Are you tired of having to suck in your gut whenever you’re wearing a tight dress or shirt? It can be endlessly frustrating to carry excess weight in your midsection. In fact, it’s frankly uncomfortable and embarrassing. Whether it’s bloating or unwanted weight that’s causing you trouble, what you eat can make a big difference. Discover our favorite flat belly foods and get the lean abs you crave.

Fennel Seeds

Dried fennel seeds are nutritious, rich in fiber, and full of magnesium, calcium, and iron. Fennel has long been used to help digestion. It’s a sweet-smelling herb that can help you after a meal when your stomach feels distended due to gas or buildup. All you have to do is chew on a half-teaspoon of seeds or make a simple tea by adding a teaspoon of fennel to a cup of hot water, steeping for five minutes, and then straining.

Salmon

We always love salmon, and it is a fantastic flat belly food. Since it’s packed with both omega-3 fatty acids and vitamin D, it’s perfect for reducing fat. Vitamin D has been linked to obesity, so getting enough is absolutely essential to your health and your weight. As for omega-3 fatty acids, your body needs the right type of fat, and fatty fish can help you burn fat rather than store it.

Olive Oil

Olive Oil is full of monounsaturated fats, which help control your blood sugar levels and play a key role in keeping your hunger at bay. Plus, it can help reduce fat accumulation around your belly. Olive oil has been shown to help you cut down on your overall calorie intake so you can have a slimmer waistline.

Greek Yogurt

Probiotics are important for your overall health, and Greek yogurt is a great source of calcium, which slows the production of the hormone cortisol, which causes belly fat. Greek yogurt also provides double the amount of protein in regular yogurt, so you get a bigger bang for your buck. Plus, the active cultures and good bacteria in Greek yogurt aid your digestion and prevent bloating.

Water

We never get enough water, and, to be honest, it’s one of the best flat belly foods. Drinking enough water helps you move food and waste through your GI tract, preventing constipation and bloating. Water is also essential for moving fiber through your digestion system. The more water you drink, the less water your body will store for bloating. If you’re not sure that you’re getting enough water, check your pee—the clearer, the better.

Whole Grains

If you have gluten intolerance, then you need to be careful about what you consume, but quinoa, popcorn, and oats are all great grains that can help flatten your tummy. A study showed that people who eat whole grains actually lose more belly fat than people who don’t. Fiber keeps your insulin levels low, which can shrink your fat cells. Plus, whole grains are packed with vitamins, minerals, and antioxidants for your overall health.