Many people want to banish belly bulge. While lasting fat loss requires dietary changes and an increase in exercise, steps can be taken in the short term to minimize belly bloat. The key is to reduce gas and water retention and flush excess fluid from your system. Drinking plenty of water and avoiding salt and processed foods can flatten your belly in time for a photo shoot or important event.
Step 1
Eliminate gas-producing foods. These include beans, cauliflower, broccoli and diet soda. Trade carbonated beverages for water or green tea.
Step 2
Relax. Stress triggers the hormone cortisol, which can cause excess fat to be stored in the belly. Practice incorporating relaxation into your daily life through yoga, meditation, long walks or afternoon naps.
Step 3
Give up chewing gum. While it may seem innocuous enough, when you chew gum, you swallow air. This can lead to a bloated, distended belly.
Step 4
Cut back on salt. Sodium causes your body to retain fluids. Look for hidden sodium in canned and packaged foods, and choose fresh food whenever possible.
Step 5
Reduce or eliminate refined sugar and carbohydrates for lasting belly fat loss. In the short term, cutting down on refined carbs can help relieve water retention. Replace the empty calories with whole grains, which contain fiber to clean out your digestive tract and keep you feeling full longer.
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