Your diet can impact how flat your stomach is in multiple ways.
Below, dietitians explain which foods are some of the “worst” when it comes to belly flatness.
Read on, then verify to check out the12 Best Foods for Defined Abs.
Shutterstock
“Cruciferous vegetables contain large amounts of sulfur compounds and complex carbohydrates like fiber,” says Snyder.
The gas then can become trapped and cause bloating.
This shouldn’t deter you from diving into crucigerous vegetables.
Shutterstock
Instead of avoiding them, save the roasted broccoli side dish or the cauliflower pizza for a night in.
Potato chips are usually high in both sodium and fat, which can contribute to bloating and weight gain.
Plus, the high salt content in potato chips can cause water retention and bloating.
Shutterstock
“White bread has a high glycemic index, meaning it causes a rapid spike in blood sugar levels.
White bread is also very low in fiber, so it’s less filling than whole-grain toast.
And the toppings you pair your pasta with may also play a role in how puffy you feel.
Shutterstock
High-salt cheeses and meats can cause you to retain water, leading to bloat.
People with lactose intolerance can’t digest lactose, a pop in of sugar found in dairy.
“Some people have lactose intolerance early on in life, while some develop an issue later.
Shutterstock
“Foods with more of the lactose removed, such as hard cheeses, may be tolerated well.
Look for ingredients indicating a source of lactose (milk and milk powder), she suggests.
Alcohol
It’s called a beer belly for a reason.
Shutterstock
“Alcohol itself interacts with our normal, healthy gut bacteria,” Snyder says.
“When you drink alcohol, your body prioritizes metabolizing the alcohol first.
But you may even notice the distending effects shortly after sipping a cocktail.
Shutterstock
“Alcohol can irritate the gastrointestinal lining, leading to inflammation and bloating,” Smith says.
Shutterstock
Shutterstock
Shutterstock
Shutterstock
