Dietitians Back 7 Foods and Habits to Cut Belly Fat, Not Carbs Alone
Updated
Updated · health.yahoo.com · Jul 15
Dietitians Back 7 Foods and Habits to Cut Belly Fat, Not Carbs Alone
3 articles · Updated · health.yahoo.com · Jul 15
Summary
Three registered dietitians said belly-fat loss depends on overall diet and lifestyle, not cutting carbohydrates, and highlighted seven foods plus habits that target visceral fat more effectively.
A 2025 Cambridge study of 7,256 adults over seven years found people who improved both Mediterranean-style eating and physical activity gained less total and visceral fat, with the strongest effect when both changed together.
The foods they emphasized were non-starchy vegetables, legumes, whole grains, Greek yogurt, nuts and seeds, fatty fish, and green tea—largely for fiber, protein, gut-health and anti-inflammatory benefits.
The habits they paired with diet were exercise, stress control, at least 8 hours of sleep, less alcohol, better hydration and gut-health support, because cortisol, insulin sensitivity and fat metabolism all affect abdominal fat storage.
The experts said practical first steps include more protein and water in the morning, more fiber at dinner, more walking and fewer sugary drinks, especially since excess visceral fat is linked to heart disease and type 2 diabetes.