Still working on that perfect beach bod? Well aren’t we all? If surgery is not something you are interested in, tweaks to your diet may be all you need. Recently undergone a tummy tuck or liposuction? Make sure you are able to achieve your maximum results with a proper balanced diet. Whatever your situation may be, try incorporating these five ‘bellyblaster’ super-foods into your diet and exercise regimen.

1. Jalapeños
What they do: increase cellular metabolism & suppress appetite
How they do it: Jalapeños contain capsaicin, a compound that is solely responsible for converting stored fat into energy. Researchers at the University of Maryland recently discovered the jalapeño’s are capable of raising an individual’s metabolism by 25% for 3 hours after ingestion! They are also great for suppressing appetite because they are so spicy.

2. Grilled Shrimp
What they do: convert the metabolic pathway of adipose cells to apoptosis. Translation-they literally make fat cells self-destruct. They also suppress appetite.
How they do it: a study conducted at the University of Milan discovered that shrimp increases our bodies ability to burn fat by over 200% by increasing leptin production. Leptin a crucial fat burning hormone; it is also the hormone that signals our bodies that we are satisfied and to stop eating.

3. Green Onions
What they do: help flush out toxins by speeding liver function
How they do it: just one serving of this super vegetable contains enough sulfur to activate key detoxification enzymes in our liver. These enzymes convert fat deposits and toxins into water-soluble molecules that can easily be flushed and eliminated from the body.

4. Coconut Oil
What it does: improve thyroid performance
How it does it: coconut oil is very rich in medium-chain fatty acids (MCFAs) which amp up the production of T3. T3 is a hormone produced by the thyroid and is responsible for boosting out metabolism significantly. Many individuals with thyroid issues are lacking this key hormone, which unfortunately leads to potential weight gain. Try swapping butter and oil for coconut oil the next time you cook or bake, you can barely taste the difference!

5. Green Tea
What it does: activates fat-burning enzymes and revs up your metabolism
How it does it: the polyphenols in green tea activate the fat burning enzymes in fat cells. Making it iced has even greater benefits! Sipping 3 cups of iced green tea daily can DOUBLE your weight loss on any diet plan. Also, adding lemon helps boost the absorption of green tea’s active fat-burning ingredients by over 75%!

Have a certain area of concern? Come see us at Sugar Land Plastic Surgery to discuss all of your surgical and cosmetic options with Dr. Nguyen and his staff!