Too much belly fat can make you self-conscious about your appearance. However, only some causes of a big belly are related to fat. Though you can't spot-reduce specific areas on the body, you can get your belly flatter through exercise and dietary changes.
Skip the Gas
Some foods cause your body to produce gas, especially fibrous vegetables like cabbage, Brussels sprouts and broccoli. Other foods that can cause gas include soda and beans. Eating these foods can make you gassy, which causes your belly to become distended. Eat foods that are easy to digest like bananas, yogurt and rice.
Avoid the Bloat
Another reason your belly might get big is dehydration. Failing to drink enough water each day can cause water retention, which leaves your belly bloated. According to the Mayo Clinic, you need between eight and 10 glasses of water a day to stay hydrated and healthy.
Get the Heart Pumping
Cardiovascular exercise can be described as any activity that elevates your heart rate like jogging, swimming or running. According to the American College of Sports Medicine, you need between 60 and 90 minutes of activity, five times a week to burn enough calories to lose weight. Choose an activity you enjoy to shed weight from your entire body, including your belly.
Tone Your Belly
Though toning exercises won't burn fat from your belly, they will create defined and flatter abs. According to the Mayo Clinic, you can do abdominal exercises that target your deep abdominal muscles like pelvic lifts, pelvic tilts and abdominal pullins to flatten your belly. Other exercises, such as crunches, reverse crunches and leg lifts, also work.
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