5 Foods That Will Give You a Flatter Tummy

Losing weight, particularly in the tummy-region, can be a little tricky once you pass a certain age. Luckily, the foods you eat can help you balance you gut and reduce bloating to give you happier belly — and a slimmer waistline! Check out five of our favorites below.

Almonds

Studies released by Purdue University in 2007 found that snacking on almonds decreases appetite without increasing body weight, as their high fiber content stops you from feeling hungry. Make sure you eat them with the skin on too because almond skin features an impressive array of flavonoids which have excellent antioxidant properties.

As well as weight loss benefits, almonds are also rich in monounsaturated fats which has been linked to a reduced risk in heart disease. They are also one of the richest sources of Vitamin E which helps guard against Alzheimer’s and UV Damage.

Leafy Greens

Ensuring you include a portion of leafy greens with every meal will see you on the path to a flatter stomach in no time. Greens such as kale are rich in fibre which is then best thing for you when trying to lose weight, but more importantly they’re packed with vitamins and minerals that help to ease water retention and prevent the bloating that some other vegetables can cause.

Oats

Starting your day with a bowl of oats will definitely set you off on the right path for the day. The slow burning release of natural energy that it provides is the best kind and it will keep you feeling fuller for longer.

Oats are also reported to lower your cholesterol. When choosing what kind of oats, steer away from the instant variety. The less processed the oats are, the higher in fiber they are which is what you want when you’re working to losing weight.

Olive Oil

This super food is reported to have numerous health benefits, including that it can help precent breast cancer, decreases in blood pressure, in type 2 diabetes, heart disease and prostate cancer.

For weight-loss purposes though, olive oil contains a naturally-occurring chemical called oleic acid that helps break down excess fats in the body. When eaten with vegetables, olive oil also aids the digestion of their beneficial properties known as flavonoids.

Woman’s Day spoke to Dr. Mary Flynn, a leading US researcher, dietician and Associate Professor of Medicine at Miriam Hospital and Brown University who has more than 30 years experience and says she believes the Mediterranean diet — or the olive oil diet — is the healthiest way to eat.

Peppermint

When in doubt, drink a cup a of peppermint tea. As well as being calming and relaxing, it can assist with digestion by relaxing digestive muscles and assisting with the flow of bile, which in turn helps fats digest more quickly and easily. It also eases bloating, gas and indigestion.

This article originally appeared on our sister site, Now to Love.