If you’re working out to get that flat belly, you are so not alone. In fact, a flat belly is one of the most talked-about fitness goals, but it can also be challenging. Why? Well, flat abs and a tight core doesn’t just involve a consistent fitness routine — it’s true that abs are partially made in the kitchen.
To get the flat belly we’re all working out for, we have to be mindful of our food choices as well. The good news? We’re sharing eight hacks that may just help you eat your way to a flat belly.
8 Hacks to Eat Your Way to a Flat Belly
#1 Fiber it Up!
Fiber, it’s something most of us know makes an important part of a balanced diet, but many of us simply aren’t getting enough.
Fiber is key for supporting digestion, but fiber-rich foods are also super filling, making it less likely that we’ll overeat. Proper digestion + keeping our total food intake in check is a one-two punch for working towards that flat belly we’re working out hard for.
#2 Watch Out For Carbonation
Those fizzy beverages are refreshing and all, but they can also cause some serious build-up gas, which often equals bloating.
So, skip the carbonation for now, and if you need something with a punch of flavor, try one of these hacks.
- Water with freshly squeezed lemon or lime juice.
- Make ice cubes out of pureed fruit like watermelon or strawberries and add to a glass of water.
- Enjoy Fresh cucumber or celery juice.
#3 Consider a Daily Smoothie
Getting a daily smoothie in isn’t just a great way to boost your fiber intake, but it’s also the ideal way to get lots of nutrient-dense flat belly supporting foods in one sitting.
Try starting your day with a flavorful and nutrient-packed smoothie made with some of our favorite superfoods and smoothie add-ins:
- Berries
- Dark leafy greens (like kale and spinach)
- Chia, flax, hemp seeds
- JS Health X FitOn Protein Powder
#4 Go Green
Speaking of dark leafy greens, try bulking up your diet with plenty of fiber and antioxidant-rich green veggies.
Some great options include:
- Kale
- Spinach
- Broccoli
- Asparagus
You can add greens to things like stir-frys, smoothies, and omelets for an added flat belly boost!
#5 Steer Clear of Fried Foods
Fried foods aren’t just full of harmful fats, but they certainly don’t make a healthy addition to a balanced diet and may lead to some uncomfortable bloating and indigestion. This is the last thing we want when trying to eat to support health.
So, stick to real and nutrient-dense foods and stay away from the fried and processed options you typically find at fast food places.
#6 Get Creative With Fermented Foods
A big part of getting that flat belly involves supporting a healthy gut (makes sense, right?) In fact, research suggests that probiotics may help reduce that bloat caused by too much “bad” bacteria in the gut.
So, if bloating is keeping you from seeing that flat belly you’ve been working your booty off for in all your FitOn workouts, consider probiotic-rich fermented foods.
Some great options include:
- Kefir
- Sauerkraut
- Kimchi
- Miso
#7 Make Healthy Fat Choices
Get savvy with your fat choices by adding some monounsaturated fats to your diet. Some research suggests that these kinds of fats may help with belly fat.
And, fun fact — the Mediterranean diet is rich in these fats, which is a long-time favorite dietary approach for supporting wellness.
Here are some delicious healthy monounsaturated fats to consider enjoying:
- Avocados
- Olive oil
- Nuts
- Seeds
#8 Just Say No to Deprivation
While it may seem like a good idea to cut calories, research shows that severe calorie restriction can cause our body to go into “starvation mode” and essentially hold onto the fat we have. It’s a survival mechanism and a good reminder that deprivation is never a good thing.
Bonus Tip: Don’t Forget to Move!
While diet is huge for getting that flat belly, we can’t forget about the importance of regular exercise, so be sure to challenge yourself to get moving, even if it’s just a quick 10-minute FitOn workout! All movement counts, so don’t stress if you don’t have a whole hour to dedicate to fitness each day.
Get That Flat Belly While Also Giving Your Health a Boost!
Eating for a flat belly doesn’t just have to be strictly about appearance — clean eating is actually a serious act of self-care and something we all owe to ourselves.
So, use these eight hacks to help eat your way to a flat belly — chances are, you’ll be pleasantly surprised at how clean eating does way more than just help us reach our fitness goals.