Getting rid of abdominal fat is one of the most challenging aspects of dieting and working out. While many diets make promises in terms of delivering a flat belly, only a few of them deliver. Choosing the best diet is all about understanding the impact different nutrients have on the body and avoiding the ingredients that lead to fat accumulation.
Foods to Eliminate from Your Diet
A flat belly diet should start with getting rid of the foods and the meals that are either making you fat or unhealthy. Very often, the same ingredients will be capable of accomplishing both. There are various food varieties that can lead to excessive bloating in the abdominal area. In addition, some of them contribute to a serious accumulation of fat. These include processed foods, carbs and simple sugars.
An important distinction should be made when talking about carbs. When it comes to having a flat belly, simple carbs are the ones to eliminate. These include pasta, white bread, pastries and bagels. Complex carbs like whole-wheat products are perfectly fine. In essence, a diet that helps you maintain a flat belly focuses on meals that you prepare from scratch. Fruits, veggies, meat, some kinds of dairy and eggs are all permissible. The same applies to beneficial fats.
Foods that Promote a Flat Belly
While certain foods are an absolute no-no when trying to do a flat belly diet, other products can enhance your fat loss efforts and deliver more prominent results within a shorter period of time. Sources of healthy fat like avocados are excellent. Avocados are an excellent source of beta-sitosterol that will keep fat deposits in check and even contribute to a decrease in bad cholesterol levels. Eating about half an avocado per day will be sufficient to give your body important nutrients that it needs to be fit.
While it may sound counter intuitive, the consumption of bananas and potatoes can actually help you get rid of the bloated tummy. These foods make it easier for the body to get rid of excess water. Extra fluid is often present in the abdominal region because of a imbalance in potassium and sodium levels. A few other great ingredients to consider adding to your meals include flaxseed oil, almonds, macadamia nuts, brown rice, green tea, ginger, chili peppers, olive oil, natural peanut butter and plain yogurt.
A Few Additional Tips
When trying to get rid of the belly fat, you should consider upping your fluid intake. The optimal possibility is drinking more water. Refrain from hydrating your body with sodas and other sugar-laden beverages. Drinking water helps for more effective fat burning and it also regulates bowel movements. Many people feel bloated because they don’t have a daily bowel movement. Larger quantities of water and more fiber will do the trick.
Reducing salt intake is also very important. Salt leads to fluid retention, which will make you look and feel rather puffy. Using natural sea salt or Himalayan salt in small quantities will keep your tummy from getting bloated. Also, look for the sodium content in foods. There could be large quantities of salt in many products that you buy on a regular basis.
Finally, remember to eat frequently and to refrain from skipping meals. Eating three main meals and at least one snack will regulate your metabolism, maintain blood sugar levels steady and help you combat cravings. All of these are very important when it comes to trying to get rid of the stubborn belly fat.