Summer is just around the corner and if you’re looking to lose some weight in your stomach I compiled a list of foods to avoid. Beating stomach bloat, aiding with digestion, and bringing back your flat stomach can easily be done with a few food swaps to add to your routine. Always remember that exercise is extremely important but so is food!
Check out a few foods to avoid for a flat stomach:
Alcohol: This can be a hard one..especially in the Summer but any type of alcoholic drink will not help you obtain a flat stomach or lose weight. At 7 calories per gram, it contains nearly double the calories of carbs or protein. Not to mention, it wipes out the good bacteria in your digestive system that helps with bloating.
Salt: Excess amounts of salt can cause bloating which can make you feel like you gained a few lbs. If you must have salt, try unrefined which is the healthiest (sea salt + Himalayan salt). Try to minimize the amount of salt you cook with, try replacing it with fresh spices.
Refined carbs: White bread, pasta, or sugary baked goods will promote inflammation and weight gain. Swap refined carbs for complex ones like whole grains. Quinoa, flaxseed bread, sweet potatoes, barley, roasted chickpeas are some options- plus they will make you feel full longer!
Fried foods: While fried foods taste great, they contain a ton of oil, fat, and cholesterol...all of which won’t help you attain a flat stomach. If you’re craving fried food, try oven baked or air fried foods to still satisfy your craving but will be healthier for you.
Dairy/cheese: Dairy can tend to be high in calories + saturated fat and can contribute to bloating. Try healthier options like skim milk or almond milk and try to eat small portions.
Carbonated drinks: When air from any source reaches your digestive system, you will experience an expanded stomach. Eating too quickly, using a straw, and chewing gum can cause you to swallow air. Sugary carbonated drinks can increase abdominal fat and should be avoided completely if you want to avoid belly fat.
XO
Joie