10 Flat Belly Foods
That little bit of extra weight we carry in our mid-sections from water retention and gas is sometimes enough to keep us from wearing our favorite jeans. I don’t know about you, but sometimes my weight fluctuates as much as 5 pounds over night, and our diet is the biggest cause of these unwanted water pounds. Here are 10 foods that will help you get rid of and prevent bloating. Eat plenty of these foods, especially in the days before you have to fit into that tight dress or wear that dreaded bikini.
It may sound a bit strange to drink more water to get rid of extra water weight, but that’s one of the most important things you can do to keep that belly flat. Retaining water is actually your body’s way of making sure it has the water it may need in times of drought. So, the less you drink, the more it will retain.
Adding a little fresh lemon juice aids with digestion and revs up your body’s ability to flush salt, so drinking them together doubles the diuretic effect. Just be sure to sip right out of the glass instead of using a straw so you don’t take in any extra air. Drink up!
2. Fruit
Among
other health benefits, fruit is great for digestion. Fruit has a very
high water content and is full of fiber, helping regulate bowel
movements. Some of the best fruits for reducing bloating are pineapples,
watermelon, bananas, grapes, avocado and papayas.
3. Vegetables
With
some exceptions, vegetables are easy to digest and help keep you
regular. Although there are some veggies that can make you gassy
(broccoli, cauliflower, cabbage, onions), most go through your system
fast and have a multitude of healthy benefits. Asparagus, celery, and
cucumbers are particularly good for warding off the dreaded bloat.
Asparagus Recipe: Simply Recipes
4. Yogurt
Probiotics
are good for your digestive system because they have helpful bacteria,
crowding out the bad bacteria. Yogurt has an abundance of this good
bacteria. Just be sure to clear away from yogurt that contains
artificial sugars, as those sweeteners have the opposite effect;
irritating your stomach, causing gas and bloating. Plain yogurt is your
best bet. You can sweeten it naturally with fruit or honey.
5. Parsley
Parsley
is a good remedy for gas, especially if you add it to flavor foods that
might otherwise contribute to intestinal gas. It helps facilitate
digestion and lessen the bloating effect they might otherwise have.
6. Peppermint Tea
Because
of it’s active ingredient (menthol), studies show that peppermint helps
soothe your stomach lining. The easiest way to get your daily dose of
peppermint is with hot tea, but you can also add it to iced tea in the
hotter summer months.
7. Peanut Butter
When
eaten in moderation, natural peanut butter (with no added sugar, oil,
or salt) can help keep your stomach in check. It is packed full of
niacin, essential for keeping your digestive system up to speed.
8. Rosemary
Rosemary
has been known to treat intestinal gas and help with digestion. It also
tastes and smells wonderful! Add it to hot tea, lemon water, or use it
to add flavor to lean meats and potatoes.
Rosemary Limeade: thekitchn
9. Ginger
Along
with it’s anti-inflammatory properties, spices like ginger and turmeric
work wonders in settling an upset stomach and nausea. The ancient
greeks use to eat ginger after meals to ease the digestive process. It
is best to eat it in it’s freshest form to get the most health benefits.
10. Fennel Seeds
Need
relief fast? Fennel relaxes the muscles in your digestive tract,
allowing any trapped gas to pass. It’s what you would call a
bloat-blaster! Enjoy it in your tea or sprinkled directly on your food.
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