Eat These Foods To Reduce Ab Flab, Have A Flay Belly

It's a common scenario: crunch after crunch, those rock solid abs are still hiding behind that pesky layer of belly fat. Well, why not try eating to get rid of that tummy? That's right, there are certain foods that can help to reduce that ab-hiding flab.

Sharon Liao from Shape Magazine joins us with more on the foods you should eat more of and less of.is here with foods that could be causing that belly bloat and those that could minimize it.

For more information check out the latest issue of Shape Magazine or visit www.shape.com.

TUMMY-FRIENDLY FOOD AND VIDEO AFTER THE JUMP...

EAT MORE OF...
Melon - Low in calories and high and potassium, melon will keep balance sodium levels that can make you bloat. Incorporate cantaloupe and honeydew into your diet to stop that stomach swell.

Grapefruit - This fruit, rich in vitamin C, is another food to reduce your waistline. It is proven to prevent insulin spikes that can lead to fat storage. Plus, studies show that people who ate the least amount of grapefruit were 131% more likely to have a larger waistline than those who ate the most. Those are chances you don't want to take!

Wine - Drink up! Studies show those who consume about one serving of alcohol a day have slimmer waistlines. In moderation, alcohol will help to speed up calorie burn and bring you one step closer to that flat stomach.

Whole Grains - Strive for five when it comes to whole grains. According to researchers, a low calorie diet along with five servings of whole grains leads to shedding up to twenty four percent more abdominal fat than eating refined grains! Try incorporating oatmeal, whole-grain breads and brown rice in place of their refined counterparts (cornflakes, white bread and white rice).

Walnuts - The omega-3 fatty acids in walnuts help to reduce stress hormones, like cortisol, that can contribute to fat storage. Keep a few in your desk at work to munch on through the day and reduce those stress hormones.

EAT LESS OF...
Sugar Substitutes - Sure, they're calorie free, but sugar substitutes can leave you bloated. A small amount of sugar (a teaspoon is sixteen calories) is easier to digest and won't interfere with your washboard abs.

Canned Soup - Packed in that can of soup hides a significant source of sodium. Even the slightest amount of extra sodium can make your body retain water and keep you bloated. Opt for low sodium soups.

Partially Hydrogenated Oil - Trans fat causes fat in the body to redistribute itself to the belly, hiding those rock solid abs. Make sure to check trans-fat free food labels because they may still contain up to .5 partially hydrogenated oil and sneak that ab busting stuff into your diet.