7 Tiny Changes to Help You Get a Flat Belly

Yes, you *can* do this!

Is it time to beat back that bulging tummy? You may not need to overhaul your entire lifestyle to reach your goal. Sometimes a little change can make a big difference in how you look—and feel! Tap these 7 tiny changes to help you get a flat belly.

The flat belly tips below are very doable. Not grit-your-teeth doable, but hey-this-is-easier-than-you-think doable. Don’t get overwhelmed thinking you need to incorporate all these changes at once. Start by picking one tip, and focus on incorporating that action into your lifestyle. After two weeks, add another tip into your regular routine. Over time, you’ll see positive changes that will make you proud.

1. Beat bloat with flat belly foods.
Oven Fried Potato Wedges with Rosemary

The right foods can help flatten that tummy. For example, bananas and potatoes contain the minerals sodium and potassium, which help control the amount of water in the body. When they’re out of balance, it can lead to bloat, a major big belly trigger. Eat one banana every day and enjoy regular tasty potato recipes, like Oven-Fried Potato Wedges with Rosemary. Add these 17 Flat Belly Foods to the menu, too.

2. Say “no, thanks” to alcohol.
Minty Non-Alcoholic Mojito

The holidays are a time of celebration. That merry-making often includes a glass of wine or a pretty cocktail. The habit of reaching for alcohol can extend into the post-holiday routine. If you want to savor the flavor of your favorite drink, try a mocktail like Minty Non-Alcoholic Mojito or Sparkling Pomegranate Juice.

3. Hit the hay one hour earlier.
9 Tips To Get Better Sleep

Lifestyle factors, including sleep habits, play a role in creating a smooth silhouette. Get a jump on a flatter belly this year by hitting the sack one hour earlier. The extra shut-eye supports the proper function of hunger hormones, so you’re less likely to overeat the next day. One hour earlier not doable? Begin your refreshed sleep schedule by getting to bed 30 minutes earlier. Learn 5 Small Changes for Better Sleep.

4. Get your fish on.
Savory Lemon White Fish Fillets

Most fish are lower in calories and unhealthy fats than regular menu options like beef, poultry, or pork. Swap out one (or more) meaty recipe each week for a fish dish. One of our tastiest flat belly tips is to add delicious meals like Salmon & Avocado with Lemon Dressing and Savory Lemon White Fish Fillets to the regular menu.

5. Hydrate your hunger away.
4 Reasons Why You Should Drink More Water

We can’t emphasize this flat belly tip enough! Water hydrates the body and takes the edge off of hunger so you’re less likely to consume too much during meals. It also reduces bloating, which may contribute to a puffy belly. Drink one full glass of water before each meal.

6. Snack thyself.
Almond Butter and Banana Sandwiches

Add two small, healthy snacks to your daily menu to prevent overeating and stop raving snack attacks. This weight loss habit prevents blood sugar crashes that lead to unhealthy snacking—the kind where you dive into a snack bag, and the only thing left when you’re done is an empty bag, crumbs, and guilt. Check out 17 Clean Eating Snacks Under 150 Calories.

7. Swap your poison.
Tex-Mex Salsa

It’s likely there’s one go-to ingredient you use frequently, even though it’s not the healthiest choice. Boot that ingredient from your menu planning and replace it permanently with a healthier alternative. Try one (or more) of these 5 swaps:

1. Whole grain pasta instead of regular pasta
2. Quinoa or brown rice instead of white rice
3. Low-fat or nonfat plain Greek yogurt instead of sour cream
4. 100% maple syrup instead of store-bought syrup
5. Clean eating salad dressing (like Orange Poppy Seed Dressing) instead of store-bought dressing
Salsa (like Skinny Salsa Dip) instead of creamy dips

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Amy Wagner

Amy is a writer specializing in health & wellness, business, and entrepreneurship. She's a long-time martial arts teacher who has earned a 4th degree black belt in tae kwon do. When Amy's not writing or kicking, she's wrangling sons, reading fiction, or crushing on BBC actors.

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