The surprising foods that get rid of your stomach fat (including whole wheat bread and frozen yoghurt)

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They're something we all yearn for but washboard abs are also something many of us struggle to achieve.

We all know that ditching alcohol and doing plenty of sit-ups can help shift the weight around our middle but did you know there's certain foods that will actually help you lose stomach fat?

From almonds and olive oil to whole wheat bread and even frozen yoghurt, we round up the foods you should be eating for a flatter tummy.  

We've called on the best nutritionists to round up the surprising foods that get rid of your stomach fat (including whole wheat bread and frozen yoghurt)

WHOLE WHEAT BREAD

If you're desperate for a flat stomach but can't sacrifice carbs, whole wheat bread is the best option.

As Gabriela Peacock, nutritionist and founder of the GP Nutrition range, explains: 'It is advisable to choose whole grains over refined white flour products (such as pastries, brioche, croissants etc) because refined white products often contain high amounts of sugar. 

'Sugar impacts on insulin production in the body and is linked to central adiposity (weight gain round the middle). 

'Whole grain products contain less sugar and therefore minimise impact on insulin levels and the way the body stores fat.'

A study at Tufts University compared adults who ate three or more servings of whole grains per day and cut down on refined white grains. The results showed that those who did had 10 per cent less belly fat than those who didn’t. 

FROZEN YOGHURT 

A study looking at women who ate half a cup of frozen yoghurt every day found that they lost an inch of visceral fat.

The researchers at the University of Alabama at Birmingham believe this to be the case because of the high levels of calcium. The more a woman consumes, the less visceral fat she gains, they say. 

'Frozen yoghurt might contain calcium, but it is often high in added sugar too so better sources of calcium would certainly be green leafy vegetables, sardines and natural yoghurt (unflavoured, unsweetened),' said Gabriela.

If you're desperate for a flat stomach but can't sacrifice carbs, whole wheat bread is the best option, left, as it has less sugar. Meanwhile, a study looking at women who ate half a cup of frozen yoghurt, right, every day found that they lost an inch of visceral fat. Top yours with blueberries; experts in the U.S. carried out a study into the berries' health benefits and believe they may change the way the way we processes fat and sugar in our diet

OLIVE OIL AND NUTS

Nutritionists have long praised the Mediterranean diet for its abundant health benefits. Indeed, a study carried out in Switzerland discovered that those who followed the diet - which is packed with monosaturated fatty acids such as leafy vegetables, olive oil and fish - had less body weight, body mass index, and waist circumference.

Plus, another study carried out in Spain discovered that those following the diet for a month lost belly fat. 

Commenting on this, Gabriela said: 'Evidence to support the Mediterranean diet for health and vitality is abundant. However, it’s important to still be mindful when it comes to portion sizes of olive oil and nuts. 

'Oil is still a fat, and therefore has higher number of calories per gram compared to protein and carbohydrate. Eating too much of it, no matter how pure the source, is not going to help control weight.'

The Mediterranean diet - which is packed with monosaturated fatty acids such as leafy vegetables, olive oil and fish - is believed to lead to less body weight, body mass index, and waist circumference

APPLE CIDER VINEGAR

Vinegar not only tastes great on chips, dresses up a salad and makes glassware sparkle, but it is also a storehouse of important vitamins, minerals, essential amino acids and enzymes and has a host of amazing healing powers.

Apple cider vinegar, in particular, is the most potent and health-giving of all vinegars.

It contains the same important nutrients as apples - including pectin, beta-carotene and potassium - plus enzymes and amino acids formed during the fermentation process.

Its high potassium content encourages cell, tissue and organism growth, and the enzymes help boost chemical reactions in the body.

It also contains calcium, which maintains healthy bones, helps transmit nerve impulses and regulates muscle contraction, and iron, essential for healthy blood. Magnesium is another component, with many beneficial effects on the body, especially the heart.

Low potassium levels can make us feel permanently tired, and potassium-rich foods help prevent age-related illness.

It also enables the stomach to produce hydrochloric acid, which aids digestion. We lose acid as we age, but apple cider vinegar can help prevent common digestive disorders as we get older.

Apple cider vinegar enables the stomach to produce hydrochloric acid, which aids digestion

BLUEBERRIES

Already regarded as a 'superfood' because of their high vitamin and antioxidant content, the berries may also have the power to trim excess fat from our bodies.

Experts in the U.S. carried out a study into the berries' health benefits and believe they may change the way the way we processes fat and sugar in our diet.

Their findings were presented to the Experimental Biology convention in New Orleans after tests on obese rats.

Researchers found that if the animals were given meals enriched with blueberries, they lost fat from their stomachs.  

Gabriela commented: 'Including plenty of colourful vegetables and the appropriate portions of fruit will provide the body with antioxidants, vitamins and minerals, plus fibre to support digestion.'

KIWIS

Kiwis contain twice as much vitamin C as oranges, more fibre than apples and as much vitamin E as an avocado. All this for less than 50 calories. 

This combination of antioxidant vitamins will discourage cancer-producing cells and boost immunity. Kiwis also supply a good amount of potassium, important for maintaining healthy blood pressure and normal heart function.

They also contain arabinogalactans, which is a plant-based fibre and prebiotic that feeds that friendly bacteria in your gut to help boost metabolism.  

LEAFY GREENS

It's a no brainer that dark, leafy vegetables are powerhouses thanks to their dense nutritional content but Russell Bateman, founder of the Skinny B**** Collective, says that they'll significantly help reduce stomach fat.

He explained: 'Eat high quality protein and low-carb vegetables at every meal. This means high quality fish and meat from farmers markets or organic. These contain the greatest array of amino acids per calorie so as to provide the largest nutritional punch possible.

'Studies have shown that when people receive 10 essential amino acids per meal they reduce body fat significantly.

'Low-carb vegetables such as broccoli, spinach and kale - all leafy greens - are going to be your main carb go-to foods for tummy fat loss.'

Kiwis contain arabinogalactans, which is a plant-based fibre and prebiotic that feeds that friendly bacteria in your gut to help boost metabolism