Nine foods to help you beat belly fat

By David Zinczenko, special to CNN

Updated 1935 GMT (0335 HKT) January 7, 2015

Chat with us in Facebook Messenger. Find out what's happening in the world as it unfolds.

"Zero belly drinks," drinks that are essentially plant-based smoothies that include protein, healthy fat and fiber, contain resveratrol that can fight inflammation, says David Zinczenko, co-author of "Eat This, Not That!" <a href="http://lpi.oregonstate.edu/infocenter/phytochemicals/resveratrol/" target="_blank">Resveratrol</a> can be found in abundance in red fruits, peanut butter and dark chocolate.

Photos: Foods that can fight belly fat

Zero Belly Fat – "Zero belly drinks," drinks that are essentially plant-based smoothies that include protein, healthy fat and fiber, contain resveratrol that can fight inflammation, says David Zinczenko, co-author of "Eat This, Not That!" Resveratrol can be found in abundance in red fruits, peanut butter and dark chocolate.

Hide Caption

1 of 9

Eggs contain a nutrient called choline. Researchers believe it turns off the genes for visceral fat gain. Athletes often use it for bodybuilding and delaying fatigue in endurance sports, Zinczenko says.

Photos: Foods that can fight belly fat

Zero Belly Fat – Eggs contain a nutrient called choline. Researchers believe it turns off the genes for visceral fat gain. Athletes often use it for bodybuilding and delaying fatigue in endurance sports, Zinczenko says.

Hide Caption

2 of 9

Red fruits like an apple can be some of the healthiest foods to eat, Zinczenko says. The deeper the color, the more effective they are at helping turn off obesity genes. Studies have shown they can help regulate <a href="http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC3876074/" target="_blank">glucose tolerance</a> and insulin.

Photos: Foods that can fight belly fat

Zero Belly Fat – Red fruits like an apple can be some of the healthiest foods to eat, Zinczenko says. The deeper the color, the more effective they are at helping turn off obesity genes. Studies have shown they can help regulate glucose tolerance and insulin.

Hide Caption

3 of 9

Olive oil and other healthy fats can keep you from feeling hungry. The Mediterranean diet, which is rich in olive oil, <a href="http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/21443484" target="_blank">has shown several positive health results</a>, including keeping weight down, according to Zinczenko.

Photos: Foods that can fight belly fat

Zero Belly Fat – Olive oil and other healthy fats can keep you from feeling hungry. The Mediterranean diet, which is rich in olive oil, has shown several positive health results, including keeping weight down, according to Zinczenko.

Hide Caption

4 of 9

Photos: Foods that can fight belly fat

Foods that can fight belly fat – Beans have plenty of starch and fiber, requiring the body to work extra hard to process them, Zinczenko says.

Hide Caption

5 of 9

Extra plant protein found in soy or in nuts like almonds. <a href="http://www.nature.com/ijo/journal/v27/n11/full/0802411a.html" target="_blank">Earlier studies</a> have shown unsalted almonds can help you lose weight by giving you an energy boost, blocking the body's absorption of fats and suppressing your appetite in the process, Zinczenko says.

Photos: Foods that can fight belly fat

Zero Belly Fat – Extra plant protein found in soy or in nuts like almonds. Earlier studies have shown unsalted almonds can help you lose weight by giving you an energy boost, blocking the body's absorption of fats and suppressing your appetite in the process, Zinczenko says.

Hide Caption

6 of 9