Flat-belly foods

Flattening your belly takes exercise, for sure, but what you eat also plays a role. Try these flat-belly foods to get a sleek, sexy stomach.

If the holidays have left your tummy bulging over your waistband, you may want to stock your grocery cart with more of these belly-flattening foods to get back in shape for your beach getaway.

Green tea

Green tea is high in the type of antioxidant called catechins. Catechins have been shown to increase metabolism. Studies have shown that green tea drinking is linked to smaller waistlines — so consider enjoying a cup or two daily. Not too late in the evening, though, as green tea does contain caffeine (the only teas that are caffeine-free are herbal teas or tisanes).

Blueberries

Hitting up a hip-hop dance class to work on your six-pack? Good idea! This high-intensity workout will burn fat to reveal those abs — and blueberries can help get you to your goal. Your muscles need oxygen to get through a cardio workout, and antioxidants (blueberries are loaded with them) support the blood flow that delivers oxygen.

Yogurt

Put those probiotics to work! You may have whittled down your waist and the fat around your core, but if you’re suffering from bloating, those flat abs will be masked. Get rid of bloat by eating some yogurt. The live cultures in some yogurts help in the growth of probiotics (good bacteria) in your gut, which can help cut down on the bloat-causing bad bacteria currently residing there. Top your yogurt with blueberries for a double dose of stomach flattening (see “blueberries” above).

Avocado

This delectable fruit is high in monounsaturated fats. These healthy fats help prevent spikes in your blood sugar (which can trigger your body into storing fat around your midsection). Include half an avocado (which accounts for 10 grams of these monounsaturated fats) as a snack. Try this guacamole recipe, for one.

Fish

Fish, along with other lean proteins such as skinless chicken breasts and pork tenderloin, helps us feel full and takes longer to digest… which means we’re less inclined to snack soon after eating them. Plus, the protein in fish helps to build muscle (not fat) — bringing you one step closer to your flat-belly goal.

flat-belly food recipes

5 fish recipes featuring trout
Blueberry, balsamic and feta sirloins
5 layer yogurt dip