You’ve sucked it, tucked it, but you still can’t hide it. And every exercise you try doesn’t seem to empty that little breadbasket—the infamous fatty upper pubic area.

Affectionately called by other names, the FUPA is one of the most frustrating areas to tame on the body. For some, it’s the bulge that won’t budge. And for others, it’s an apron of honor—a meritorious lump honoring childbirth.

Whatever the case, that little pooch is can become unhealthy. It’s also undesirable when you’re trying to reach a fitness goal.

Be not deceived, the FUPA is not reserved for those who are overweight. It can strike anyone at any time in their life. But your midsection is not without hope. You can conquer the overhang.

If you’ve had it up to your rib cage with waist trainers and girdles, keep reading. Here are five fruits for combating that unflattering FUPA.

Combating that Unflattering FUPA with Apples

An apple a day keeps the FUPA at bay. You read that right. Mom was doing the right thing when she demanded you eat your fruits and veggies, especially apples.

Excess fat in the belly area increases your chances of heart disease and type 2 diabetes. Eating apples, along with a proper diet and exercise, reduce these risks.

Apples come packed with fiber—soluble fiber being the body’s ally. It helps your body defend itself against a pudgy midsection by acting as a prebiotic in the gut and decreasing appetite.

Healthy bacteria in your gut eat prebiotics. This encourages fermentation, which attacks excess fat in the belly.

Soluble fiber found in apples slows down digestion. It suppresses your appetite and makes you feel fuller longer. This leads to a reduction in calorie consumption with your next meal. People tend to eat less when they feel full.

A reduction in calories can lead to overall weight loss, in the belly most of all.

Speaking of Blueberries

As with apples, blueberries guard the heart and body against diabetes and heart disease. They’re also rich in antioxidants and flavonoids, which aid in weight loss.

To test this theory, researchers at the University of Michigan performed a study on rats for 90 days. Obese rats were fed two different diets—high-fat and low-fat enriched with blueberry powder.

The rats fed an enriched blueberry diet loss significant belly fat and cholesterol. Consider adding a bowl of blueberries at breakfast or pop a scoop in a ziplock bag for an afternoon snack.

Avec Avocados

Guacamole isn’t so bad. It’s the way you make it. A plate of smashed avocado has significant health benefits.

One way to combat your fatty upper part is by eating a diet rich in plant-based foods. Replace foods that are dense in saturated and unsaturated fats with those high in mono and polyunsaturated fats.

Guess what’s chock-full of good fats? Avocados contain both MUFAs and PUFAs—mono and polyunsaturated fats. Studies suggest MUFAs and PUFAs have a significant influence on the body’s metabolism and composition, targeting stubborn belly fat.

Slice up an avocado and enjoy it in a small salad. Burn more fat by adding fresh squeezed lemon juice and jalapeno. Mash it up and spread it on a slice of whole grain toast.

Tomato, Tomahto

They don’t call it the wisdom fruit for nothing. It might not be smart to put a tomato in a fruit salad but it knows what to do after it enters your body.

Part of losing belly fat involves reducing your caloric intake. Since calories come from the foods your eat, a sensible-sized tomato would be a wise choice.

Low in calories, fat, and carbohydrates, this fiber-filled fruit curves sugar cravings and discourages overeating. It’s also vitamin C rich and 94 percent water. Water incidentally fights belly fat as well.

More Pineapples, Please

Named after pine cones, this mature fruit can stand up to fat in your tummy area. Pineapples contain bromelain—an enzyme that metabolizes proteins that cut abdomen fat.

This fruit is also fiber-concentrated and fat-free. The insoluble fiber in pineapples forms a gel-like substance in the digestive tract that slows the breakdown of food. When digestion slows, the belly feels satisfied, keeping you from over-filling it.

Fewer calories lead to smaller midsections.

Believe the Banana

Bananas don’t just taste great in cereal and smoothies, they have serious health and fitness benefits.

The body’s natural reaction to sodium is to swell in certain extremities. That’s why people see swelling in their face, hands, and feet after eating a salty bag of chips or popcorn. The major benefit of the banana is its potassium.

Potassium chemically balances the body, targeting and reducing swelling. One medium banana contains about 422 milligrams of potassium.

Try swapping out a salty snack for a banana and a bowl of fresh blueberries.

Sips Tea—Green Tea That Is

Kermit isn’t the only one who can benefit from sipping tea. Pull out the kettle, fire up some water, and put a green tea bag in your favorite coffee cup.

Why? Green tea is good for the gut.

Scientifically, green tea improves metabolism and burns calories due to a compound called Epigallocatechin Gallate or EGCG. ECGC is a catechin that contains a group of plant phenols that have intense antioxidant properties.

Not only does green tea protect the body from aging, it aids in helping your body look healthy. This super-catechin promotes oxidation of fat all over the body. The end result is lower body weight and a healthier frame.

If you don’t like the taste of tea itself, try pouring a cup of it in your favorite smoothie. Substitute your liquid–water, or vegan milk—for a cup of room temperature green tea.

Eat More Fruit

The struggle to lose inches around the waistline can be discouraging. But don’t give up. These fruits for combating that unflattering FUPA are nature’s way of saying you can do it.

Along with exercise, try introducing a few of these little, natural secrets into your diet. You’ll see significant results and your body will appreciate it.

Author Bio:

Naomi C. Kellogg is an emerging screenwriter, content writer, and novelist who writes fiction, nonfiction, and dramas. Naomi has a Master’s Degree in Fine Arts in Creative Writing and is a member of the Nation Council of Negro Women (NCNW), St. Petersburg Chapter, where she hopes to inspire young African-American women who aspire to write. – naomickellogg.com