<p><strong>I am in my 30s and I lead an active life. Despite exercising 3 days a week, I am unable to lose the fat around my belly. Are there any specific foods that can help me lose belly fat? </strong> <em>— Anamika Sengupta</em></p>.<p>If you feel like you are exercising right to lose weight, but the scale is proving you wrong, it may be because your diet contains foods that cause bloating, water-retention and a higher calorie intake. These quick swaps will help in tackling belly fat.</p>.<ul> <li>Fresh or frozen raspberries contain a great deal of fibre, which regulates the body’s insulin response and reduces belly fat.</li> <li>Fish is rich in Omega-3 and protein that can keep you full. You even burn more calories digesting protein than you do when you eat fats or carbs.</li> <li>Nuts are good sources of protein and Omega-3. They can control hunger pangs.</li> <li>Oats are high in fibre and are ideal for decreasing calorie intake.</li> <li>Green tea increases fat break down in the body. It also improves insulin sensitivity and controls cravings.</li></ul>.<p><strong>I am in my late 20s and my metabolism has slowed down tremendously. Are there any specific foods or diet that can improve my metabolism?</strong> <em>— Suma Kannan</em></p>.<p>There are plenty of foods that can speed up your metabolism, so adding them to your diet may give you the extra edge to lose more weight.</p>.<ul> <li>Chilli peppers boost metabolism, circulation and reduce cravings. </li> <li>Whole grains are full of nutrients and complex carbohydrates that speed up metabolism by stabilising your insulin levels. Slow-release carbs such as oats, brown rice, quinoa, buckwheat and amaranth offer long-lasting energy.</li> <li>High in calcium, broccoli is a rich source of vitamins C, K and A. One serving of broccoli will provide you with folate, dietary fibre and antioxidants.</li> <li>Soups are a filling combination of nutrients that speed up the metabolism and burn fat.</li></ul>.<p><strong>I am 37 years old and I work in the IT sector, which essentially means that I am at my desk for at least nine hours a day. I weigh 92 kg and I am 5 ft 5. Can you please suggest a diet that is easy to follow? </strong><em>— Sumita Yadav</em></p>.<p>While there are plenty of scary health facts about desk jobs, it is important to realise that physical activity is a must. Here are a few diet hacks to follow:</p>.<ul> <li>Drink at least 2.5 litres of water every day. Water can fight fatigue, headaches, dehydration and kill binge eating.</li> <li>When you feel like snacking, eat a fruit with a serving of protein. Nuts, roasted seeds, yogurt with fruit, tofu, mushrooms and beans will do the trick.</li> <li>Stock up on herbal teas. Go for marigold, apple and spiced teas.</li> <li>Try gluten-free whole grains like amaranth, quinoa, oats and barnyard millet.</li></ul>
<p><strong>I am in my 30s and I lead an active life. Despite exercising 3 days a week, I am unable to lose the fat around my belly. Are there any specific foods that can help me lose belly fat? </strong> <em>— Anamika Sengupta</em></p>.<p>If you feel like you are exercising right to lose weight, but the scale is proving you wrong, it may be because your diet contains foods that cause bloating, water-retention and a higher calorie intake. These quick swaps will help in tackling belly fat.</p>.<ul> <li>Fresh or frozen raspberries contain a great deal of fibre, which regulates the body’s insulin response and reduces belly fat.</li> <li>Fish is rich in Omega-3 and protein that can keep you full. You even burn more calories digesting protein than you do when you eat fats or carbs.</li> <li>Nuts are good sources of protein and Omega-3. They can control hunger pangs.</li> <li>Oats are high in fibre and are ideal for decreasing calorie intake.</li> <li>Green tea increases fat break down in the body. It also improves insulin sensitivity and controls cravings.</li></ul>.<p><strong>I am in my late 20s and my metabolism has slowed down tremendously. Are there any specific foods or diet that can improve my metabolism?</strong> <em>— Suma Kannan</em></p>.<p>There are plenty of foods that can speed up your metabolism, so adding them to your diet may give you the extra edge to lose more weight.</p>.<ul> <li>Chilli peppers boost metabolism, circulation and reduce cravings. </li> <li>Whole grains are full of nutrients and complex carbohydrates that speed up metabolism by stabilising your insulin levels. Slow-release carbs such as oats, brown rice, quinoa, buckwheat and amaranth offer long-lasting energy.</li> <li>High in calcium, broccoli is a rich source of vitamins C, K and A. One serving of broccoli will provide you with folate, dietary fibre and antioxidants.</li> <li>Soups are a filling combination of nutrients that speed up the metabolism and burn fat.</li></ul>.<p><strong>I am 37 years old and I work in the IT sector, which essentially means that I am at my desk for at least nine hours a day. I weigh 92 kg and I am 5 ft 5. Can you please suggest a diet that is easy to follow? </strong><em>— Sumita Yadav</em></p>.<p>While there are plenty of scary health facts about desk jobs, it is important to realise that physical activity is a must. Here are a few diet hacks to follow:</p>.<ul> <li>Drink at least 2.5 litres of water every day. Water can fight fatigue, headaches, dehydration and kill binge eating.</li> <li>When you feel like snacking, eat a fruit with a serving of protein. Nuts, roasted seeds, yogurt with fruit, tofu, mushrooms and beans will do the trick.</li> <li>Stock up on herbal teas. Go for marigold, apple and spiced teas.</li> <li>Try gluten-free whole grains like amaranth, quinoa, oats and barnyard millet.</li></ul>