(Image source from: Ditch salt to stay in shape})

You have tried going for walks, sleeping for a full 8 hours, chugging down glasses of warm lime concoction, but that bulging belly wouldn't just fit itself within the radius of your old jeans. Well, if you have been trying to shrink your stomach size, but  to no avail, we suggest you check your salt intake first. After all, all successful weight loss attempts begin by cutting down on either salt or sugar. Here are a few things you could follow to snuggle back into your old denim size in no time.

Cut down on salt: Noshing on salty foods can lead to edema (in a layman's term, swelling in certain parts of the body) and bloating. Do not jump your recommended1500 mg of salt intake a day. Hold back the temptation to sprinkle extra salt to your food during meal as well as limit the amount whilst cooking. And yes, steer clear of ready-made meals that are always high on salt.

Eat more fiber:  Pile your plates with soluble and insoluble fibers. That way, you will eat less, stay feet and won't feel constipated. Think of foods like oranges, mushrooms, raspberries, broccoli and cabbage.

Stay hydrated: Guzzle gallons of water, not just to keep your bowels moving, but also to prevent sodium and potassium levels and aggravating.

Ditch artificial sweeteners: No, those artificial sweeteners, flavored water, low-carbs and sugar-free foods, won't help you shoot back to shape any quicker. Rather, bacteria in the large intestine tend to ferment them, causing gas and bloating. Check the ingredient list before consumption and steer clear of anything that contains sorbitol, mannitol, xylitol and lacitol.

AW: Suchorita Choudhury