Surprising foods that flatten your belly (2024)

Fruits and herbs that help trim belly fat have a lot more benefits than just helping you look good. Not many people have perfect six-pack abs (but if you do, good on you!) but having an exceedingly expanded waistline can do more than keep you out of figure-hugging clothes, you could face serious health issues: Your risk increases up for high blood pressure and high cholesterol– major factors for heart disease—as well as type 2 diabetes and even some forms of cancer.

The truth is carrying excess belly-fat is related makes way for a condition called Metabolic Syndrome or Syndrome X, which increases the risk of heart disease, stroke, and fatty deposits in the liver. The good news is by shrinking your belly you can reverse the effects of Syndrome X and cut your risk of heart disease, diabetes, even Alzheimer’s disease in half with a few small tweaks to your lifestyle.

My top belly-fat blasters have actually been a part of a healthy lifestyle since the beginning of time, but you may not have thought of them to help slim your waistline.

Watermelon: A hydrating fruit rich in lycopene, it will increase your body’s arginine levels, an amino acid that ups the body’s fat-burning potential. At the same time the juicy red fruit helps the body burn fat, it also builds lean muscle. Just 1 cup a day does the trick.

Dill: Add this herb to veggies (especially cabbage), fish, casseroles, soups and stews, Dijon mustard or reduced-fat mayo to ease gas and bloating. You'll also get the added benefit of speeding up the breakdown of carbs and proteins in the gut.

Pineapple and Papaya: These two tropical fruits contain the enzyme bromelain, which has anti-inflammatory properties and shrinks belly fat. Many women know the disappointment of having a waistline that spills over the top of her waistband. But think of taking your first steps toward a slimmer middle this way—to change your waistline you have to first change your mind. Think differently about food and make food choices that work for you, rather than against you.

Mint: An herb, yes, but this one goes the extra belly-fat burning mile. Mint leaves trigger the release of extra bile from the gallbladder, which is important because it helps the body to digest fat. For a quick remedy to belly bloat (maybe you want to ease into that little form-fitting black dress?) add 10 crushed mint leaves to 2-4 cups of roasted dandelion tea every day and you could lose two or more pounds in 10-14 days.

Dandelion Root: I like roasted dandelion root tea to beat belly fat. The dandelion root increases liver function, which flushes toxins and excess water from the belly area and in turn gives you a flatter tummy. Just 2-4 cups a day does the trick.

Bottom line? Don’t beat yourself up about making a mistake—when you know better, you do better. This business of living a healthy lifestyle is a process. The truth is, each day you open your eyes you have the grace of another chance. I’m rootin’ for ya!


Get more tips from Dr. Ro at Everythingro.com and on her blog.

Follow Dr. Ro on Facebook.

And check out her new book Dr. Ro’s Ten Secrets to Livin’ Healthy.

A version of this story originally appeared on iVillage.

Surprising foods that flatten your belly (2024)

FAQs

Surprising foods that flatten your belly? ›

Following a low-carb diet also means consuming more protein. Studies indicate that a diet rich in high-protein foods, such as eggs, fish, seafood, legumes, nuts, meat, and dairy results in overall less abdominal fat, more satiety, and an increased metabolic function.

What foods help burn belly fat? ›

Following a low-carb diet also means consuming more protein. Studies indicate that a diet rich in high-protein foods, such as eggs, fish, seafood, legumes, nuts, meat, and dairy results in overall less abdominal fat, more satiety, and an increased metabolic function.

How can I get a flat stomach ASAP? ›

Diet strategies for losing belly fat
  1. Reduce calories (but not too much) ...
  2. Limit your sugar intake. ...
  3. Limit your intake of refined carbs.
  4. Eat more fiber, especially soluble fiber. ...
  5. Increase your consumption of probiotics. ...
  6. Eat more protein. ...
  7. Add eggs to your diet. ...
  8. Eat fatty fish each week or take fish oil.

What foods shrink your stomach? ›

What are 5 foods that burn belly fat?
  • foods with soluble fiber like fruits, vegetables, and legumes.
  • foods with protein like meat, fish, eggs, and dairy.
  • fatty fish like tuna and salmon.
  • foods with probiotics like yogurt, kefir, sauerkraut, and kimchi.
  • green tea.

What to drink to get a flat tummy? ›

  • Mar 29, 2023. Detox drinks and juices to lose belly fat. ...
  • Beetroot juice. Whole beets are low in calories and high in fibre, which can support regularity, slow stomach emptying, and prolong satiety to support weight management. ...
  • Carrot juice. ...
  • Celery juice. ...
  • Cinnamon water. ...
  • Fennel water. ...
  • Ginger water. ...
  • Green vegetable juice.
Mar 29, 2023

What foods flush out fat? ›

Here are 11 healthy foods that may help you burn fat.
  • Fatty fish. Salmon, herring, sardines, mackerel, and other fatty fish contain omega-3 fatty acids, which may help you lose body fat. ...
  • MCT oil. ...
  • Coffee. ...
  • Eggs. ...
  • Green tea. ...
  • Whey protein. ...
  • Apple cider vinegar. ...
  • Chili peppers.
Jan 18, 2024

What to drink at night to lose belly fat? ›

Drinking water before bed like lemonade contains polyphenols that help to get rid of accumulated fat. Grape juice contains resveratrol, which converts white fat to brown, which is easier to burn. Apple juice, ginger tea or strawberry juice are also effective choices.

