Belly-Fat Reduction with Antioxidant-Rich Foods

Did you know that besides doing wonders for your health, a certain nutrient group might also help you get rid of belly fat and keep your pants size in check?

It's true. Flavonoids -- those antioxidant-like compounds found in fruits, veggies, chocolate, tea, and wine -- seemed to help ward off belly fat in a 14-year study.

Multitasking Flavonoids
Specifically, catechins, flavonols, and flavones -- types of flavonoids -- may help curb belly bulge by improving the body's metabolic profile, the researchers noted. So where can you get your fair share? The study participants got most of theirs from pears, apples, tea, chocolate, broad beans, onions, leeks, and sweet peppers. Pretty tasty choices. Try adding some to the menu tonight with these EatingWell recipes that are not only delicious, but will help you get rid of belly fat:

• Got some chicken in the freezer? Got an apple rolling around the crisper drawer? Great! Then grab some leeks on the way home and make this: Saute of Chicken with Apples & Leeks.
• Need a yummy side dish that's full of flavonoids but isn't salad? Try this: Pear & Red Onion Gratin.

Low-Cal Delights
Interestingly, only the women in the study experienced a waistline benefit from flavonoids. But because flavonoid-rich foods like fruits and veggies are often low in calories, they're still a smart choice for anyone who is weight conscious. Is your waist size where it should be? Use this tool to find out.

To really help the pounds melt, you need a whole-body weight loss plan. For the ultimate in belly fat reduction, try one of these step-by-step RealAge programs.

Higher dietary flavone, flavonol, and catechin intakes are associated with less of an increase in BMI over time in women: a longitudinal analysis from the Netherlands Cohort Study. Hughes, L. A. et al., American Journal of Clinical Nutrition 2008 Nov;88(5):1341-1352.