12 foods to help you blast belly fat

Brazil nuts

These nuts, which actually come mostly from Bolivia, are high in the antioxidant vitamin E. This “mops up” the damaging free radicals caused by stress and exercise. Producing too many of these damages your cells and your body prioritises repairing them over other actions, specifically building muscle and burning fat.

Pumpkin seeds

These are a great source of protein, zinc, magnesium and iron – all of which are vital to keeping your body using up fat stores around the clock. They also contain a wide variety of antioxidants, including forms of vitamin E found in few other foods. Grab a handful between meals to stay full."Nuts are surprisingly an excellent food to support weight loss. Although they're rich in calories, they've been associated with weight loss and weight loss maintenance," says Hever. "Researchers suggest this is due the fact that nuts promote satiety, thereby leading to compensation of calories elsewhere in the diet. Also, nuts have been shown to increase resting metabolism." A faster metabolism can help flush out any bloating, so this is definitely a plus for slipping into your skinny jeans or favorite cocktail dress.