How can I shrink my stomach ASAP? ›

The only way you can physically and permanently reduce your stomach's size is to have surgery. You can lose overall body fat over time by eating healthy food choices, but that won't change your stomach size.

How can I reduce my tummy in 7 days naturally? ›

Doing cardio and abdominal exercises every day, coupled with a healthy diet (that is low in calories, fats, and sugars) is an efficient strategy for losing belly fat quickly. Which fruits are good for a flat tummy? Banana, full of potassium, helps your body get rid of excess water weight.

What burns the most belly fat? ›

Aerobic exercise includes any activity that raises your heart rate such as walking, dancing, running or swimming. This can also include doing housework, gardening and playing with your children. Other types of exercise such as strength training, Pilates and yoga can also help you lose belly fat.

What are the 5 worst foods for belly fat? ›

Worst Foods for Your Belly
  • Doughnuts. 1/21. Can't resist fresh doughnuts? ...
  • Ice Cream. 2/21. You do get some calcium from ice cream. ...
  • Chips. 3/21. A serving of 15 chips has 160 calories. ...
  • Bacontini. 4/21. This co*cktail is as fatty as it is trendy. ...
  • Beer. 5/21. ...
  • Hot Dogs. 6/21. ...
  • Fatty Red Meat. 7/21. ...
  • Meat-Topped Pizza. 8/21.
Apr 24, 2022

What is the 30 30 30 rule? ›

The 30-30-30 rule involves eating 30 grams of protein within 30 minutes of waking up, followed by 30 minutes of low-intensity, steady state cardiovascular exercise. Beyond these steps, the 30-30-30 method doesn't require any changes to other meals or behaviors, restrictions or counting calories.

What food burns fat at night? ›

Best Foods to Eat Before Bed for Weight Loss
  • Whey Protein Shake. First and foremost, protein is important for weight loss, whey protein included! ...
  • A Warm Bowl of Oatmeal. ...
  • Greek Yogurt with Berries or Cherries. ...
  • Half a Turkey Sandwich. ...
  • Egg Wrap. ...
  • Smoked Salmon Bagel. ...
  • Cottage Cheese and Fruit. ...
  • Peanut and Nut Butters.
Aug 29, 2023

How do I get a flat stomach ASAP? ›

Techniques that may help people get a flat stomach include:
  1. Add cardio. Share on Pinterest Buena Vista Images/Getty Images. ...
  2. Eat more fiber. ...
  3. Limit refined carbs. ...
  4. Increase protein intake. ...
  5. Do exercises while standing, not sitting. ...
  6. Add resistance training. ...
  7. Eat more healthy fats (in moderation) ...
  8. Move more.

What to drink first thing in the morning to lose belly fat? ›

The warm water can also help to flush out toxins from your body, promoting overall health.
  • Green Tea. Green tea holds numerous health benefits and the common of all is weight loss. ...
  • Ajwain Water. Ajwain seeds, also called carom seeds, help in boosting metabolism. ...
  • Cucumber Juice. ...
  • Cinnamon Water. ...
  • Aloe Vera Juice.
Apr 7, 2024

Can lemon water reduce tummy? ›

Although it's a popular belief, there's no evidence that supports lemon water use for burning belly fat. Drinking lemon water may help with your weight management goals by adding a different way to increase water intake, which may help boost your metabolism.

What foods help a flat stomach? ›

What Foods Help Flatten Your Belly?
  • Almonds. Reach for a handful of almonds for a nutrient-dense snack. ...
  • Asparagus. Asparagus is full of antioxidants. ...
  • Avocados. ...
  • Bananas. ...
  • Chamomile and Peppermint Tea. ...
  • Cucumbers. ...
  • Dark Chocolate. ...
  • Fennel.
Jun 9, 2024

What are 12 foods that burn belly fat? ›

12 Metabolism-Boosting Foods to Aid Weight Loss
  • Fish & Shellfish. Metabolism-Boosting Powers: Fish (salmon, tuna, sardines and mackerel) are rich in omega-3 fatty acids and protein. ...
  • Legumes (Also known as beans) ...
  • Chili Peppers. ...
  • Lean Meats. ...
  • Low-Fat Milk. ...
  • Broccoli. ...
  • Lentils. ...
  • Oatmeal.

What super foods burn belly fat? ›

25 Superfoods That Burn Belly Fat and Help With Weight Loss
  • Belly burning superfoods.
  • Black beans to yogurt.
  • Barley to broccoli.
  • Edamame to diluted vinegar.
  • Cardamom to egg whites.
  • Asparagus to quinoa.
Feb 13, 2023

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