Healthy Habits: Flat Belly 365

Who doesn’t want a flat belly? Well, finally, there is a scientifically proven way to shed stubborn pounds and keep them off, especially for weight around the midsection. The secret to beating the bloat and enjoying lasting weight loss is a healthy gut. A healthy gut—fueled by superfoods, anti-inflammatory fats, and prebiotic and probiotic foods—can balance your appetite, reduce cravings, regulate blood suger, fight inflammation, and fuel your body with key nutrients for optimal health. Award-winning dietician brings gut health all together without the guesswork with his proven, seasonal eating plan. And, fat-burning, pound shedding and feeling youthful never tasted so good! Introducing Flat Belly 365: The Gut-Friendly Superfood Plan to Shed Pounds, FightInflammation and Feel Great All Year Long.

I had a chance to interview author Manuel Villacorte, MS, RD to learn more. 

What makes Flat Belly 365 different from any other book in its genre?

 This book is not just a compilation of research findings and tips, but also it gives you the how-to’s which can be key. I am holding people’s hand with this book. Not only do I provide lists of foods to eat, but also recipes on how to use these foods, and detailed meal plans on how to use these recipes throughout the week along with shopping lists. When I showed my book to my sister-in-law, who is not a kitchen-friendly person, she said to me “Wow, I can do this.” Anyone can. It’s that easy. 

What does gut health have to do with weight loss?

 There is a growing body of evidence that the right combination of gut bacteria can cause changes in a person’s weight. Researchers can now even identify an individual as obese or lean just by looking at their gut bacteria. Several studies have even transplanted gut bacteria from obese mice into lean mice, which resulted in weight gained without any changes in their diet and exercise. The same result occurred when the microbiome of lean mice was transplanted into obese mice; they lost weight. 

What are probiotics and prebiotics?

 Probiotics are the good type of bacteria that are live, active organisms that help keep the digestive system happy and healthy. The more probiotics in our gastrointestinal system, the healthier our microbiome and a healthy microbiome means lower risk if chronic diseases such as low immunity, type 2 diabetes, gastrointestinal disorders and even depression among others. Probiotics can be found in fermented foods such a yogurt, kefir and other fermented foods like kimchi and sauerkraut. Prebiotics are the fuel to help probiotics thrive and multiply. Prebiotics are fibers found in foods such as avocados, sweet potatoes, oatmeal, onions, garlic, leeks, among others .

Why worry about inflammation?

 Chronic inflammation you can’t see or feel and it’s difficult to test for. Your body is constantly releasing inflammatory chemicals, such as cytokines, that are produced from factors such as having excess visceral fat. Cells, artery walls, and fibers are affected, which leads to other chronic diseases and advanced aging. 

Are the ingredients in Flat Belly 365 easy to find? 

 Yes, this book is all about simplicity. This book focuses on good old American fruits and vegetables. Given that California produces a significant majority of the fruits, vegetables and nuts sold in the United States, I decided to follow California’s seasonal growing chart, which focuses on American-grown superfoods and can be found throughout the United States.  

Manuel Villacorta, MS, RD, is an internationally recognized, award-winning registered dietitiannutritionist with more than 18 years of experience. He is the author of three books, Eating Free, Peruvian Power Foods and Whole Body Reboot: The Peruvian Superfoods Diet. Villacorta is a trusted voice in the health and wellness industry - a national media spokesperson, a health blog contributor for The Huffington Post and an on-air contributor for Univision. Manuel is the owner of MV Nutrition, a San Francisco-based private practice, and the recipient of five "Best Bay Area Nutritionist" awards from the San Francisco Chronicle, ABC7 News and Citysearch. Read more on www.flatbelly365.com