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Achieving a flatter stomach is something that seems nearly impossible unless you have a team of nutritionists, doctors, trainers, and of course, time, on your side. How celebrities and influencers alike achieve a toned, flat stomach feels like a very elusive process. How much is exercise and how much is nutrition? What foods should you incorporate in your diet? SheFinds asked fitness and nutrition coach Sheree Burton for the lowdown on what it really takes to get a flat stomach.
You’ve seen the 30-day workouts on Pinterest that promise to give you visible abs if you just do enough crunches or Russian twists. The big question is whether or not working out alone does the trick? According to Burton, it’s not that simple. “When it comes to a “flat tummy” diet and exercise go hand in hand, but proper nutrition definitely comes first.” A defined core starts from within, so looking at your nutrition is the most important thing to do when trying to get a flatter stomach.
Aside from that, if you struggle with bloating, getting that under control is crucial to have visible definition in your abs. “Staying properly hydrated is also essential in fat loss and keeping belly bloat at bay. Dehydration prevents the body from working properly and can cause unnecessary and unwanted belly bloat as well.” So if nutrition comes first, what exactly should you be eating for a flatter stomach? Burton shared her top four foods to eat regularly for a flatter stomach.
Oats
Everyone has abs, getting a defined core is a matter of losing belly fat so they can be seen. Losing fat requires being in a consistent calorie deficit, and oats are a great food to eat for that, Burton says. “Oats are a good source of carbs and fiber to keep you satisfied longer, and stabilize blood sugar levels which both can help with weight loss.” Try eating oats with fruit mixed in for a breakfast that will keep you satisfied all morning.
Sweet Potatoes
“Rich in dietary fiber, sweet potatoes will make you feel fuller longer, and can help prevent overeating. They also have a high water content helping to keep you hydrated,” Burton says, “Being hydrated prevents your body from accumulating excess fat, balances out your PH levels, and flushes out toxins in the body.”
Lean Proteins
“Protein is one of the most important nutrients for losing body fat,” Burton says. It also boosts your metabolism and reduces your appetite by lowering levels of ghrelin, the hunger hormone. This will allow you to stay full while eating fewer calories, subsequently causing weight loss.
Asparagus
Asparagus is a great food for reducing bloating. “It’s a natural diuretic and helps to flush out excess sodium, water retention, and toxins in the body.” Burton says. Try roasting it in the airfryer or the oven for a dinner side dish.
There is a lot that goes into getting a flat stomach. From staying hydrated to exercising regularly, it is a labor intensive task that isn’t easy. But at the end of the day, focusing on your nutrition, and what you’re putting into your body, is the key to seeing results on the outside.
