significantly higher than what's recommended. As a women's health dietitian, I often recommend limiting cheese to your favorite foods if you are trying to lose weight."