As the temperatures rise and summer approaches, many of us find ourselves longing for a flat and toned belly to showcase at the beach or by the poolside. However, achieving that coveted flat stomach isn’t just about hitting the gym—it’s also about being mindful of what we consume. One common culprit that often hinders our progress is excessive sodium intake. While sodium is an essential nutrient, too much of it can lead to water retention and bloating, making it even more challenging to achieve the tummy you desire. And as it turns out, there’s one ingredient in particular that you may want to cut out this summer to get one step closer to your goals: soy sauce.
To learn more about how eating too much soy sauce could be holding you back from your dream bikini body, we spoke to nutritionist Lisa Richards, creator of The Candida Diet. Find all of her expert insight below!
Soy sauce
Whether you're enjoying a tasty stir-fry, whipping up a marinade or dressing, or even just adding it to some white rice (which comes with its own share of health risks, by the way), soy sauce can add some great, salty flavor to a range of meals. However, Richards warns that all that salt could lead to consequences on your health.
"While soy sauce is a popular condiment and flavor enhancer, it can be problematic for weight loss due to its high sodium content," she says. Eating too much salt can lead to a range of health issues—including bloating and even possible weight gain.
For starters, eating too much salt can lead to bloating, which may not only make it difficult to fit into your jeans or feel confident in your bikini, but could also thwart your weight loss goals in the long run. "Sodium plays a role in regulating fluid balance in the body, and consuming excessive amounts can lead to water retention and bloating," Richards says. "This can make individuals feel heavier and interfere with their weight loss goals."
Additionally, she notes that "High sodium intake can stimulate thirst, leading to increased fluid consumption, which adds to overall calorie intake." For example, you may find yourself reaching for high-calorie, sugary beverages more frequently in order to quench the thirst caused by all that salt.
But the risks of sodium don't stop there: "Moreover, excessive sodium intake has been associated with an increased risk of hypertension and cardiovascular diseases," Richards warns.
It's also worth noting that, like many unhealthy condiments, soy sauce is frequently used in excess. "Soy sauce is particularly concerning because it is commonly used in large quantities, and just one tablespoon can contain a significant amount of sodium," Richards says.
"Therefore, for individuals aiming to lose weight, it is important to be mindful of the sodium content in soy sauce and consider alternative seasonings or low-sodium soy sauce options to support their weight loss efforts," she concludes. Noted!
READ MORE: The Sweet Treat You Can Eat Every Day This Summer And Still Have A Flat Stomach
