Last updated : Thursday, July 9, 2009

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The 48 Hour Flat Belly Plan

young woman sunbathing on deck chair, side view

Let's get real ... eating well in the summertime is a lot easier said than done. Every time you think you're back on track another BBQ or happy hour comes along putting a dent in your diet. Can you really just say no to that juicy burger or margarita that comes flying your way? The problem is, these salty, and fatty foods can cause instant weight gain to your stomach, making you feel bloated, out of shape and uncomfortable in your bikini. So how can slim down your mid-section and still be a summertime socialite? Registered Dietitian, Cynthia Sass has the skinny on what to eat and avoid for a flat belly fast!

DO: Drink ginger tea, hot or cold or add fresh grated ginger to your green or black tea, water or meals. Ginger has a calming effect on your GI tract and can help reduce bloating.

DON'T: Eat gassy foods like broccoli and beans, very high fiber foods, carbonated drinks and artificial sweeteners. They can cause build up in your GI tract, which swells like a balloon filled with air.

DO: Eat small, frequent meals or snacks. Smaller meals spaced about two to three hours apart will take up less space in your stomach (less expansion), and keep you fueled and feeling full.

DON'T: Skip meals, chew gum or drink through a straw. They all cause you to swallow more air which gets trapped in your belly, creating a "poochy" look.

DO: Eat high potassium foods including avocado, mini bananas, papaya, mango, cantaloupe and nonfat yogurt made without artificial sweeteners. Potassium is a natural diuretic so it will help reduce water retention and puffiness.

DON'T: Eat too many bulky foods that take up a lot of space in your stomach like raw veggies and fruits and popcorn. These are normally on my "must eat" lists but if you want your tummy to look flat, limit your portion sizes or spread them out throughout the day instead of eating a big bowl at once. Your stomach can expand to hold about six cups (six baseballs) of food. While these foods are low in calories and super healthy, if you want your stomach to stay flat, you won't want to stretch it too much at one meal.

For more great nutrition advice check out iMag's Food Section.

Cynthia Sass, MPH, RD, is a Manhattan-based nutritionist and the creator & co-author of the "Flat Belly Diet." She is also the co-author of, "The Ultimate Diet Log." In addition, Cynthia is a Contributing Editor for SHAPE Magazine and a Nutrition Consultant for the Philadelphia Phillies. For more information check out her Web site: http://www.cynthiasass.com/.

 

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