What Foods Will Help Lose Belly & Abdominal Fat Quickly?

Extra belly fat doesn't merely affect the fit of your jeans. It raises your risk for breast cancer, asthma and heart disease. Emphasizing certain foods within a balanced diet can help slenderize your abdomen and bolster your wellness, particularly if you exercise routinely. Because losing more than 3 pounds weekly after the first two weeks poses serious risks, aim for gradual loss, or 1 to 2 pounds per week.

Low-Fat Milk and Yogurt

Research has shown that the more calcium a woman consumes, the less abdominal fat she gains, according to Harvard Health Publications. One cup of plain, low-fat yogurt provides 42 percent of adults' daily recommended intake of calcium. A cup of skim milk provides 30 percent. Low-fat milk and yogurt are also low-glycemic foods, meaning they have a mild impact on your blood sugar and promote appetite control between meals. If you don't tolerate or consume dairy products, choose soy-based equivalents for similar benefits.

Whole Grains

In a study published in the "American Journal of Clinical Nutrition" in 2008, 50 obese adults with metabolic syndrome, a condition characterized by abdominal obesity, consumed a calorie-controlled diet containing whole grains or refined grains for 12 weeks. By study's end, both groups had lost similar amounts of weight. The whole-grain eaters, however, lost significantly more belly fat than the refined-grain consumers. For potentially similar benefits, swap out refined-grain products, such as enriched white and wheat bread, instant rice and low-fiber cereals, with 100-percent whole-grain equivalents. Particularly nutritious whole grains include brown rice, wild rice, barley, quinoa, oats and air-popped popcorn.

Fruits and Vegetables

The first dietary step in a belly-fat-reducing diet is to eat more plant-based foods, says the Mayo Clinic, including fruits and vegetables. As relatively low-calorie, yet fiber- and water-rich foods, fruits and vegetables allow you to eat greater volume while reaping fewer calories. Fiber provides zero calories and helps you stay fuller longer. Particularly high-fiber options include artichokes, peas, beans, kale, broccoli, raspberries and skin-on pears. Fruits also provide nutritious alternatives to items that promote abdominal weight gain, such as candy and sugar-laden soft drinks.

Healthy Fat Sources

Fat in foods and fat in your body are not one in the same. Healthy fats, prevalent in nuts, seeds, avocados, olive oil and oily fish, help reduce bodily inflammation. Fats in meats, whole milk, shortening and fried foods can increase inflammation and your belly size. Fats also help your body absorb nutrients, such as vitamin D, and make dishes and meals more satisfying. Oily fish, such as salmon and sardines, also supply rich amounts of calcium. Because fat sources are dense in calories, stick to moderate portion sizes. Instead of eating a large handful of nuts, for example, sprinkle a tablespoon or two on salad or oatmeal.