Having a flatter belly is a goal that many people strive for. While exercise can help, your diet also plays a major role in achieving a toned stomach. Certain foods can be detrimental to your belly fat loss goals.

Here are 30 foods to avoid for a flatter belly:.

1. Fried Foods

Fried foods such as fried chicken, French fries, and onion rings are high in calories and can cause bloating. They are also high in fat, which can hinder weight loss efforts.

2. Processed Meats

Processed meats such as bacon, sausage, and hot dogs are high in sodium and preservatives. These foods can cause water retention and bloating, making it harder to achieve a flatter belly.

3. Sugary Drinks

Sugary drinks such as soda, energy drinks, and sports drinks are high in calories and sugar. Consuming too much sugar can lead to weight gain and bloating, making it harder to achieve a flatter belly.

4. Alcohol

Alcohol is high in calories and can cause dehydration, leading to water retention and bloating. Consuming too much alcohol can also lead to weight gain, making it harder to achieve a toned stomach.

5. Dairy Products

Dairy products such as milk, cheese, and ice cream are high in lactose, which can cause bloating and discomfort. If you are lactose intolerant or sensitive to dairy, it’s best to avoid these foods.

6. Refined Grains

Refined grains such as white bread, pasta, and rice are low in fiber and can cause bloating. They are also high in calories and can lead to weight gain if consumed in excess.

7. Chips and Snack Foods

Chips and snack foods such as crackers and pretzels are high in salt and fat. This can cause water retention and bloating, making it harder to achieve a flatter belly.

8. Sweetened Breakfast Cereals

Sweetened breakfast cereals are high in sugar and low in fiber. This can lead to weight gain and bloating. Opt for unsweetened cereals or oatmeal instead.

9. High-Fat Meats

High-fat meats such as beef, pork, and lamb are high in calories and saturated fat. This can hinder weight loss efforts and lead to bloating.

10. Artificial Sweeteners

Artificial sweeteners such as aspartame and sucralose can cause digestive issues and bloating in some people. It’s best to avoid these sweeteners if you are sensitive to them.

11. Canned Foods

Canned foods such as soups and vegetables are high in sodium. Consuming too much sodium can lead to bloating and water retention.

12. High-Sugar Fruits

High-sugar fruits such as bananas, grapes, and mangos are high in fructose. Consuming too much fructose can lead to weight gain and bloating.

13. Chocolate

Chocolate is high in calories and sugar. Consuming too much chocolate can lead to weight gain and bloating.

14. Processed Snack Bars

Processed snack bars such as granola bars and energy bars are often high in sugar and preservatives. It’s best to opt for whole food snacks such as fruit or nuts.

15. Fried Chicken

Fried chicken is high in calories and fat. It can lead to weight gain and bloating if consumed in excess.

16. Pizza

Pizza is often high in calories and fat. It can lead to weight gain and bloating if consumed in excess.

17. Ice Cream

Ice cream is high in calories and sugar. Consuming too much ice cream can lead to weight gain and bloating.

18. Cookies and Cakes

Cookies and cakes are high in sugar and refined flour. Consuming too much of these foods can lead to weight gain and bloating.

19. Processed Cheese

Processed cheese such as American cheese is high in sodium and preservatives. It’s best to opt for natural cheese instead.

20. Fast Food

Fast food is often high in calories and fat. It can lead to weight gain and bloating if consumed in excess.

21. Energy Drinks

Energy drinks are high in caffeine and sugar. Consuming too much caffeine can lead to dehydration and bloating.

22. Ramen Noodles

Ramen noodles are often high in sodium and preservatives. Consuming too much sodium can lead to water retention and bloating.

23. Hot Dogs

Hot dogs are often high in sodium and preservatives. Consuming too much sodium can lead to water retention and bloating.

24. White Bread

White bread is low in fiber and can cause bloating. It’s best to opt for whole grain bread instead.

25. Doughnuts

Doughnuts are high in sugar and refined flour. Consuming too much of these foods can lead to weight gain and bloating.

26. Processed Meats

Processed meats such as deli meat and ham are high in sodium and preservatives. Consuming too much sodium can lead to water retention and bloating.

27. Sweetened Yogurt

Sweetened yogurt is high in sugar. It’s best to opt for unsweetened yogurt and add fruit for sweetness.

28. Candy

Candy is high in sugar and calories. Consuming too much candy can lead to weight gain and bloating.

29. Sweetened Coffee Drinks

Sweetened coffee drinks such as lattes and frappuccinos are high in calories and sugar. It’s best to opt for black coffee or add a small amount of milk and sugar.