Whether you like to run, row, dance or hike, you won’t get fab, happy abs if you don’t think about the food you eat as well as the exercise you take.
You can, of course, add ab specific exercises into your routine, but if you eat gut-busting snacks and meals, not only will you nourish your body, but you will also have more success with getting a toned tummy, and bloating will be a thing of the past.
Resist the urge to skip meals, or take on more protein shakes and bars, and instead add these foods to your diet and we think you will love the results, and the taste too.
Water
If you want a healthy, trim tum, you need to drink water. Try and get the recommended eight glasses a day if you can, and also think about drinking warm water with lemon first thing, as this will kick start your digestive system and help flush away toxins, and while it might not have your usual caffeine kick, it will work.
Apples
An apple a day does so much more than keep the doctor away. Apples are packed with goodness, they are great as an on the go snack, they give you a sweetness hit, a burst of vitamins and with fibre to boot, they are tummy lovers however you look at them.
Bananas
Many of us underestimate bananas but do so at the peril of your abs. Bananas are full of the potassium that gets rid of sodium as we wee, so by eating them you ease bloating and as they are filling, you won’t need to hit the tummy expanding biscuit tin mid-afternoon.
Asparagus
Asparagus is a natural diuretic which means to can help ease the water retention that makes tummies round, as well as acting as a prebiotic so that healthy, helpful gut bacteria can grow and flourish. This versatile vegetable is also packed with insoluble and soluble fibre which aids good digestion and leaves your abs happy and flat. Perfect with fish and chicken, asparagus can be steamed or boiled and are also great with salads and roasts.
Fennel
While fennel isn’t the best tasting food out there, it has a wide range of ab loving benefits. Bloating, constipation, gas, cramps, and inflammation are all signs of trouble, but fennel can help to ease all these issues so you feel more confident and comfortable.
Avocado
This green goddess is high on our list of ab superfoods and for good reason. As well as being jam-packed with skin-loving vitamin E and essential fats, it is great for your abs thanks to the high levels of naturally occurring oleic oil which helps with inflammation. Peel, stone and slice, then add your avocado to salads, smoothies, toast, crackers or just eat it on its own, but whatever you do, be sure to eat it and your tummy will thank you.
Blueberries
Blueberries are often overlooked for bigger, redder berries, but they are full of the powerful antioxidants that speed up fat burning, which is exactly what we want. Simply stir into porridge (with a banana), pop in pancakes or blend with almond milk, mango, and spinach for an instant super smoothie and fab abs!
Oats
We would suggest getting more wholegrain oats into your daily diet as they can help improve your gut health and speed up your metabolism. Oats come with the soluble fibre that helps soak up water and slows down digestion. This means you feel fuller, for longer and won’t feel the need to snack between meals, something that can make your tummy wobble. Soluble fibre is a prebiotic and as such it feeds the good bacteria in your tummy so it stays healthy and helps control blood sugar levels and blood pressure. So, start your day with porridge, yogurt, and blueberries, and if you make banana flapjacks your tummy will be happy for longer.
If you do experience ongoing tummy problems, speak to your GP and just make sure things are all in working order.
Team Pure Beauty