Men do have a higher basal metabolic rate than women do, and they often take it for granted. They pick the most belly-fattening foods as their first choice. Yes, men can't resist the chips, pizza, French fries, etc. It is proven that men reach out for these foods so often that these leave a mark behind (on their bellies)! Let us look at some of the foods men love to eat and what they should be substituting those with
Foods and Drinks Men Cannot Resist
- Potato Chips: When asked which is the snack they would choose if they were allowed only one snack their whole life, in a survey conducted by a fitness magazine, most men voted for potato chips. Experts say that just 15 chips will give you 160 calories, and everyone knows that one whole giant-sized bag of potato chips can vanish in no time! And since these chips are stocked in an easily-accessible way in shops and supermarkets, it becomes a convenience buy too. This is the best time-pass snack anyone can think of.
- Beer: A big paunch is nicknamed "beer belly" not without reason. Regular beer drinkers will find their bellies leading them in no time. Beer is a favorite evening beverage for most men. However, they should be aware that waist measurements above 40 inches could put them at risk of developing heart disease, diabetes, stroke, as well as some types of cancer.
- Pizza: How about some pizza to accompany the beer. Wow! What else could one ask for? These cheese-topped yummy delicacies could be your favorite choice for business lunches, light outings with friends and family, or to eat while your favorite cricket or baseball is going on in TV. However, you should be aware that pizzas are made of refined flour and when topped with cheese could become a deadly combination for your belly.
- Giant Burgers: When it comes to burgers, the bigger the better, right? TV ads of McDonald's and KFC makes you believe so. These ads do attract men to the giant-sized burgers, loaded with cheese slices, fried potatoes, and mayonnaise. The freshness and goodness of fresh lettuce just drowns in these other flavors! On top of it, these savory foods make you crave for aerated drinks, further increasing your calorie intake.
- French Fries: Another common and popular pastime for men happens to be binging on French fries. Who can resist fries dipped in a variety of sauces! However, potatoes provide extra starch, and frying these potatoes will only increase their trans-fatty content, making the person susceptible to a variety of cardiac problems.
- Aerated Drinks: Men tend to down sodas and other aerated drinks, may be because they go well with alcoholic drinks or it sort of becomes a compulsion with those evening nibbles and stomach-filling snacks. These also make for a good refreshment before meetings and presentations, or for just chilling the throat now and then.
- Buffet Lunches: The eat-as-much-as-you-please kind of buffet lunches are available today to attract customers during lean business hours of hotels, and many people fall for that. The thought of making the deal a good bargain, as well as the fact that the spread really tempts you to try different foods kind of overshadows your healthy intentions. Instead of piling up your plate with all the wrong foods, you should try to make some nutritious choices and give the sauces, fatty dressings, and deep fries a "disapproval nod."
- Coffee/Tea: With unlimited tea and coffee available in offices through the coffee vending machines and the stock of tea bags, men have got into the habit of downing innumerable cups of coffee and tea. This carries the risk of consuming unhealthy amounts of caffeine as well as sugar, which could result in weight gain.
Foods That Help Reduce Tummy
Now the trick to turn things around for you:
- Yogurt: Studies reveal that yogurt is a good fat-burning food option apart from vegetables, whole grains, and fruits. Yogurt decreases belly fat as well as total body fat. Yogurt also provides you with vitamin D and calcium which is lacking in the foods adults take.
- Fiber-Rich Foods: Studies conducted over 5 years showed that people who ate fiber-rich foods like guava, apples, and oats gained less belly fat during this period although they may have gained overall weight.
- Almonds: Almonds are good source of fiber and vegetable protein. The vitamin E and monounsaturated fatty acid (MUFA) in them work together to bring down cholesterol as well as belly fat.
- Flaxseeds: Flaxseed oil is the best plant source of omega-3 fatty acids and they aid in reduction of belly fat. They also help reduce systemic inflammation, which could lead to heart disease, Alzheimer's disease, or even cancer.
Exercise Regularly
Apart from watching what you eat, following a regular exercise regime also aids in reduction of the excess fat accumulated on your middle portion. To get a 6-pack abs, you will have to stick to a strict regimen that includes strength training.
If you are able to reduce even 10% of your belly fat, you will be preventing many lifestyle diseases, including heart disease and diabetes. So, steer clear of the salty, cheesy convenient foods and empty calories and stick to nutritious foods, which are also tasty.
