It's a bird...it's a plane...it's Superfoods!!!

That was way cornier than I hoped it would be...hahaha. Now that bathing suit season is coming up,  flattening my tummy is at the top of my things to do list. Sit-ups and crunches are great, but adding these belly flattening foods into your eating routine can get you on your way to a sleek, sexy stomach. Here's a list of foods from Self Magazine and how they help.




Avocado - fights fat

Blood sugar peaks can signal your body to store fat around your midsection but monounsaturated fats stop the spikes, thwarting fat accumulation. Half of an avocado contains 10 grams of the healthy fats. Dip veggies in guacamole for a flat-ab snack. Try this recipe I found on Goodhousekeeping.com.

1 can of (15 to 19 ounces) white kidney beans (cannellini), drained and rinsed
1 tablespoon of (or to taste) lime juice
1 jalapeño, seeded
1/2 cup of loosely packed fresh cilantro leaves
1/4 cup of coarsely chopped sweet onion 
Salt
1 ripe avocado, halved and pitted
2 plum tomatoes
1. In food processor with knife blade attached, puree beans and 1 tablespoon lime juice until smooth. Transfer to medium bowl.


2.In same processor, place jalapeño, cilantro, onion, and 1/2 teaspoon salt; pulse until juicy and thick.


3.With spoon, scoop avocado from peel into bowl with beans; mash with fork until mixture is blended, with some chunks remaining.


4.Cut each tomato crosswise in half. Squeeze halves to remove seeds and juice. Coarsely chop tomatoes. Stir tomato-and-onion mixture into avocado mixture until blended. If you prefer a little more zip, stir in additional lime juice to taste.






Green Tea - revs metabolism

The compound ECGC in green tea makes it easier for your body to fry fat. Drinking 3 cups a day may kick up your metabolism and erase 30 calories daily.

Yogurt - flattens fast

Treat puffiness with probiotic-rich yogurt. One cup encourages the growth of good bacteria in your gut which crowds out other bugs that can cause bloating. Make sure the yogurt you choose has a Live & Active Cultures seal.

Blueberries - fuel fitness

Antioxidants in berries enable you to step up crucial conditioning. Antioxidants help improve blood flow which delivers more oxygen to your muscles. Giving your muscles the oxygen they needs makes exercise feel easier so you may work out harder, longer and more often. I found a recipe for Blueberry-Beef Burgers on EatingWell.com. Sounds interesting huh??

2 slices of whole-wheat bread, crusts removed, torn into pieces
1/3 cup of fresh or frozen and thawed blueberries
1 tablespoon of balsamic vinegar
2 teaspoons of Dijon mustard
1 teaspoon of Worcestershire sauce
2 cloves of garlic, minced
1/4 teaspoon of salt, or to taste
Freshly ground pepper, to taste
12 ounces of 90%-lean ground beef



1.Place bread in a food processor and pulse into fine crumbs. Transfer to a large bowl. (No need to wash the workbowl.)



2.Add blueberries, vinegar, mustard, Worcestershire, garlic, salt and pepper to the food processor; process until pureed. Scrape into the bowl with the breadcrumbs. Add ground beef and mix well with a potato masher. Divide the mixture into four equal portions; form into 1/2-inch-thick patties, about 4 inches in diameter.


3.Meanwhile, preheat broiler or heat an indoor or outdoor grill to medium-high. If using the broiler, coat a broiler pan with cooking spray. If using a grill, oil the grill rack by rubbing it with an oil-soaked paper towel. Cook patties until browned and no longer pink in the center, 4 to 5 minutes per side. An instant-read thermometer inserted in the center should register 160°F. Serve immediately, with or without rolls and toppings.




What are some of your favorite meals including these ingredients?