15 Foods to Eat for a Flatter Stomach
Damn you, digestion. You had one carbonated drink (or plateful of spaghetti carbonara) too many and now your belly is bloat city. Here, 15 foods to eat for a tauter tummy.
1.
Green Tea
The antioxidants in a single cup help prevent the absorption of fat, but that’s not all. Drinking it regularly can help speed up your metabolism and accelerate weight loss.
2.
Lemon
Squeezing a teaspoon of lemon juice into a glass of water—especially if it’s warm—can help jump-start your gastrointestinal tract so that food has an easier time moving through your system. Bye-bye, bloat.
3.
Bananas
Potassium—like the amount found in a medium-size banana—works wonders when it comes to helping your body get rid of excess water weight. Score.
4.
Potatoes
Yep, potatoes are another potassium-rich, good-for-you food...as long as you don’t pile on the butter and sour cream. Consumed in moderation (and with the skin on), they’ll aid digestion and help beat belly bloat.
5.
High-Fiber Cereal
A bowl of Shredded Wheat or All-Bran is all you need to ward off constipation, a major (and OK, gross) cause of a protruding stomach.
6.
Olive Oil
This anti-inflammatory ingredient will flatten your belly and protect against high cholesterol. But heads up: It’s more effective if you use it for things like salad dressing or sautéing vegetables versus bread dipping.
7.
Yogurt with Probiotics
Plain yogurt is not only packed with protein but its healthy bacteria aids in digestion and helps fight off stress. (A biology refresher: When you’re stressed, your body releases cortisol. Cortisol causes fat to go straight to your midsection. Not good.)
8.
Cucumbers
This hydrating veggie is a natural diuretic, which makes it great for removing water weight, a factor in belly bloat.
9.
Quinoa
The ultimate white flour alternative, this gluten-free food is actually a high-fiber seed, which aids digestion. Huzzah!
10.
Dark Chocolate
Good news: In moderation, it’s a natural appetite suppressant that can also stimulate your metabolism and reduces stress. (Remember the cortisol?)
11.
Blueberries
Studies have linked the antioxidants in this tasty fruit to a major reduction in belly fat.
12.
Asparagus
Same deal as cucumbers. This vegetable works as a diuretic, clearing your belly of excess water weight, stat. (Psst... here are 23 ways to cook with asparagus.)
13.
Salmon
All hail omega-3s. The fatty acid—found in this fish—is packed with bloat-beating benefits, including speeding up your metabolism and reducing inflammation. Extra bonus? It's one of the most versatile ingredients out there.
14.
Spinach
A healthy diet is all about the leafy greens, but spinach in particular has so many antioxidants—like vitamins A, C, E and K,all of which target belly fat.
15.
Avocados
The good-for-you fats in this fruit help reduce inflammation and prevent the blood sugar spikes that cause your body to store calories at your waistline. Yessss.
