Whether you're focused on maintaining a trim waistline or not, bloating and gastric discomfort can affect anyone. Causes vary by individual, but diet plays a major role. Certain foods, due to their ingredients or preparation, trigger digestive issues, bloating, and gas. The good news? Simple changes to your eating habits can make a big difference.
To keep your stomach flat, choose your foods wisely—even healthy options can disrupt digestion. Legumes and raw vegetables, for instance, contain fibers that ferment in the gut, making them harder to break down and leading to bloating. The same applies to chia seeds and cruciferous veggies. Sugary, salty, or fatty items like processed meats and chewing gum often exacerbate discomfort.
Explore the full list of bloating culprits in our slideshow.
Also read:
Lose weight: 21 very low-calorie vegetables to eat to (finally) find a flat stomach!
Lose weight: here's how long you need to do the plank per week to have a flat stomach
Lose weight: here are the types of bread to choose to keep a flat stomach!
Swollen belly: 9 foods to eat in moderation to avoid bloating