Last Updated on November 22, 2021
Flat Belly Foods to reduce and prevent bloating
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 flat belly 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.
1. Water with Lemon
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.
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.
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.
