“Excess sugar consumption can also make us resilient to leptin, which is an appetite suppressing hormone and naturally tells us when we are full,” she said.
“If we have high levels of insulin, this blocks the leptin signals in our brain, so we just carry on eating.
“Try to prioritise quality sleep, as when we don’t sleep well, this affects the satiety hormone, leptin, as it becomes deregulated, leaving us feeling hungrier and more likely to reach for sweet treats and refined carbs.”
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As well as eating plenty of protein she recommended the following foods to bust belly fat:
- Carrots, broccoli, cauliflower, celery, courgettes, sweet potatoes, squash
- Lower sugar fruits – berries, apples, pears, cherries, lemon, lime
- Foods high in fibre – lentils, chickpeas, butter beans
- Whole-grains in moderation- pasta, soba noodles, rice noodles, rice, quinoa, barley & buckwheat
- Milk, cheese, yoghurt, coconut milk, almond milk
- Olive oil
- Omega-3 fatty acids
- Foods high in antioxidants
- Add apple cider vinegar to dressings.
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Source: Daily Express
