FOODS TO EAT TO REDUCE BELLY FAT

If you've been doing crunches and abdominal exercises religiously and still haven't seen results, the problem could be your diet. If you're taking in salty foods, alcohol and refined carbohydrates, you may be sabotaging your exercise routine. To get a flat, toned belly, keep up the crunches and incorporate a variety of foods that help fight belly fat. Talk to your doctor before adding new foods into your diet, particularly if you have health problems.

BANANAS

Your puffy stomach might not be the signal that you need to lose a few pounds. Instead, your belly may be caused by bloating. When you're bloated, your body may retain water, particularly around your midsection. Eating a banana may help your cells absorb the water, reducing bloating in the stomach, CBS News reports. If you're not a fan of bananas, eat another high-potassium food, like orange juice, spinach or sweet potatoes to reduce belly bloating.

AVOCADOS

Avocados are high in fat, but not the same kind of fat in that delicious slice of chocolate cake. Avocados contain monounsaturated fat, which will help regulate your blood sugar and keep you feeling full for longer periods of time. Slice half of an avocado on a salad or a sandwich to curb your cravings. When your blood sugar is stable, your body is less likely to store fat in a spare tire around your stomach.

BLUEBERRIES

Sprinkling a 1/2-cup of blueberries on your cereal in the morning does more than keep you satiated until lunch. Blueberries are high in antioxidants and fiber, which will help you attain a flat stomach. Fiber absorbs excess calories in your intestinal tract and sends them out of the body. At the same time, antioxidants increase the blood flow to your muscles, which may help your muscles work harder and more quickly while you do crunches.

YOGURT

The next time you're craving a snack, reach for a cup of yogurt. Yogurt contains whey protein, which helps build lean protein in the body instead of fat, "Parenting" magazine explains on its website. When you fill up on low-fat dairy products, including low-fat cottage cheese and skim milk, you'll be less likely to pig out on salty snacks and foods that are high in saturated fat. Eating three servings of low-fat dairy every day may also help reduce your weight.