Fighting the battle of the bulge is difficult. Especially for those of us who can't seem to get rid of the excess weight hanging around our mid-section. However, what many don't realize is that diet, in addition to the right work out routine, plays a huge factor in losing those extra belly pounds. There are many diets that focus solely on eating belly healthy foods, but these are just fads.

To lose the weight around your belly, and to keep it off, you need to make sure that you enjoy foods that are not only going to help you maintain you belly weight, but will also help you maintain your body's overall health. Losing weight in your stomach is important because high levels of belly fat have been closely linked to diabetes, high blood pressure, stroke, and heart attack. Foods that promote weightloss in your stomach, but are also great for your overall health include:

almonds

avocados

roasted sunflowers seeds

olive oil

olives

artichokes

Recipes that include belly-busting ingredients are a great way to enjoy some of your favorite foods while shedding excess pounds. 3 great belly busting recipes worth you giving a try include:

Chicken Piccata

What you need:

12 oz of boneless, skinless chicken tenders

2 Tbsp of Flour

4 Tbsp of Olive Oil

The Juice of 2 Freshly Squeezed Lemons

2 Tbsp of chopped fresh Parsley

2 Tsp of minced Capers

Freshly Ground Black Pepper

Flatten chicken tenders to ¼ inch thickness, and then lightly coat with flour. In a large skillet heat olive oil to median-high heat, and then add chicken. Cook on each side for two minutes until lightly browned. Then add lemon juice, parsley, and capers and bring mixture to a boil. Reduce the heath and let simmer for 2 minutes. Season to taste with pepper, and serve immediately.

Chicken-Olive Saute

What you need:

1 Tbsp of Olive Oil

1 large Onion coarsely chopped

3 large cloves of Garlic minced

1 tsp of chopped fresh Rosemary

1 lb of boneless, skinless chicken breast cut into 1 in pieces

¼ tsp of ground Black Pepper

1 1/3 cup of slices kalamata olives

8 oz of cherry tomatoes, halved

Heat oil in a large skillet. Cook onion, garlic, and rosemary over medium-high heat until tender and starting to brown. Add chicken and cook for approximately 5 - 7 minutes, and then add olives. Cook for an additional minute and then add tomatoes. Serve immediately.

Key-West Chicken Avocado Sandwiches

What you need:

1 cup of mashed avocado

1 Tbsp of freshly squeezed Lime Juice

½ Tsp of Green Tabasco

1 cup of Baby Spinach

10oz of grilled or roasted sliced Chicken Breast

1 pitted, peeled and sliced Mango

4 small whole wheat buns/ rolls

Combine the avocado, lime juice, a green Tabasco, and then spread on the bottom and top buns. Then add ¼ cup spinach, one quarter of the chicken, and ¼ of the mango to each sandwich.