Sometimes there are little eating and drinking habits that we exhibit throughout the day that we don’t realize are affecting our health. Our drinking habits, in particular, can sometimes seem like an afterthought. Maybe you’re putting too much coffee creamer in your morning coffee or not drinking enough water throughout the day. Certain drinking habits may meet or fail your goals. By cutting back, you can even help with fat loss.
To find out more about what healthy drinking habits can do to flatten your stomach and ultimately help you lose weight, we spoke with a nutritionist. Janet Coleman, RDFounder of Consumer Mag, and Tammy Lakatos Shames, RDN, CDN, CFTWhen Rishi Lakatos, RDN, CDN, CFT, also known as nutritional twins. For more healthy weight loss tips, check out these 12 foods every person over 50 should eat for serious weight loss.
1
squeeze lemon into water
If you’re looking for a quick and easy way to make your water a little healthier, you can add lemon.
“Because lemon is acidic, it helps break down food, allowing your body to digest it more easily, improving nutrient absorption while preventing bloating,” says Nutrition Twins. “Both water and lemon soften stools, allowing waste and toxins to pass more easily from your bowel, creating a flatter stomach.”
As an added benefit?
“Lemons contain powerful polyphenols that may help control body fat storage and prevent obesity,” says Nutrition Twins.
2
Add cinnamon to coffee, tea, milk, or hot chocolate
Cinnamon is naturally sweet, sugar-free in calories, and an anti-inflammatory alternative to sugar,” says The Nutrition Twins.
“Cinnamon also helps stabilize blood sugar levels,” Twins continues, “preventing sugar cravings, overeating, and the subsequent drop that can lead to an increase in belly fat.
3
reduce alcohol
Moderate amounts of alcohol are fine for most people, but Coleman suggests rethinking that drink when you’re trying to lose weight and get toned.
Studies have shown that alcoholic beverages increase the risk of abdominal obesity and weight gain. “So if you want to lose your guts and be in the best shape of your life, skip the booze,” Coleman says.
RELATED: 9 Surprising Ingredients to Add to Smoothies for Weight Loss
Four
limit drinks containing sugar
Some studies have shown that heavily sugared drinks like sodas and sports drinks are directly related to increased belly fat, so you may want to avoid them as much as possible. not.
According to Coleman, there are other reasons sugary drinks are bad for belly fat.
“The sugar in these drinks can cause inflammation, weaken your immune system, make you more susceptible to disease, and increase your risk of gaining body fat,” she says.
If you’re looking for a delicious alternative to sugary drinks, Coleman recommends drinking more natural homemade fruit juices.
Five
hydration
Drinking enough water is important because when the body becomes dehydrated, it can often lead to excessive water retention and constipation, which can cause stomach bloating and discomfort. is.
research from Annals of Family Medicine We also found an important association between obesity and water intake, as under-hydrated participants had higher BMI than hydrated participants.
So if you’re aiming for a firmer stomach area, choosing a healthy drink can be a great addition to your plan. Combining the above drinking habits with regular exercise and healthy foods is also important.
6
drink green tea
According to Coleman, green tea is a great addition to a healthy diet.
“Drinking two to three cups of green tea daily has been shown to be an effective way to reduce belly fat.” reduce the risk of obesity and help maintain a flat stomach.
As with all “healthy” drinks, it’s important to check what you’re adding to your drink. Be sure to monitor your usage, as it can overwhelm you.
A previous version of this story was published on December 12, 2021. Updated to include additional copy and proofreading revisions, additional research, and updated context links.
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