Belly - flattening Smoothies

These berry-packed smoothies are loaded with healthful compounds that help you power off pounds

- KATE ARCELL

BERRIES' SLIMMING SECRET: ANTHOCYANINS

+ Block fat formation

The bright color of berries comes from anthocyanins, plant compounds that help tamp down fat-forming inflammation and oxidative stress. In fact, Chinese researchers found that mice on a high-fat diet that were given the compounds daily gained up to 55% less weight.

+Balance blood sugar

Regularly consuming anthocyanins improved cells' sensitivity to the blood sugar-regulating hormone insulin for 67% of people, according to researchers from Louisiana State University. This wards off the blood-sugar fluctuations that lead to fatigue, mood swings, cravings and weight gain.

+Melt belly fat

The rich stores of anthocyanins in berries ramp up the production of lipase, a pancreatic enzyme that Cleveland Clinic investigators discovered helps the body break down belly fat for fuel. The outcome? You'll trim up to 3 inches off your waist in just one month if you enjoy berries daily!