The #1 Best Vegetable to Shrink Belly Fat, Says Dietitian

Trying to lose abdominal fat can be a frustrating process, but it isn't something that can be rushed. Losing visceral fat, which is the harmful type of fat that sits around your abdominal organs, requires a steady change in lifestyle and eating habits.

For example, incorporating more fiber and protein, limiting your consumption of trans fats and added sugar, and exercising on a regular schedule can be a great place to start.

If your goal is to lose abdominal fat, there's no one miracle food that can make that happen. It's more so about making small changes in your diet and exercise routines in order to live a healthy, balanced lifestyle. One of the ways you can do this is by incorporating more vegetables into each of your meals.

Vegetables are high in fiber and other valuable nutrients and minerals, which make them an important food to include in your eating routine. And according to Courtney D'Angelo, MS, RD, author at Go Wellness, the best vegetable to help you meet your weight loss goals and shrink belly fat is spinach!

"Spinach is loaded with nutrients, which makes it very nutritious and healthy for your body," says D'Angelo. "It's rich in Vitamins, minerals, and antioxidants – all of which have been linked to shrinking belly fat."

Spinach is high in fiber

According to D'Angelo, one of the things that makes spinach one of the best vegetables for weight loss and maintaining overall health is its high fiber content.

"Additionally, spinach is a low-calorie vegetable, but also very high in fiber. Eating fiber helps you feel full and prevents overeating," says D'Angelo. "Fiber also helps aid digestion and absorption of food, which will help keep your metabolism in check."

It's also high in protein

Along with its high-fiber content, spinach is also packed with protein as well. And to get the biggest boost of protein, some recommend eating it cooked, as one cup of cooked spinach equals about 5 grams of protein and one cup of raw spinach is less than one!

"Lastly, spinach also contains protein, which helps you reduce fat, build lean muscle, and feel full, just like fiber," says D'Angelo. "Meeting your protein goals for the day is very important to shrinking belly fat, and spinach helps you get there."

If you want to try cooking with spinach today, try a delicious recipe like this one. And for more healthy eating tips, make sure to check out 6 Best Foods that Melt Abdominal Fat.