If you have an issue with regularity, then you can do all the cardio and crunches in the world, and you'll still have a little belly pouch. That's because constipation can cause bloating, which will make your belly appear slightly swollen. It's normal to have issues with going to the bathroom every so often, but if you suffer from constipation daily, it can make your middle wider than it needs to be. The solution? Up your intake of soluble fiber. Include apples, pears, berries, oats, quinoa, beans, carrots, cucumbers, and celery in your diet every day. This type of fiber soaks up water and forms a gel-like substance that stimulates the muscles in your digestive system, and helps push things along. Eating enough fiber will not only make you feel better, but it'll help flatten your belly.
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Flatten Your Belly With Fiber
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what NOT to do? buy a box of FiberOne bars and then eat the entire thing. oy.
1That is so cool! I will really take your advice to heart.
2seriously! Or drink coffee
works evvvvvery time
3I agree about coffee. It has the same effect on me.
I eat most of those fibrous foods everyday for health reasons (as opposed for a flat belly). I find that they naturally bloat my tummy, not flatten it. Of course, after I visit the bathroom, my belly flattens out, but up until then, my belly is a little bloated (I presume from gas).
4Yum fiber. I must have it everyday.
5Zulkey, LOL @ the Fiber One bars comment. So v. true.
6It's true you have to go #2, I mean do you think it magically disappears?
My cure... I drink 1 or 2 cans of beer before bed if I'm feeling bloated. Next morning I'm back to being regular.
7I should try this
8Lol. Fiberone bars. Yeah.
Even though I do eat a lot of fiber, I still have a bloated look at times. Boo. I try to have at least one meal and snacks during my day have a good percentage of fiber in them.
9I would add that drinking a lot of water helps too, especially since suddenly upping your fiber intake can make bloating worse without proper hydration.
10The other thing that can help is psyllium husk. Its not a particularly nice texture, but if you have some in a bit of apple juice before bed, you'll go first thing in the morning.
11Good advice - I'm definitely not 'regular' right now, and this was a good reminder of what I should be doing!
12I am thinking of drinking a fiber supplement each night before bed... but I am already VERY regular. I have always "gone" 3 times per day, roughly 30-60 mins after my meals. I am worried that I will turn into a full blown poop factory if i start adding things that help people who aren't "regular".
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