1. Bone Broth
Bone broth is high in gelatin and collagen, which can help improve gut health by supporting the lining of the digestive tract. A healthy gut is essential for effective digestion, which can reduce bloating an contribute to a flatter belly.
According to Julia Loggins, a gut health expert and advocate, it packs "20 grams of protein and healthy fats" into each serving. "It’s fantastic for your stomach, great for digestion, and will bust your cravings and satiate hunger," she raves. Sign us up! Choose beef, chicken, or turkey, store-bought or homemade—and season it with parsley for additional benefits. Yum!
2. Green Juices
Green juices typically contain ingredients like kale and cucumber, which are high in antioxidants. They also contain ingredients like ginger, lemon, or mint which can aid in digestion and reduce bloating. A healthy digestive system helps prevent the buildup of excess gas and waste in the abdomen, contributing to a flatter belly.
Loggins recommends incorporating green juices like celery juice and wheatgrass juice into your routine to shed fat. Although, she advises skipping spinach due to its high oxalate content. "Oxalates create kidney stones," she cautions. Opt for juices high in chlorophyll to support detoxification and reduce inflammation.
3. Ginger Tea
Ginger is not only a flavorful addition in recipes, it can also serve as an excellent beverage for weight loss and inflammation. "Ginger possesses anti-inflammatory and carminative properties, known to soothe the digestive tract and potentially reduce gas and bloating," Krutika Nanavati, a registered dietitian and nutritionist, says. She further adds that "ginger's anti-inflammatory effect can relax stomach muscles and ease bloating discomfort. Research suggests ginger might improve satiety and boost metabolism, potentially contributing to weight management."
4. Peppermint Tea
As a low-calorie and caffeine-free option, peppermint tea is an excellent choice for those aiming to trim belly fat while promoting overall digestive health.
"The menthol in peppermint acts as a natural muscle relaxant, relieving spasms in the gastrointestinal tract. [It's] often used to alleviate irritable bowel syndrome (IBS) symptoms, including bloating," says Dr. Harsh Sheth. He recommends to "use dried peppermint leaves or tea bags and infuse them in hot water."
"Peppermint tea is a relaxing herbal tea that has anti inflammatory properties," registered dietitian Bri Bell says. "It is naturally caffeine free and is not a diuretic, so won't make you have to pee in the middle of the night any more than plain water, unlike some other teas like dandelion root tea."
5. Green Tea
Instead, of hot chocolate, try drinking green tea this season because it contains endless benefits for weight loss, skin health, and stress levels. "An extensive meta-analysis suggests that green tea and green tea extract can help reduce belly fat. A compound found in green tea called EGCG has been shown to reduce waist circumference. Taking 500 milligrams of green tea daily for approximately 3 months can produce results, according to studies. Further research may be necessary, however," Destini Moody, RD, CSSD, LD, notes.
6. Golden Milk
Now that the weather is cold, golden milk is the perfect addition for a cozy, anti-inflammatory beverage. "The home remedy turmeric has been used in India for generations for treating ill members of the family. Turmeric is added to warm milk to make it, and it has even been used as a pain reliever in Eastern medicine. Science has shown that turmeric is a powerful antibacterial and antiviral agent that may also lower the risk of cancer due to its antioxidant properties. It has also been suggested that curcumin, the active ingredient in turmeric, strengthens the intestinal barrier for a stronger gut," she states.
7. Beet Juice
While beets are a popular addition to salads, enjoying them as a juice is an easy and convenient way to take advantage of their benefits.
Moody reveals, "As a sports dietitian, I’m very familiar with this drink due to the benefits it provides to athletes. Beets are rich in nitrates which work to open up the blood vessels and improve blood flow which is not only excellent for our heart, but can help athletic performance by improving the flow of oxygen to the muscles. Beets also contain betalains, which work to shrink inflammation. Beets are very low in calories, so they can help maintain a smaller waistline."