Dec 31, 2013 3 min read

Despite diet and exercise, getting rid of bloating and body fat around the waistline can be difficult.

Erin Palinski-Wade, co-author along with Tara Gidus and Kristina LaRue of “Flat Belly Cookbook For Dummies,” states, “There is a balance between enjoying (yourself) and overindulging, and it begins with a working knowledge of foods and drinks that are, and aren’t, waistline-friendly.” In the book, they reveal the top “Belly-bloaters,” including:

These sugar substitutes are only partially digested, and so provide fewer calories per gram than regular sugar. But they can also cause uncomfortable gastrointestinal side effects such as bloating, gas and diarrhea, all of which can cause your belly to look and feel distended. Sugar alcohol is often found in sugar-free snacks, gums and candies. Look for ingredients such as xylitol, sorbitol and maltitol, and you’ve found sugar alcohol.

“Excess sodium intake can do more damage than just making you look bloated,” notes LaRue. “In addition to the negative impact sodium has on your waistline, it can also increase blood pressure and stiffen arteries. Aim to keep daily sodium intake under 2,000 mg.

These grains have been stripped of the outermost and innermost layers of grain, leaving all the carbohydrates and calories, but little protein, fiber and nutrients. Processing allows grains to be digested rapidly, but provide little in the way of fullness after eating. Rapid digestion leads to spikes in blood sugar and insulin levels. “Enjoy grains, but choose whole grains instead,” recommends Palinski-Wade.

Meats such as bacon, sausage and hot dogs are high in sodium and saturated fats. “Limit processed meats to special occasions and occasional treats to prevent a negative impact on your health and your belly,” Gidus suggests. “Look for lower-fat options made with turkey or chicken breast over beef and pork varieties. But keep in mind that these lower-fat options typically contain just as much sodium as the original options, so don’t overdo it.”

Carbonation is mostly water, and it’s typically calorie free, but it can really bloat your belly. “Because the carbonation comes from gas blended with water, when you drink a carbonated beverage, the gas can ‘puff out’ your stomach,” Gidus says.

Even more potent than carbonation is sugar, a rich source of empty calories that does not provide fullness. Soda sparks a spike in blood sugar, followed by an insulin spike and excessive belly fat storage.

“Diet soda isn’t the solution,” warns LaRue. “… Some studies have linked diet soda with an increase in hunger and cravings.”

Alcohol is a source of empty calories that can actually increase your appetite, In addition to limiting the amount of alcohol you drink, Palinski-Wade suggests simple guidelines:

• Your best choice is red or white wine, a wine spritzer or light beer.

• If having a mixed drink, avoid high-calorie mixers such as soda. Instead, mix with club soda or seltzer with a splash of juice for flavor.