Travel and shine; it’s a brand new day! Every morning is a crucial opportunity to start eating right and kick-start success for the rest of the day. If you’re dieting for weight loss, it’s especially important to make good choices. We are here to help with the best morning drinks to melt belly fat.
There are several reasons why morning nutrition is essential for weight loss. “A nutritious breakfast with high-fiber carbohydrates and protein will help kick-start your metabolism after an overnight fast,” explains Amy Goodson, MS, RD, CSSD, LDa registered dietitian and certified specialist in sports diet who sits on our Medical Expert Board. “This process, called the thermic effect of food (TEF), involves energy expenditure for digestion and nutrient absorption. A good breakfast, especially one high in protein, can raise your metabolism and help promote fat burning throughout the day.”
On the contrary, skipping breakfast can have a bad trickle-down effect. You may feel hungrier and crave high-calorie, fatty, sugary foods later in the day. “This can result in overeating or choosing unhealthy snacks, which can contribute to the accumulation of belly fat,” adds Goodson. “A balanced breakfast helps regulate appetite and keeps you satisfied, preventing mindless snacking or overeating at lunch.”
Now let’s explore Goodson’s top recommended drinks to melt belly fat.
Green tea
Pour yourself a hot cup of green tea. It’s packed with epigallocatechin gallate (EGCG), which is known to boost metabolism and boost the fat burning process, especially when you exercise.
“The caffeine in green tea also provides a mild stimulant effect, which further increases calorie burning,” says Goodson. “Research suggests that the combination of EGCG and caffeine may help [break] down stored fat, especially belly fat.”
Apple Cider Vinegar (ACV) Drink
Acetic acid is an important ingredient in apple cider vinegar. It reduces insulin levels and increases metabolism, which reduces fat storage.
“Studies show that acetic acid can help reduce belly fat accumulation and curb appetite,” Goodson tells us. “ACV can also improve digestion and reduce bloating, giving a flatter stomach appearance while improving overall gut health.”
Coffee
A cup of java a day can keep belly fat in check! How so? Caffeine increases your metabolism and burns fat. A morning cup of joe also wakes up your nervous system, which lets your fat cells know it’s time to break down fat. This is amplified when you add exercise into the mix.
“Studies shows that caffeine can increase energy expenditure and fat oxidation, especially in lean individuals, making it a great morning drink for fat burning,” explains Goodson.
Ginger tea
Ginger contains thermogenic properties, which means it increases the body’s temperature, which in turn increases the number of calories burned.
“Gingerol, the active compound in ginger, also helps improve digestion, reduce hunger and improve metabolism,” Goodson explains. “A study published in the journal Metabolism found that consumption of ginger tea increases satiety and helps the body burn calories more efficiently.”
Protein shake
Protein shakes are great because they are filling and delicious. “A morning protein shake made with whey or plant-based protein can help boost metabolism due to the thermic effect of food (TEF),” says Goodson. “Protein has a higher TEF [than] fats and carbohydrates, which means your body uses more energy to digest and process it.”
Getting your fill of protein first thing in the morning can curb cravings, target fat loss, and help preserve lean muscle. These are all important ingredients when it comes to melting belly fat.
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Alexa Mellardo
Alexa is the Mind + Body Deputy Editor of Eat This, Not That!, overseeing the M+B channel and delivering compelling fitness, wellness and self-care topics to readers. Read more about Alexa
