Despite diet and exercise, getting rid of bloating and body fat around the waistline can be difficult.Erin Palinski-Wade, co-author along with Tara Gidus and Kristina LaRue of "Flat Belly Cookbook For Dummies," states, "There is a balance between enjoying the season and overindulging, and it begins with a working knowledge of foods and drinks that are, and aren't, waistline-friendly." In the book, they reveal the top "Belly-bloaters," including:

Sugar alcohols. These sugar substitutes are only partially digested, and so provide fewer calories per gram than regular sugar. But they can also cause uncomfortable gastrointestinal side effects such as bloating, gas and diarrhea, all of which can cause your belly to look and feel distended. Sugar alcohol is often found in sugar-free snacks, gums, and candies. Look for ingredients such as xylitol, sorbitol and maltitol, and you've found sugar alcohol.

High-sodium foods. "Excess sodium intake can do more damage than just making you look bloated," notes LaRue. "In addition to the negative impact sodium has on your waistline, it can also increase blood pressure and stiffen arteries. Aim to keep daily sodium intake under 2,000 mg (or under 1,500 mg per day if you have high blood pressure).

Refined carbohydrates. These grains have been stripped of the outermost and innermost layers of grain, leaving all the carbohydrates and calories, but little protein, fiber and nutrients.

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Processing allows grains to be digested rapidly, leading to spikes in blood sugar and insulin levels. "Enjoy grains, but choose whole grains instead," recommends Palinski-Wade. "Reach for brown rice over white rice, whole wheat pasta over white, and popcorn over chips."

Processed meats. Meats such as bacon, sausage and hot dogs are high in sodium and saturated fats. "Limit processed meats to special occasions and occasional treats," Gidus suggests. "Look for lower-fat options made with turkey or chicken breast over beef and pork varieties. But keep in mind that these lower-fat options typically contain just as much sodium as the original options, so don't overdo it."

Carbonated beverages and soda. "Because the carbonation comes from gas blended with water, when you drink a carbonated beverage, the gas can 'puff out' your stomach," Gidus says.

Even more potent than carbonation is sugar, a rich source of empty calories that does not provide fullness. Soda sparks a spike in blood sugar, followed by an insulin spike and excessive belly fat storage.

Alcohol. It's a source of empty calories that can actually increase your appetite, leading to weight gain and increased belly fat.

In addition to limiting the amount of alcohol you drink, be sure to drink alcohol at the end of the meal instead of before. Alcohol can stimulate appetite.