We all dream of showing off a beautifully flat stomach (and finally being able to button our jeans without contorting ourselves…), right ladies? To get there, let’s be honest, a little exercise is essential… But that’s not enough: what we put on our plates matters just as much. No food can make you lose belly fat, but some can easily fit into a balanced, varied diet that is low in added sugar. Avocado, apple, brown rice, herbal teas, almonds, pineapple, cinnamon, broccoli, wheat bran and mango: here are 10 foods to include in your meals, along with tips on how to enjoy them.
1. Avocado
Although calorie-dense, avocado has its place as part of a balanced diet. It contains unsaturated fatty acids and plenty of fibre. A few slices are enough: add them to a salad, put them on wholemeal toast or use them to make homemade guacamole, without overdoing the quantities.
2. Apple
Easy to take with you and handy when a craving strikes, the apple ticks every box for a snack: it’s light and also contains fibre. To make the most of all its qualities, enjoy it as it is, uncooked and with the skin on if it’s organic. Eaten in the afternoon, it can easily replace a biscuit or chocolate bar.
3. Brown rice
To keep things balanced, it’s best to limit sugar and highly refined products. Wholegrains, like brown rice, have their place in your meals to keep you full and satisfied: they can be cooked like white rice and contain more fibre. Just allow a little extra cooking time, and pair them with vegetables and a source of protein.
4. Herbal teas
Staying well hydrated is essential. Still water is always a great choice, but you can also reach for tea or herbal teas. Without added sugar, they count towards your daily fluid intake and add a little warmth and flavour between meals.
Also take a look at our Detox Infusion!
5. Almonds
Almonds are calorie-dense, so enjoy them in moderation. They contain fibre and are easy to carry in your bag. You can have a small handful, plain and unsalted, as a snack.
6. Pineapple
Fresh, light and perfect for snacking, pineapple can be enjoyed on its own, on skewers or in a fruit salad. It contains fibre and bromelain, an enzyme naturally found in the fruit. Always opt for fresh pineapple over tinned fruit in syrup, which is much higher in sugar.
7. Cinnamon
Cinnamon adds flavour to desserts and breakfasts without adding sugar: a pinch on stewed fruit, plain yoghurt or porridge is all it takes. So don’t hesitate to sprinkle it into your recipes to reduce sugar without losing any of the enjoyment!
8. Broccoli
Broccoli is a light vegetable that provides fibre and some protein. You can enjoy it plain, steamed or in a salad — just be careful not to overcook it so it keeps its colour and crunch. For some people, it can cause bloating, so see how well you tolerate it.
9. Wheat bran
Not the most glamorous ingredient at first glance… but don’t be fooled! Wheat bran is the outer layer of the grain and contains a large proportion of its fibre. It is often listed among so-called appetite-suppressing foods, but nothing replaces listening to your hunger. If you’d like to try it, add one or two tablespoons a day to your diet, starting gradually and drinking enough water. Sprinkle it over salads, stir it into your morning granola, or incorporate it into bread or pancake batter.
10. Mango
Now here’s a fruit worth celebrating! Mango is not only delicious, it also contains fibre, some of which is soluble. It also contains mangiferin, a compound naturally found in the flesh, as well as the skin and stone. If you’re prone to bloating, introduce it gradually and see how well you digest it. In short, mango is an ideal fruit to enjoy at the end of a meal!
How can you include these foods in your daily diet?
There’s no need to overhaul your habits: simply add these foods at different times of the day. At breakfast, sprinkle wheat bran and a pinch of cinnamon over your granola. For a snack, try an apple, a few pieces of fresh pineapple or a small handful of almonds. At lunch or dinner, pair a wholegrain such as brown rice with steamed broccoli and a few slices of avocado. And for dessert, mango is a lovely choice.
Throughout the day, remember to stay well hydrated with still water, tea or herbal teas. And don’t forget to keep moving regularly, alongside a balanced diet!
Want to show your stomach some extra care too? To complement these dietary tips, discover our Flat Stomach Programme, a day-and-night skincare routine for the stomach area.
Frequently asked questions
What foods should I eat for a flatter stomach?
No food can make you lose belly fat. Aim for a balanced, varied diet that is low in added sugar, including avocado, apple, brown rice, almonds, fresh pineapple, broccoli, wheat bran and mango, with a little cinnamon for flavour. Drink enough water and keep moving regularly.
Which fruits should I choose for a flatter stomach?
No fruit can make you lose belly fat. Apples, pineapple, mango and avocado are simply easy to include in meals and snacks: see their sections above.
What should I drink for a flatter stomach?
No drink can make you lose belly fat. The most useful step is to limit fizzy drinks, juices and sugary drinks, and make water your main drink.
My stomach often feels bloated or painful. What should I do?
If your stomach often feels bloated, is painful or you have concerns about your digestion, ask a doctor or other healthcare professional for advice. They can guide you and tailor their recommendations to your situation.
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Useful categories: Slimming the Belly.
