Simple eating habits that help with getting flat stomach
Sometimes there are small habits we have throughout our day that we don’t realize are affecting our health. For example, maybe we add a bit too much coffee creamer to our morning coffee, or maybe we sit a bit too long without getting up to move around.
When we are trying to lose weight and get more toned, certain habits can either make or break our goals. We talked with dietitian Janet Coleman, RD with The Consumer Mag, about healthy habits, and she recommended some drinking habits that may help us lose weight and get a flatter stomach.
– Drink green tea
According to Coleman, green tea can be a great addition to your healthy diet. “Consuming two to three cups of green tea daily has been shown to be an effective method of reducing abdominal fat, so pairing this with a good diet and regular physical activity can cut your risk of obesity and help you to maintain a flat stomach.”
Like every “healthy” drink, it’s important to watch what you’re adding to your beverage. Some people may enjoy honey or sugar in their green tea, but make sure you monitor how much you’re using, as too much added sugar can derail your goals for weight loss.
– Cut down on alcohol
Moderate amounts of alcohol are fine for most people, but Coleman suggests rethinking that drink when you’re trying to lose weight and lean out.
Studies show that alcoholic drinks have been linked to a greater risk of abdominal obesity and weight gain. “So if you want to lose the gut and get in the best shape of your life, skip the booze,” says Coleman.
– Limit drinks that contain sugar
Some studies have shown that drinks with tons of added sugar, like sodas and sports drinks, have been directly linked to an increase in belly fat, so you may want to avoid these as much as possible.
According to Coleman, there’s also another reason sugary drinks can be bad for belly fat: “The sugar from these drinks can lead to inflammation, which can cause a weakened immune system, making you more susceptible to illness and potentially raising the danger of developing more body fat.”
She recommends drinking more natural homemade fruit juices if you’re looking for a delicious alternative.
– Stay hydrated
It’s important to drink plenty of water because when your body becomes dehydrated, it often retains too many fluids or may lead to constipation, which can cause stomach bloating and discomfort.
A study from Annals of Family Medicine found that there is also an important link between obesity and liquid intake, as participants who were inadequately hydrated had higher BMIs than those who were hydrated.
So when it comes to aiming for a more toned stomach area, choosing healthy drinks can be a great addition to your plan. However, there is no one drink that is going to get you the results you want. That is why it’s important to pair these drinking habits mentioned above with regular movement and healthy foods as well.
