Fat belly
can be as a result of abdominal bloating or carrying unwanted weight around
your midsection,which could be embarrassing. Bloating is temporary while
abdominal distention can be caused by reaction to certain foods, lifestyle
factors or medical condition, such as liver or heart disease.
However, if
you are overweight and want to flatten your belly, the only solution is to lose
weight. Whether it’s gas or excess weight causing your tummy trouble, it solely
depends on the type of food you eat which could either help or hinder your goal
of getting a flat tummy.
These 10
flat- belly foods can get you the abs you crave for.
Fennel seeds
Fennel
seeds: fennel is a pleasant smelling herb with yellow flowers and feathery
leaves. Dried fennel seeds are very nutritious. They contain fiber, magnesium,
calcium and iron and are also used to aid digestion. “fennel helps to relax the
GI (gastrointestinal) muscles, which helps trapped gas to alleviate bloating,”
according to Cynthia Sass, RDN, author of “S.A.S.S!. Sass recommends people
chew on half a teaspoon of seeds after a meal or when the stomach feels
distended as a result of gas buildup. Fennel can also be added to cup of hot
water, but the seeds must be filtered out before drinking.
Salmon
Salmon: this
is indispensable when it comes to battling belly fats. It is an excellent
source of omega-3 fatty acids and vitamin D. insufficient blood levels of
vitamin D have been linked to obesity, including abdominal obesity. Adequate
vitamin D is important for good health. The omega-3 fatty acids in salmon or
other fatty fishes can also flatten your belly.
Researchers
believe omega-3 fatty acids may alter the expression of certain genes, shifting
your body to burn fat rather than store it.
Eggs: eggs
are a very good way to start your day because they are packed with protein, and
eating them for breakfast provides staying power. Research has shown that
people who eat eggs for breakfast are less likely to over eat the rest of the
day. Eggs are good sources of vitamin B12, a nutrient which helps to break down
body fat cells. They are also a source of vitamin D. choline, another power
nutrient in eggs, is known for enhancing fat metabolism. But remember, too much
of everything is bad.
Olive oil
Olive oil:
olive oil contains healthy monounsaturated fats which potentially switch on
genes related to the burning and storage of fat. Monounsaturated fats also help
to control blood sugar levels, which play a n important role of reducing hunger
and fat accumulation around the midsection.
Asparagus
Asparagus:
this is a green vegetable that promotes a healthy weight. It serves triple duty
in its anti-bloating effects. It is a source of prebiotics, which promotes the
growth of good bacteria to help maintain a healthy balance in the digestive
system to prevent or reduce gas. It also contains soluble and insoluble fiber
to promote overall digestive health and natural anti-inflammatory substances to
reduce belly bloat. Here is a tip for an additional flat-belly boost. Lightly drizzle
your asparagus with olive oil.
Whole grains
Whole
grains: whole grains can help flatten the stomach. These include popcorn,
quinoa, oats and wheat. A study in the American Journal of Clinical Nutrition
shows that people who eat whole grains lose more abdominal fat than those who
don’t. The tummy flattening power of these whole grains is as a result of its
high fiber content. Fiber aids in keeping insulin levels low, which may help to
shrink fat cells.
Bananas
Bananas: A
lot of people think bananas are fattening but they are actually important
flat-belly food. Bananas are rich in potassium which helps de-bloat the belly
by acting as a natural diuretic, triggering the release of excess sodium and
water the body is retaining. It also contains soluble finer which helps to relieve
constipation. Other foods high in potassium include sweet potatoes, nuts,
tomatoes, green leafy vegetables and dates.
Greek yogurt
Greek
yogurt: yogurt is a good source of calcium, a mineral that slows production of
the hormone cortisol, which encourages belly fat. Greek yogurt provides twice
the filling protein for weight control as compared to regular yogurts. It also
contains active cultures or good bacteria which aids digestion and prevents
bloating. It also contains less lactose than regular yogurt due to straining
process.
Cucumbers
Cucumbers:
cucumbers have a very high percentage of water and are naturally low in
calories to help in hydration and weight management. One whole cucumber has
just 45 calories. Cucumbers have been shown to inhibit the activity of
pro-inflammatory enzymes, which can help reduce GI swelling. For flatter abs
eat cucumbers daily as a snack.
Water
Water:
drinking enough water supports the other ways you’re trying to flatten your
stomach. Water aids digestion and metabolic activities. Eight glasses a day is
a general rule of thumb for adults, but you may need more or less depending on
the environment where you live and how active you are. The colour of your urine
depends on the quantity of water.
