5 Foods to Flatten Your Abs

100's of sit-ups and you still have a bulging belly? Try replacing some of the food you are eating with these 5 foods for flatter abs:

Orange Fruits and Veggies: According to a recent review from Copenhagen University Hospital, the best way to whittle down your waist is to replace carbohydrates from sugar and refined grains (like white bread) with carbs from fruits and vegetables. Orange-hued foods were found to be the most effective substitutes. Make sure you are eating the real thing, and not just juices.


Lean Meats: You should be getting about 25 percent of your daily calories from protein, but you should make sure to choose lean sources like poultry, fish, low-fat yogurt, and fat-free milk to keep calories down. Nuts are also high in protein, but can also be high in calories, so eat them in moderation, roughly a handful a day.

Protein helps to keep you feeling full and boost your energy, aiding in your weight-loss efforts. According to research from Skidmore College and Copenhagen University Hospital, eating additional protein is especially helpful for those over 40 in reducing abdominal fat.

Nuts: A recent survey of more than 8,000 Americans found that selenium, a cancer-fighting mineral, seemed to also lower rates of abdominal obesity, reporting that those with lower levels of selenium had larger waistlines.

Several foods contain selenium, so it’s hard to know if you’re getting your recommended 55 mcg per day. The best sources are nuts (especially Brazil nuts), whole grains, poultry, red meat and seafood. Foods rich in vitamin E, such as nuts and seeds, will increase the effectiveness of selenium in the body.


Wine: Several studies suggest that light drinking protects against weight gain around the waistline in women. Data reviewed by the National Center for Health Statistics points to one 4-ounce glass of wine as the best bet.

The key to boozing and losing is the “less is more” philosophy. While one glass has great health benefits, having more is just going to add inches to your waist.



Fish: There’s a difference between good and bad fats. Eating good fats like monounsaturated and omega-3s make it easier to stay slim, according to recent research. Healthy fats, like monounsaturated and polyunsaturated fats, are found in fish, nuts, olive oil and avocado, while the bad fats, like saturated and trans are found in butter, shortening, pre-packaged cakes and cookies.

Romaine Salad With Tomatoes and Bacon

Ingredients

4 slices bacon
1 head romaine lettuce, cut into strips (6 cups)
1 cup grape tomatoes, halved
4 scallions, sliced
4 to 6 tablespoons bottled Caesar dressing


Directions

1.In a skillet, cook the bacon over medium heat until crisp, 6 to 8 minutes. Transfer to a paper towel-lined plate. Break into pieces when cool.
2.In a large bowl, toss the lettuce, tomatoes, scallions, and bacon with the dressing.

Want Flat Abs? Add These Foods To Your Diet

Hoping to get flat abs?

In addition to regular cardio workouts and exercises that target the muscles in your mid-section, the foods you eat can help get your belly super slim too. Check out these six superfoods that are good for you on the inside and on the outside too — add them into your daily diet and you’ll be showing off a toned, flat tummy in no time:

Berries
Blueberries and blackberries are packed with antioxidants

Avocados
Avocados are packed with monounsaturated fat — the “good” fat. Monounsaturated fats level out blood sugar levels and keep your body from storing fat around you belly.

Green Tea
Another source of antioxidants, green teas also rev up your metabolism and make it easier for your body to burn fat. Drink three cups a day for optimal benefits.

Milk
Fat-free milk — and even better fat-free chocolate milk (yay! a treat too!) — has been shown to aid post-workout muscle recovery better than any sports drink. The super-combo of protein and carbs in low-fat chocolate milk is “just right for refueling weary muscles,” says William Lunn, PhD, an exercise scientist at the University of Connecticut.


Yogurt
We know that the probiotics in yogurt help digestion, which helps relieve bloat and fullness than can hide the six-pack underneath! Try to have a cup of yogurt each day to keep your belly full of the good bacteria that banishes the bad bacterias that promote icky bloat

Adding Sweetness Without Adding Calories

One of the hardest parts of a diet can be dealing with a sweet tooth. You can bring out the natural sweetness of cantaloupe, honeydew or papaya by cutting the fruit into chunks and squeezing fresh lemon juice over them.

Baby Food Diet: Should You Try Hollywood's Newest Trend?

Hollywood has gone baby crazy - baby food that is. Eating baby food is the new celebrity diet trend. Should you try it? Here's a quick pros and cons run down to help you decide:

Pro: No need to cook—just throw a bunch of jars of baby food in your bag and go.

Pro: They're automatically portion controlled!

Con: Have you ever seen a baby eat peas? They might not be tasty enough to sustain you long term.

Pro: Baby food is low in additives and preservatives.

You might lose weight, but it is probably better to keep eating like a grown-up!

California Avocado, Bacon and Tomato Salad recipe

Ingredients

8 slices bacon, cut into 1-inch dice
4 thin slices red onion
2 cups assorted lettuces, such as romaine, arugula, escarole and watercress
2 ripe, fresh California avocadoa, seeded, peeled and cut into 1/2-inch dice
4 medium tomatoes, cored and diced


Preparation

Mix the above ingredients and add Croutons and Dressing

Faux Fries