10 Foods for Flat Abs

I'm in the mood for a bit of healthy eating.  We are absolutely inundated with junk food around the holidays and I refuse to add any more weight than I already have!  This is My Journey post #9.  It should really be called "How to Lose 5 Pounds in 5 Days."  
Seriously...I've already lost 5 pounds!!!  
Check out my meal plan at the bottom.

I love Fuji Apples!

I found "The 10 Best Foods for Flat Abs" at Fitness Magazine so I thought I'd share.  Many of the items below were mentions in 20 Superfoods for Weight Loss Part 1 and Part 2.

Almonds
These delicious and versatile nuts contain filling protein and fiber, not to mention vitamin E, a powerful antioxidant. They're also a good source of magnesium, a mineral your body must have in order to produce energy, build and maintain muscle tissue, and regulate blood sugar.

Eggs
You won't find a more perfect protein source. Eggs are highly respected by dietitians because of their balance of essential amino acids (protein building blocks used by your body to manufacture everything from muscle fibers to brain chemicals). 

Soy
Soybeans are a great source of antioxidants, fiber, and protein. Plus, they're incredibly versatile. Snack on dry-roasted soybeans, toss shelled edamame into soups, and slip a spoonful of silken tofu into your morning smoothie.

Apples
A 2003 study in the journal Nutrition found that overweight women who consumed three apples or pears a day for three months lost more weight than their counterparts who were fed a similar diet with oat cookies instead of fruits.

Berries
Most are loaded with fiber, every dieter's best friend. The more fiber you eat -- experts say that it's best to get between 25 and 35 grams every day -- the fewer calories you absorb from all the other stuff you put in your mouth. That's because fiber traps food particles and shuttles them out of your system before they're fully digested.

Leafy Greens
Their cancer-preventing carotenoids won't help shrink your waistline, but their low calorie count definitely will. One cup of spinach contains only about 40 calories, while a cup of broccoli has 55 calories and satisfies 20 percent of your day's fiber requirement.

Yogurt
People who get their calcium from yogurt rather than from other sources may lose more weight around their midsection, according to a recent study published in the International Journal of Obesity. The probiotic bacteria in most yogurts help keep your digestive system healthy, which translates into a lower incidence of gas, bloating, and constipation, which can keep your tummy looking flat.

Veggie Soup
Researchers at Pennsylvania State University found that people who ate broth-based (or low-fat cream-based) soups two times a day were more successful in losing weight than those who ate the same amount of calories in snack food.

Salmon
Seafood, especially fatty fish like salmon, tuna, and mackerel, is an excellent source of omega-3 fatty acids. These uber-healthy fats may help promote fat burning by making your metabolism more efficient, according to Kleiner.

Quinoa
Never heard of it? Pronounced KEEN-wah, this whole grain contains 5 grams of fiber and 11 grams of protein per half cup. Cook it as you would any other grain (although some brands require rinsing). Quinoa's nutty flavor and crunchy-yet-chewy texture are like a cross between whole wheat couscous and short-grain brown rice.

Are you inspired yet?  Remember, just because it's the "Holiday Season" does not mean it's okay to go overboard on the sweets and junk food.  I worked hard to stay in shape all year and I'm not gowing to blow it now! 

Here's a recap from Mary's Kitchen.  
This has been my typical day of food.

Wake-up: 1 large glass of water with lemon or lime juice.
Breakfast: Oatmeal with a spoonful of honey and a cup of black coffee with honey.
Water!
Snack: Carrot Sticks and/or celery sticks. 1 cup of Slim Tea.
Water!
Lunch: Scrambled eggs (no cheese for now)
Water!
Snack: Protein Shake
**Let me be more specific**  
I use Standard Process SP Complete.  It is a natural, whole food product and is available non-dairy.  I also add veggies to the shake.
No chemicals and non-gmo.

Dinner: Salad with homemade dressing and another protein shake.

Water is key.  I drink about 10- 8 ounce glasses a day.  Sometimes more when I workout.  After dinner I've been drinking a cup of Everyday Detox tea but I might switch that to the morning.   I love the slim tea and it's natural. 

Bloomsdale Longstanding Spinach

 I'm also growing quite a bit a my own veggies in the garden.  This past year I harvested Eggplant, Basil, Swiss Chard, German Giant Radish, Orange and Red Tomatoes, Carrots, Beets, Peppers, Dill and Calendula all from my little patch out in the yard.  

It's an amazing feeling preparing a meal using veggies from the garden.  Check out Mary's Heirloom Seeds for a unique selection of healthy, non-gmo, organic heirloom seeds.