Want A Flatter Stomach Over 40? Cut Out This One Breakfast Food, Experts Say

Bagels and belly fat

Sometimes nothing sounds better than a delicious bagel sandwich on a Saturday morning. However, the unfortunate truth is that making bagels a regular part of your diet could lead to belly fat and make it difficult to lose weight. In addition to the fact that they're loaded with refined carbs, bagels are also typically eaten with a range of fattening toppings, Richards notes.

"Bagels are one of the worst bakery items to purchase due to their calorie density and the toppings that are typically eaten along with them," she says, pointing out that bagels alone pack in "nearly 1,200 calories per pound."

When you add toppings to the mix, matters only get worse. Just think of all the cream cheese your favorite bagel shop smears on—and if you're eating a breakfast sandwich with inflammatory processed meats, all of that can really add up. "The cream cheese, sweeteners, nut butters and high fat meats used as toppings increase the calorie density of a bagel as well," Richards says.

Does this mean you have to give up bagels altogether? Not necessarily. We would never tell you to deny yourself the joy of treating yourself every once in a while. However, moderation is always key when it comes to weight loss. So, save the bagels for special occasions and try to stick to healthy choices like light cream cheese. In combination with a great workout routine, making your diet a priority and making compromises like this will thank you one step closer to a flattery tummy.

READ MORE: 2 Unexpected Beverages That Are Actually Leading To Belly Fat, According To Experts