When you check your reflection in the morning, you might notice your stomach appears slightly flatter than it did the night before. As explained by Livestrong, this occurs because most, if not all, of the food consumed the previous day has been digested, reducing bloating. Besides food digestion, your body also processes water, eliminating it through urination, sweating, and even through breath moisture. The first bathroom visit after waking up involves expelling additional water your body is shedding.
However, if you don’t appear as slim in the morning as expected, it might be due to water retention, which can be triggered by weight lifting, hormonal shifts, or consuming high-carb or salty foods the night before.
What to Eat for a Flat Stomach
For a more consistently flat stomach, certain foods are recommended by Prevention. Oatmeal provides both insoluble and soluble fibers essential for waste elimination, making it a great breakfast choice to jumpstart digestion. Bananas and potatoes help reduce water weight by balancing potassium and sodium levels.
Drinking peppermint tea can alleviate indigestion and gas, and overall, maintaining adequate hydration is crucial to prevent constipation. Greek yogurt counteracts belly bloat by enhancing gut-friendly bacteria. Protein is beneficial as it promotes a feeling of fullness, reducing the likelihood of indulging in sugary or salty snacks.
Foods to avoid include alcohol, sugary beverages, raw produce, candy, carbonated drinks, sodium, and refined carbohydrates.
