Achieving a flat belly requires consistency and hard work, right? Well, not entirely. Some believe that focusing on slimming one area of the body isn’t very effective. There are things that you can do and should be doing to achieve a flat belly that don’t require working up a sweat.

For instance, avoiding gassy vegetables. Foods such as broccoli, cauliflower and Brussels sprouts have carbs that the small intestine doesn’t absorb well. They create gas build up which appears as bloating. If you’re a gum chewer, you should avoid chewing gum. The extra air that you swallow can lead to bloating. But, that’s not all. Chewing gum sends signals to the body that food is coming, which produces enzymes for breaking the food down.

Those are two simple food hacks that’ll help you achieve a flatter belly. Other food hacks include:

Better Posture: Good posture helps the belly build and retain muscle. A straight back pulls the belly in.

Stretching: Lengthening and stretching also help to iron out bulk and rolls. According to celebrity fitness instructor, Angela Martindale, doing side stretches and back bends help to target the oblique muscles and mid section.

Eat Watermelon: Watermelon contains a lot of water and will make you feel full.

Use Apple Cider Vinegar: Consuming small dosages of ACV has been shown to help people lose weight.

Eat Slower: If you eat fast, you’re likely to store the extra calories as belly fat.

Drink Lemon Water: To boost your metabolism, drink a warm glass of lemon water in the morning.

READ MORE: 25 Lazy Ways To Flatten Your Belly – Fast