This content references scientific studies and academic research, and is fact-checked to ensure accuracy.

Our teamof licensed nutritionists and dietitians strives to be objective, unbiased, and honest.

Having a trimtummydoes more than make you look and feel goodit can improve your overall well-being.

Fitness and diet concept: cropped image of woman in sportswear with perfect abs

Shutterstock

“This is, unfortunately, not the only way the body stores fat.

“Not getting enough exercise and physical inactivity leads to a significant increase in visceral fat,” saysDr.

Seema Bonney, the founder and medical director of theAnti-Aging & Longevity Center of Philadelphia.

Crispy Tofu with Veggies and Rice Bowl

Shutterstock

In addition, the types of food we consume matters.

Other foods to avoid are sodas, processed baked goods, and foods sweetened with fructose.”

spoke with dietitians who shared their favorite meals.

Homemade White Chicken Chili con Carne with Tortilla Chips

Shutterstock

Here they are, ranked from effective to the #1 most effective!

Tofu is a good meat alternative that delivers great taste and high protein.

“Make the tofu in the air-fryer for a quick dish without needing to add extra oil.”

Cauliflower Shrimp Rice in a Bowl with Lemon and Basil, Top Down Photo

Shutterstock

White Chicken Chilli

Now is the ideal time for a hot pot of chilli.

To get more protein Lisa Andrews, MEd, RD, LD Founder ofSound Bites Nutritionsuggests adding chicken.

“White chicken chili is a great option for individuals trying to lose belly fat,” she says.

Shrimp skewers grilled, served with green homemade pesto and lime slices on white plate top view on wooden table

Shutterstock

Beans offer plenty of dietary fiber along with other veggies in the mix including onions and peppers."

Prep your pan and stir-fry shrimp and veggies in a pan, then add cauliflower rice and sauce.

Cook for 5 minutes.

Chicken Pozole Verde in a pot - Mexican stew filled with shredded chicken and hominy in a warm green chile broth garnished with radish slices, fresh green coriander and a lime, close-up

Shutterstock

Chile Verde

Chile verde is a traditional Mexican stew that is filled with flavor.

High protein foods help promote fullness which can potentially lower overall calorie intake and support your weight management goals.

Furthermore, protein helps maintain and build muscle mass.

Cooking stuffed Spaghetti squash with meatballs in tomato sauce

Shutterstock

Muscle tissue burns more calories than fat which can boost your metabolism."

Farro is a healthier choice over traditional rice or orzo.

“This fits the bill for both a healthy meal and comfort food”, says Rauch.

grilled chicken and vegetable kabobs

Shutterstock

By combining both the protein and fiber, this stew is a good balanced choice for a meal.

Adding additional vegetables to this stew can boost the fiber content even higher."

This combination of high protein and high fiber is a winning combination for weight loss."

German kielbasa Oktoberfest stew with cabbage potatoes and a glass of white wine

Shutterstock

Sauceda says, “Pasta can be a part of a diet that helps melt belly fat.

Adding grilled chicken to the pasta will bump up the protein and flavor even more.”

Sweet potatoes are a complex carbohydrate with a lower glycemic index and Brussels sprouts have minimal calories."

Raw, spiralized, zucchini noodles or zoodles in a colander with pan seared garlic steak bites, preparing to make garlic steak bites.

Shutterstock

Omega-3s are known for their anti-inflammatory effects which can extend to metabolic health.

Having good metabolic health can be a factor for losing belly fat."

Beef and Broccoli Stir-Fry in Black Bowl on Dark Background

Shutterstock

Beef and cabbage stir fry. toning. selective focus

Shutterstock

chicken fajitas

Shutterstock

cooked stuffed bell peppers in a white dish

Shutterstock

Grilled chicken served with mushroom and spinach pasta and fresh basil

Shutterstock

Grilled Salmon with Asparagus and New Potato in Lemon, Parsley and Capers Vinaigrette

Shutterstock