Do you own a pair of jeans that have an elastic waistband? I own two pairs, and love them for the way that they always fit. I also own, however, a pair of so-called “skinny jeans.” What they can offer: A wake-up call that it’s time to do some tummy trimming to make that belly bulge begone!
If you’ve put “six-pack abs” or “whittled waistline” on your list of diet goals, I’ve got the skinny on what to eat (and what to avoid) to help you achieve those goals and fit into your own pair of skinny jeans.
Food without Added Salt
One of the easiest ways to slim your belly is to avoid foods with added salt. And that can be tricky: Salt is added to processed foods ranging from soup to salad dressing to ice cream sauce.
Here are some tips for my favorite no-salt-added and low-sodium foods to flatten your belly:
- Keep canned no-salt tomatoes on hand. They’re high in vitamin C and fiber to help your body eliminate waste, and they’re great for making a last-minute meal of steamed vegetables topped with low-sodium cheese. Favorites include Muir Glen No-Salt Added Organic Diced Tomatoes.
- We’ve all got those days where we want to munch and crunch. But most of those crunch-worthy foods are high in salt. A delicious exception includes Edward & Sons Brown Rice Snaps.
Beverages to Slim You Down
Use caution with carbonated drinks: Those bubbles can expand your stomach. Instead, go for flavorful teas and coffees or uncarbonated drinks, such as:
- Honest Beverages (try the peach flavor!)
- Tazo Organic Iced Green Tea
- Real Beanz Iced Coffee
Healthy Fats
Eat fat to lose belly fat? Sounds like a contradiction. But studies have shown that people who piled up on polyunsaturated fats gained less body fat and more muscle. Monounsaturated fats may have similar belly-flattening benefits.
Healthy fats to enjoy include:
- Salmon from Wild Planet
- Almonds (try Vitacost brand!)
- Bragg Extra Virgin Olive Oil