Excess fat around the midsection not only affects your appearance but also poses risks to your health.

While regular exercise and a balanced diet are essential for achieving this goal, certain foods can hinder your progress.

This article explores three foods – both solid and liquid – that you should avoid if you’re aiming to burn belly fat.

1. Processed foods

Processed foods are often high in unhealthy fats, sugars, and artificial additives, making them a major contributor to belly fat accumulation. These include packaged snacks, sugary cereals, fast food, and ready-to-eat meals. These foods are typically low in essential nutrients and fibre, which can lead to overeating and weight gain.

Additionally, the high sodium content in processed foods can cause water retention and bloating, further exacerbating the appearance of belly fat.

Alternatively, opt for whole, unprocessed foods like fruits, vegetables, lean proteins, and whole grains. These foods are rich in nutrients, fibre, and antioxidants, which can support healthy weight loss and reduce belly fat over time.

2. Sugary beverages

Sugary beverages such as soda, fruit juices, energy drinks, and sweetened coffee drinks are loaded with empty calories and contribute to belly fat gain. These drinks are high in fructose, a type of sugar that is metabolised by the liver and stored as fat if consumed in excess. Additionally, sugary beverages provide little to no nutritional value and can cause spikes in blood sugar levels, leading to increased hunger and cravings for unhealthy foods.

Alternative: Stay hydrated with water, herbal teas, or infused water with fresh fruits and herbs. These alternatives are calorie-free and can help curb cravings while promoting hydration and overall health.

3. Refined carbohydrates

Refined carbohydrates like white bread, white rice, pasta, and pastries are quickly broken down into sugar by the body, leading to spikes in blood sugar levels and insulin resistance. This can promote fat storage, especially around the abdominal area. Additionally, refined carbohydrates lack fibre and essential nutrients, leaving you feeling hungry and unsatisfied shortly after eating.

Alternatively, choose whole grains like brown rice, quinoa, oats, and whole wheat bread, which are higher in fibre and nutrients and promote feelings of fullness and satiety. These complex carbohydrates are digested more slowly, helping to stabilise blood sugar levels and reduce belly fat accumulation.

Achieving a trimmer waistline and burning belly fat requires a holistic approach that includes regular exercise and a balanced diet.

By avoiding processed foods, sugary beverages, and refined carbohydrates, you can support your weight loss goals and improve your overall health.

Instead, focus on consuming whole, nutrient-dense foods that nourish your body and promote fat loss. Remember, small dietary changes can lead to significant results over time, so choose your foods wisely and prioritise your health and well-being.

With the cost of commodities, including foods, gradually getting above the means of the common man, Nigerians have continued to lament how difficult it is to survive amid the hardship occasioned by the economy.

Here are, however, five affordable foods that can help Nigerians sustain themselves during the hardship:

Garri

A common food that can be included into various culinary meals, served with soups, or simply consumed as is. It is currently one of the most economical meal items to help you get through the hardship.

Noodles

With just N400, you can purchase two noodles and have them quickly cooked to get through some hours in the day, and stave off hunger.

Bread

For as little as N500, you can buy a loaf of bread and pair it with butter or stew.

Yam

For N1,000 – 1200, you can buy a tuber of yam and eat it twice or three times, depending on how much food you consume.

Vegetables

Amid the hardship, this appears to be a very affordable food option for those who want to cook soup and serve it alongside other solid foods or rice.

Domino’s Pizza in Japan has apologised after a video of an employee appearing to pick his nose and wipe his hand on dough surfaced on social media.

In the now-viral video, the employee of Domino’s Pizza at the Amagasaki store in Hyogo Prefecture, a mainland in Japan, was seen having a conversation with a colleague when he picked his nose and rubbed it on the pizza dough.

The video attracted a wave of backlash targeted towards the pizza delivery giants.

But reacting in a statement, Domino’s apologised over the worker’s “inappropriate behaviour” and vowed to ensure that “something like this never happens again”.

The company revealed that the statement was released “not long after the incident”, adding that no pizza dough had been used and all remaining dough had been disposed of.

It said the store in question had suspended operations and that the employees involved in the video would be punished in accordance with employment regulations.

“Apology and notice regarding inappropriate behavior by our employees. We would like to report on the progress of our internal investigation and response to the inappropriate behaviour by our employees that is currently being spread on social media,” the statement reads in part.

“It has been determined that this photo was taken by a part-time employee of the Amagasaki store in Amagasaki City, Hyogo Prefecture, at around 2 a.m. on February 12, after business hours had closed.

“The dough used in the video is at a stage before fermentation is complete, and we have confirmed that it has not been used yet, as there is a 24-hour fermentation process. The fabric was disposed of before being used.

“Additionally, all fabrics in the store are being disposed of. Additionally, the store ceased operations as of February 12th.

“The employees involved in this incident will be dealt with strictly in accordance with the company’s work regulations. We would also like to inform you that we are considering strict legal measures.

“We deeply apologize for the inconvenience and inconvenience caused to our customers. From now on, the entire company will make every effort to prevent recurrence and restore trust.”