You can do hundreds of sit-ups and still develop fat on your stomach if you don't eat a well-balanced diet, according to Fitness magazine. If you want to keep your stomach flat, focus on eating foods that help you build muscle, deter fat from developing on your stomach and cut down on bloating.
Whole Grains
Whole grains such as brown rice, oatmeal and whole-wheat bread contain fiber, which will contribute to healthy weight maintenance by filling your stomach without causing you to take in excessive amounts of calories. Whole grains also contain the nutrients chromium and magnesium. These two nutrients combat the hormones cortisol and insulin, both of which encourage fat to accumulate around your waist, according to Parenting.com.
Yogurt
You may lose more belly fat on a calorie-reduced diet if you get your calcium from yogurt as opposed to other sources, according to an April 2005 study in the Journal of the American College and Nutrition. Yogurt also contains probiotic bacteria, which can help regulate your digestive system and reduce chances that gas, constipation and bloating will get in the way of a flat stomach, according to Fitness magazine. Enjoy 1 to 3 cups of non-fat or low-fat yogurt each day. Look for a variety that is low in sugar and with live and active cultures, recommends Fitness magazine.
Fatty Fish
Fatty fish such as tuna and salmon are rich in omega-3 fatty acids, which can help boost your metabolism and promote how much fat you burn, according to registered dietitian Susan Kleiner in a Fitness magazine article. Omega-3 fatty acids can also help regulate your blood sugar, which will reduce your chances of developing a thick waist, according to Parenting.com.
Blueberries
Blueberries, raspberries, strawberries and other fruits such as grapes and tart cherries contain plant chemicals called anthocyanins, which may help burn abdominal fat, according to Parenting.com. Since belly fat is generally easier to burn than fat in other parts of the body, eating berries may be particularly helpful in keeping your stomach flat, according to Mitch Seymour in a Parenting.com article. To complement the stomach-flattening effects of whole grains and yogurt, top some breakfast oatmeal with a handful of berries or blend berries into a yogurt-based smoothie.
Eggs
Eggs contain a balance of protein-building essential amino acids, which aid your body in building muscle tissue, according to Fitness magazine. Since having extra lean muscle can help you burn calories at a faster rate, eating an egg a day may be a healthy way to supplement your daily exercise routine. Eggs are also filling; eating one can help reduce your desire to eat extra calories later in the day, meaning you may be less likely to have excess fat on your belly, according to Fitness magazine.
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