If you’re trying to reduce stubborn tummy fat, support your gut health and eat meals that actually keep you full, high-protein, anti-inflammatory dinners are one of the most powerful tools you can use.

Many women over 35 notice that belly fat becomes harder to shift, especially during perimenopause and menopause. Hormonal changes can affect metabolism, digestion and how the body stores fat — particularly around the stomach.

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The good news? The foods you eat can make a huge difference.

Meals that combine lean protein, gut-friendly ingredients, anti-inflammatory herbs and healthy fats help stabilise blood sugar, support digestion and reduce the cravings that often lead to fat storage around the belly.

This Thai Style Chicken with Basil is a perfect example. It’s:

• High in lean protein

• Naturally low in carbs

• Packed with gut-supporting ingredients

• Full of flavour so you don’t feel like you’re dieting

Even better, it takes less than 15 minutes to cook, making it an ideal weeknight dinner.

Thai Style Chicken with Basil

Serves: 4

Ingredients

500g chicken breasts, sliced into bite-sized pieces
1 tbsp soy sauce
½ lime, juiced
1 tbsp corn flour
3 tbsp olive oil
4 cloves garlic, minced
1 tbsp oyster sauce
1 tbsp sriracha (adjust to preferred heat)
1 tbsp fish sauce
2 tsp dark soy sauce
1 tsp black pepper
1 large bunch Thai basil, chopped

Serve with brown rice or quinoa if desired.

Method

1. Place the chicken into a mixing bowl with the soy sauce, lime juice and corn flour. Mix well to coat.

2. Heat the olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add the garlic and sauté for about 10 seconds until fragrant.

3. Add the chicken and stir-fry for about 5 minutes until cooked through and golden.

4. Stir in the oyster sauce, sriracha, fish sauce, dark soy sauce, black pepper and basil. Toss well and cook for another minute until everything is coated.

5. Serve immediately with brown rice or quinoa if desired.

Macros Per Serve

Calories: 385 kcal
Protein: 33g
Carbohydrates: 8g
Fat: 24g
Fibre: 2g

This makes it an excellent high-protein, lower-carb meal that supports fat loss and stable energy levels.

Why This Recipe Is Great For Gut Health And Tummy Fat

High Protein To Reduce Belly Fat

Chicken breast provides high-quality lean protein, which helps:

• Preserve lean muscle

• Increase metabolism

• Reduce cravings

• Keep you fuller for longer

Research consistently shows that higher protein diets help reduce abdominal fat and improve metabolic health, particularly in women over 35.

Protein also supports muscle maintenance, which becomes increasingly important during menopause as muscle mass naturally declines.

Garlic Feeds Your Gut Bacteria

Garlic isn’t just for flavour — it’s also incredibly beneficial for gut health.

Garlic contains prebiotic fibres, which feed the beneficial bacteria in your gut microbiome. A healthy gut microbiome is linked to:

• Better digestion

• Reduced inflammation

• Improved metabolism

• Lower belly fat accumulation

Garlic also contains allicin, a powerful compound with anti-inflammatory and heart-protective properties.

Thai Basil Supports Digestion

Thai basil is rich in antioxidants and plant compounds that help protect the body from inflammation.

It also contains vitamins A, C and K, which support immune health and skin health.

Herbs like basil are a great way to boost flavour without relying on excess salt or sugar, making meals healthier while still delicious.

Lime Juice Supports Metabolism

Lime juice adds fresh flavour while providing vitamin C, an antioxidant that supports:

• Immune function

• Iron absorption

• Skin health

• Cellular protection

The acidity also helps stimulate digestion, which can support better nutrient absorption.

Why High-Protein Meals Help Women Over 35

Many women find that their metabolism slows down with age, particularly during perimenopause.

Meals like this that combine protein, healthy fats and anti-inflammatory ingredients help:

• Balance blood sugar

• Support gut health

• Reduce bloating

• Keep energy levels stable

• Reduce cravings

When meals keep you full and stabilise hormones, it becomes much easier to reduce stubborn belly fat naturally.

The Zing Wellbeing Approach To Gut Health

At Zing Wellbeing, we focus on meals that support gut health, hormone balance and long-term wellbeing, rather than restrictive dieting.

Our programs include:

• High-protein meal plans

• Gut-friendly recipes

• Anti-inflammatory foods

• Menopause-supportive nutrition

Because when your gut health improves, everything improves — energy, digestion, mood and metabolism.

✅ If you want more recipes like this, explore the Zing Wellbeing recipe library with 1,500+ gut-friendly meals designed for women over 35. Join the program here