When I look in the mirror and look at some of my friends, there is one thing that I notice as we get older. We all have expanding waists. Excess abdominal fat, or “midlife spread,” seems to be a reality as we age. While 25 sit-ups a day won’t alleviate the problem, here are some ways to trim a few inches off your abdomen.
1. Eat foods rich in potassium
Potassium has been shown to reduce sodium levels in our bodies. Sodium is one of the main culprits for abdominal bloating. Eating foods like cantaloupe, honeydew, and bananas will provide the potassium you need to do the trick.
2. Cut back on frozen and canned processed foods
Processed foods are known to be full of sodium. Many frozen foods have more than 600 milligrams of sodium. Add more natural foods like fresh vegetables or put more low-sodium foods on your shopping list.
3. Increase the fiber in your diet.
Foods rich in fiber aid in the digestive process, reduce constipation, and aid in elimination. An excellent source of fiber is whole grains. Look for bread and cookie products that are labeled “whole wheat.” Make oatmeal a part of your breakfast regimen.
4. Increase your omega 3 fatty acids
Make seafood like salmon and tuna a regular part of your diet. If you are allergic to shellfish, or just don’t like it, try omega-3-rich nuts like walnuts. Omega-3 fatty acids have been shown to reduce cortisol, the hormone that contributes to fat storage.
5. Drink more water
Water has been called the perfect drink. It has zero calories and is nutritionally excellent for you. What’s even better is that 8-10 glasses of water can help cleanse your system and increase your metabolism. This process can lead to less bloating and less belly fat.