We all dream of having a flat stomach, but despite intense workouts and strict diets, it’s often very difficult to get rid of belly fat. The key to losing a few pounds is avoiding certain foods. Here’s a list of ten foods to avoid if you want to achieve a flat stomach.

Alcoholic beverages are often high in calories. But that’s not all: alcohol also increases appetite and disrupts the part of your brain responsible for satiety. So, even if you feel full, a glass of beer can easily be followed by unnecessary snacks. Furthermore, alcohol slows down metabolism, making it harder to burn calories. To avoid these effects, opt for wine or beer without snacks, and avoid cocktails, which are often high in sugar.

Sodas
are full of empty calories and slow down your metabolism, prompting your body to store more fat. Diet sodas aren’t any better, as they contain sweeteners that can increase hunger. A can of soda contains about 150 calories and can cause bloating due to carbon dioxide. Commercially produced fruit juices aren’t an ideal alternative because they’re often loaded with sugar and lack nutritional value. Opt for water or unsweetened homemade iced teas instead.