If you want to maintain or attain a flat stomach, your diet plays an important part. To maximize your results, there are certain foods to avoid for a flat stomach or at least consume in moderation. There are some foods that can cause bloating, and others that are high in saturated fats that can deposit in the stomach area. Of course, exercise is another essential part to attaining a flat stomach. Targeted strength and cardio exercises will help to tighten and tone the core area.

Here are 5 foods to avoid for a flat stomach:

Disclaimer: We are not medical professionals or experts. What is written throughout the content of our website is for informational purposes only and should not be taken as medical or professional advice. What you choose to do with the information provided is at your own risk and discretion. Before making any significant changes to your diet and / or lifestyle, be sure to contact your health practitioner.

 

1) Fast Food

Most foods you get from a fast food drive-thru aren’t going to provide hardly any nutritional benefit. Fast foods including fries, burgers, nuggets, etc. are often packed with sodium, unhealthy fats, and refined sugars. This combination overtime can have a negative effect on the body as a whole. For your stomach though, the processed meats containing saturated fats, and the processed sugars from carb sources (fries, cookies, etc.), are not used for the benefit of the body. Instead, these types of refined sugars and fats deposit in the body, commonly in the stomach.

The reason being is because the liver cannot entirely store the amount of refined sugars and sends it to other parts of the body. Additionally, refined sugars do not provide as much of a natural source of energy for the body and can actually make us feel more tired. So, if you want to maintain or attain a toned abdomen, place fast food on the list of foods to avoid for a flat stomach.

2) Ice Cream

While we all love the sweet taste of ice cream, if we eat it too frequently, the high fat and calorie content can begin to deposit in the stomach area noticeably quickly. Also, many of us tend to eat more than 1 serving of ice cream, especially when we have a tub of it right at home. Many flavors of ice cream may have artificial flavorings and sweeteners, contributing to its high sugar content.

The sugar content in ice cream serves as an unhealthy/refined source of carbohydrates and is a reason why it is one of the foods to avoid for a flat stomach. Refined carbs in general are typically removed of a lot of nutritional value. Ice cream, and desserts in general are best consumed in moderation. Healthier alternatives to ice cream include yogurt and homemade smoothies. However, there are ice cream recipes involving nutrient-dense ingredients that can make a sweet, yet healthier treat.

3) White Bread

Also a refined carbohydrate, white bread is another eatable to add to the list of foods to avoid for a flat stomach. Aside from providing little nutritional benefit, white bread contains a higher amount of sugar compared to wheat/whole grain bread. Additionally, in comparison with whole grains, white bread contains a lower amount of fiber. A low amount of fiber doesn’t typically create that “full” feeling after eating like when consuming whole grains.

Refined carbs like white bread have been found to increase appetite cravings. White bread also has a high glycemic index, which can produce an effect on blood sugar levels. Both of which can contribute to a cravings urge. This in turn may cause one to consume more food than desired or overeat, leading to bloating. Fortunately, this meal change is an easy fix. Switch to whole grain bread and/or consume white bread in moderation.

4) Red Meats / Processed Meats

Red meats and processed meats are additional foods to avoid for a flat stomach. These meats typically contain higher amounts of saturated fats. There is some debate about the good and bad of saturated fats in our diets. However, if you want to attain a flatter stomach, saturated fats are best limited. Processed meats are meats that have been modified, either artificially, or for preservation reasons or through methods of preparation. Any type of food that has been altered artificially or manufactured, typically provides little nutritional benefit for the body.

In fact, processed meats have been found to increase the risk of certain diseases and are best limited in general. When trying to get a flat stomach, these types of meats are also higher in sodium, which can cause bloating. While there are some benefits to red meats like muscle-building proteins, try to keep this meal in mind for foods to avoid for a flat stomach. If you are going to consume meat, aim for lean cut meats that are removed of more of the unhealthy fat content.

5) Alcohol

We have all probably seen or heard of the infamous “beer belly”. This beverage is one to avoid when trying to attain a flat stomach. Drinking alcohol can cause a bloating sensation and with frequent intake can end up creating a “beer belly” for multiple reasons. Alcohol can add up to be a high calorie beverage, but it is mostly filled with empty calories that provide little to no nutritional benefit. Combined with the consumption of other foods, and sipping one drink after another, all contributes to bloating. Soda is another beverage filled with empty calories that aren’t beneficial for those who want to attain a flat stomach.

 

Check out this list of strength exercises that can additionally help to maintain a flat stomach:

 

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