TOP FOODS FOR A FLAT TUMMY
1. Flax seeds or linseeds (alsi)
· Flax seeds (often referred to as linseeds or alsi) are nutritious seeds packed with monounsaturated fats (MUFAs).
· MUFAs, unlike saturated fats (the "bad" fats found in junk food), not only lower cholesterol levels but they can also help to reduce body fat and bloating.
· Flax seeds provide high levels of fibre and help to smoothen the digestive system, thus reducing bloating, constipation and other digestive problems.
· Add a tablespoon of freshly ground flax seeds to your morning cereal, lunchtime salad, or home made smoothie for belly-flattening benefits.
2. Berries
· Those wanting to lose their belly fat should opt for fruit that is blue or red in colour (such as cherries, red grapes and many types of berries).
· In fact, the chemicals responsible for giving these fruits their colour (anthocyanins), also help burn abdominal fat.
3. Yoghurt
· Yoghurt is low in fat and calories, and also contains active cultures (probiotics) which promote the growth of good bacteria in the gut and help with digestion, excess gas and bloating.
· Yoghurt is easy to fit into any diet plan as part of a meal or a snack between meals.
· Try combining natural yoghurt, berries and flax seeds in a morning smoothie or bowl of cereal, for a great tummy-trimming
4. Whole grains
· Whole grains are great for weight management.
· They are a low-fat source of slow-release energy and, due to their high fibre levels, help to regulate the digestive system and keep you feeling fuller for a longer time.
· Eating whole grains also helps to lower levels of cortisol (the stress hormone) and insulin in the body, both of which cause fat to be stored around the belly.
· However, wheat is difficult to digest and can cause bloating.
· Good alternatives to try are brown rice, oats, buckwheat, spelt and quinoa (actually a seed).
5. Water
· While it's not technically a food, a lack of water in your diet hampers in developing a flat stomach.
· Drinking water helps to flush toxins out of the system, curb hunger, improve the digestive system and reduce fluid retention, all of which will make for a flatter stomach.
· If you are aiming for a flat belly, it is important to drink a minimum of eight glasses of liquids a day.
· Besides water, it is best to go for liquids that are still (no fizzy drinks) and low in calories.
· A good alternative is green tea - which has fat burning benefits - or fennel, dandelion or peppermint teas, all of which can fight bloating.