The Worst Drinking Habits for a Flatter Stomach, Say Experts
Have you ever worked really hard to eat well and exercise in order to meet your weight loss goals, only to find that you're still feeling bloated?
This is a common issue and can be both frustrating and discouraging. But oftentimes, this problem can be solved by changing around some simple habits you may not have even known you were doing. That's why we talked with some experts about potential drinking habits that may be hindering you from your goals of leaning out or getting a flatter stomach.
Here are some of the habits you may want to shift, and for more healthy weight loss tips, make sure to check out The Best Weight Loss Drinks For Breakfast.
Drinking sugar-sweetened beverages
Unfortunately for the soda-lovers out there, drinking beverages with higher amounts of added sugar is one of the worst habits for getting a flatter stomach.
"Drinks like soda, sweet tea, fruity beverages, and even sweet coffees can add up to lots of calories, and over time, an increased consumption of calories could lead to weight gain causing that stomach to bulge versus flatten out," says Amy Goodson, MS, RD, CSSD, LD, author of The Sports Nutrition Playbook and a member of our medical expert board
Consuming too many carbonated drinks at once
Carbonated drinks like soda water and seltzers make for healthier, lower-calorie alternatives to soda, but Goodson warns that they can cause temporary stomach bloating.
"Carbonated bubbles are literally little air pockets, and when we drink them regularly, air can build up in the stomach and potentially cause abdominal distention," says Goodson.
This doesn't happen with everyone, and it may not occur every time you drink a carbonated beverage, so just pay attention to how your stomach feels the next time you enjoy one of your favorite seltzers!
Drinking sugary cocktails
Sometimes, choosing a different type of alcoholic drink can make all the difference in your weight loss goals. For example, Courtney D'Angelo, MS, RD, author at GoWellness, recommends staying away from sugary cocktails whenever you can.
"A standard margarita can have as many as 570 calories and 55 grams of sugar, so just be mindful when ordering your next drink at happy hour," says D'Angelo, "and instead, choose a lighter mixed-drink option, like a low-carb beer or vodka and soda with lemon. If you do, you're drastically lowering the number of calories, sugar, and fat intake."
Again, as we mentioned above, carbonated drinks like soda water and beer may cause temporary stomach bloating as well, so it's just something to pay attention to next time you're out grabbing a drink.
Putting too much creamer in your coffee
The amount or type of coffee creamer that you use in the morning can easily impact your goal of having a flatter stomach.
"Try flavoring your coffee with something healthier, like almond milk," says D'Angelo. "And, if you're really trying to lose weight, you can add protein powder to your coffee, which is great for weight loss and helping you get a flatter stomach. Just changing your habits from using sweetener to adding protein powder can really go a long way."
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