To achieve fit and flat abs, doing abdominal workout is best recommended. However, more than just the workout, eating belly-busting foods is a good complement. Now, you can still eat, drink and be merry with these food choices for a flatter stomach.
- Yogurt
Yogurt, when eaten regularly, can reduce bloating and constipation because of probiotics, a healthy bacteria that keeps your digestive system healthy. The bacteria tame tummy bloat causing intestinal mobility that relieves constipation. This makes your tummy look flat.
Try three servings of fat-free yogurt a day to lose more fat around the waist.
- Whole grains
Instead of eating refined grains, switch to whole ones. A study reveals that people who had eaten three or more servings of whole grains per day had lower abdominal levels. One great source of whole grain is Quinoa. This whole grain food contains 5 grams of fiber and 11 grams of protein per half cup. Its nutty flavor and crunchy yet chewy texture are like a cross between whole wheat couscous and short-grain brown rice.
Try one half-cup serving of Quinoa per day for a flatter tummy
- Almonds
This type of nut has the ability to block calories. A research indicates that almond’s cell walls may help in reducing absorption of all their fat, making it an extra lean nut.
Try: Consume an ounce of almonds a day (about 23 almonds) or 160 calories
- Cucumber
Cucumbers contain caffeic acid that helps in fighting swelling. More than its benefits under the eye, it also works in making your stomach flat.
- Green leafy veggies
Most green leafy vegetables are good sources of calcium, an essential ingredient for muscle contraction. Hence, these greens can help in fueling your workouts. They are low in calories, which are beneficial in losing weight and achieving flat tummies.
Try three servings of greens daily. Sources of greens: spinach, broccoli rabe, broccolini (a cross between broccoli and Chinese kale)
- Berries
High in antioxidants, berries do not only help in protecting you from chronic diseases like cancer but also help in getting results from your workouts. Nutrition experts tell that antioxidants help improve blood flow, which can help muscles contract more efficiently.
- Salmon
Apart from salmon’s many health benefits, it is an excellent source of abs-friendly protein as it aids in slowing digestion and prevents cravings.
Try two four-ounce servings of salmon per week. If you are not fond of eating seafood–based products, flaxseed or walnuts can be your alternative in getting omega-3.
- Soy
This great source of antioxidants, fiber and protein is a versatile food and a good meal replacement. A study shows that overweight participants who drank soy-milk based meal replacement lost more weight than those who consumed a traditional dairy-based diet drink.
- Bananas
This food gets rid of excess water weight, minimizing your middle. The extra fluid is present because of the imbalance of two important minerals: potassium and sodium. If the sodium level is too high, the tissues hold on to fluid. To restore the balance, increasing potassium intake can help. Consuming four and a half cups of potassium daily can aid in flushing out the extra sodium along with water.
- Water
Drinking plenty of water supports other measures you are doing in order to achieve a flat tummy. Experts explain that when there is enough fluid available in your system, the dual-fiber cereal you have consumed is better able to pull liquid into your lower intestine and ease constipation. Insufficient water intake can make one feel blown-up belly feeling. This feeling often occurs in most women, despite their efforts of getting rid of it. Aim for at least 8 glasses of water daily, in addition to fluid-rich foods like fruits and veggies to keep you bloat-free. Water is an excellent option for it has no calories, salt, sugar or any other additives.
