Ah, the age of 40 – a time for reflection, growth, and unfortunately, a little more squishiness around the middle. But fear not, my friend! Just because it may be a bit more challenging to keep that tummy toned doesn’t mean it’s impossible. In fact, with the right diet, you can say goodbye to unwanted belly fat and hello to a healthier, happier you!

Now, you might be wondering, “What exactly should I be eating to get rid of this stubborn belly fat?” Well, hold onto your hats because I’ve got the answers for you. These seven belly-busting foods will not only help you achieve your goal, but they’ll also leave you feeling satisfied and nourished. So, get ready to meet your new favorite foods!

Eggs

Starting your day with hard-boiled eggs, soft-boiled eggs, or even a veggie omelet means you’re beginning your day with protein instead of carbs. Eggs are rich in protein and will help prevent spikes in the fat-storing hormone insulin. This is better for your midsection than starting your day with foods high in carbohydrates, like cereal or bagels. A breakfast high in protein also helps prevent bloating, allowing you to look and feel more comfortable in your clothing throughout the day.

Chia Seeds

Chia seeds are amazing. They can expand up to 10 times their original weight when combined with water. Chia seeds create a gel-like consistency that goes down easily and makes you feel full longer. Consuming chia seeds in drinks, puddings, on top of salads, and more, will make you feel fuller, decreasing the amount of calories you intake and helping you lose that stubborn belly fat.

Lemon

Lemon water has been praised for its health advantages for years. You may not have known that it can help reduce belly fat. Bitter fruits like lemon stimulate the gastro-intestinal juices that spark the digestion process. Your body absorbs more nutrients and breaks down food better when your digestive system is working properly. This can help you reach your desired look or maintain your already flat belly. Squeeze some lemon into your next glass of water and give your digestive system the boost it needs.

Pro tip: Apple cider vinegar, dandelion root, and arugula are also known to stimulate the gastro-intestinal juices. A healthy arugula salad topped with and apple cider vinaigrette is an ideal alternative if you’re not into the bitterness of lemon.

Avocado

You’ve probably heard about “healthy fats,” but may not fully understand what they can do for your body and your belly fat. Foods rich in healthy fats (Omega 3s and Omega 6s) provide energy that burns for longer periods of time by regulating the rate at which glucose enters cells. This means when you eat foods rich in Omega 3s and 6s, like Avocados, some nuts, and olive oil, you feel fuller longer. You will likely consume less throughout the day.

Beans

Beans are an affordable, everyday food that is rich in fiber and protein. They help curb hunger with relatively few calories, allowing you to burn belly fat more quickly. Even better, beans are an extremely versatile food that can be eaten as a side or thrown into many dishes. Beans make you feel fuller without packing on the extra calories.

Coconut Oil

Those who use coconut oil know that it can serve countless purposes in daily life. It can moisturize hair and skin, fry foods and more. Coconut oil contains medium chain triglycerides that are easily metabolized and are less likely than others to be stored as fat. The “good fat” within coconut oil won’t turn into that unwanted fatty area around your belly while many other oils will. In fact, research has shown that coconut oil may even help reduce stomach fat.

Mushrooms

You’re either a lover or a hater of mushrooms. However, their ability to help reduce belly fat may make you a lover even if you don’t enjoy the flavor. During the winter months, many people are exposed to less sunlight and experience a vitamin D deficiency. Research published in the Nutrition Journal has shown that vitamin D deficiency could actually be connected to abdominal obesity.

Mushrooms grown in sunlight or other UV lighting should be worked into meals to fight belly fat when vitamin D is not otherwise in abundance. For instance, a soup made from UV-grown mushrooms, beans, and other healthy vegetables is an ideal belly-fat fighting winter meal.

Excess belly fat isn’t something anybody want to have, whether its bathing suit season or not. You may be looking to lose a full 20 pounds of belly fat or a single inch to fit into your favorite jeans, and the foods above can help you fight the battle. Beans, lemon and the other nutrient-rich foods above will help you feel more full and provide the boost your body needs to get rid of belly fat.