One of the best ways of tackling an overweight problem is to gradually reduce portion size for all meals of the day. Doing this also has the added benefit of still being able to eat some of the foods we enjoy. Many of us have no problem tucking away a good portion of our favourite food, and this generally means one thing, a higher calorie intake.

Regular exercise coupled with healthy eating habit can reduce your weight over  time. Certain foods and styles of eating can indeed help flatten belly (and everywhere else, for that matter). Try these tips and you’ll uncover an amazing sexy tummy in no time.

 There are some specific foods that help you reduce weight.  By choosing the right  combination of foods, one can keep the weight under  check. But remember to mind your portion.

• Sardines: They are high in protein and omega-3 fats, which shifts flab while maintaining muscle tone and healthy skin. Also, Leptin, the protein fish contains, controls your appetite. Eat more: Try a lunchtime sardine melt. Mix sardines with onion, pepper and parsley and spread on a French stick. Sprinkle with grated low-fat Cheddar or Parmesan and grill.
• Eggs: Women on a low-cal diet who ate an egg each morning lost twice as many kilos as those who had cereal, according to a recent study. Eat more: A poached egg on toast offers a balanced start to the day and egg sandwiches, mixed with tuna, not mayo, are a great lunch choice.
• Oats: They’re one of the most filling foods and unlike carbs have little impact on your blood sugar. They’re rich in soluble fibre, which has an antibloating effect and can lower cholesterol. Eat more: Try a Swiss dish known as bircher. Mix a little cold semi-skimmed milk or low-fat yoghurt with 2 tbsp of oats, grated apple, honey to taste and a handful of chopped almonds.
• Chillies: Spicing up meals can kick start a sluggish metabolism. This is thanks to the compound capsaicin which has a ‘thermogenic effect’ that causes the body to burn more fat for 20 minutes after you eat them. Eat more: Freshly chopped red chillies add a kick to salads or stir-fries, while half a teaspoon is enough to heat up sauces, soups or stews.
• Broccoli: This contains antioxidants which help beat cellulite. Fat cells on the thighs are surrounded by a network of tissue known as the septa. When fat pushes through this, we get the dreaded dimpling. Nutrients in green veggies increase the strength of the septa, so fat cells stay beneath the surface. Eat more: Steam and eat once a day with your evening meal. Or stir-fry with sliced garlic, sesame oil and a splash of soy sauce.
• Citrus fruit: can help reduce fat absorption. Diets low in vitamin C have been linked to bigger waistlines. Meet your daily goal of 75 milligrams by snacking on an orange or a cup of strawberries, grapefruit, cantaloupe and red peppers.