Many of us struggle with weight loss, particularly when it comes to the tricky belly area.  In his piece, 37 Foods that Fight Belly Fat, fitness professional and Belly Fat Free author Josh Bezoni discusses some of the foods that may help promote fat burning and prevent weight gain.  This series highlights some of the salient points from the 37 Foods report, and this installment deals specifically with the beverages that can both hinder and help fat burning.

Beverages to Avoid

• Sugary Sports Drinks: This is one category of beverages to generally steer clear of.  These types of drinks can be a wolf in sheep’s clothing because they are often associated with exercise.  Unfortunately, drinking them can undo the progress you might make with your workout because of their high sugar content. If you’re working out, make sure to replace those sports drinks with plenty of water and nutrient-rich foods.
• Soda: This probably isn’t news to anyone at this point, but most of the most popular sodas contain high levels of high-fructose corn syrup, which is arguably the “worst carb” EVER.
• Energy Drinks: Energy drinks can be a common pitfall for those trying to burn fat because they can provide an easy jolt of energy for a late-night workout or after a long day of work.  Again, these are often loaded with sugar, and the caffeine content may lead to a “crash” shortly after, leaving you reaching for more sugar for a pick up.

Belly-Flattening Beverages

• Water: This is an easy one.  No one working on losing weight can go wrong by replacing sugary beverages with pure and clean water.  Athletes will benefit by making sure they are regularly hydrated.  If plain water doesn’t strike your fancy, feel free to add a twist of lime or lemon or a small splash of fruit juice to liven it up.
• Unsweetened, Caffeine-Free Teas: Naturally flavorful and containing zero calories, herbal teas are a great way to add delicious beverages into your day without bulging your belly.

These are just a few tips on how to choose the best beverages to support your health and body transformation goals.  Check out the full piece for more information on belly-flattening foods, sources, and continued reading.

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