TOP 10 TIPS FOR A FLAT BELLY!

Let’s face it, we’ve all been there. Wearing unflattering baggy tops and pants a few sizes too big in order to hide your belly is something not at all new to every one of us. A flat tummy is one thing we all strive to achieve, but proves to be quite difficult. Even with diet and exercise, it can usually be the hardest part of the body to slim down. However, all hope is not lost. Here are ten simple tips to lose belly fat and finally achieve that elusive flat stomach.

1. Find out why what’s causing you to retain fat around your midsection. Why are your abs hiding in the first place? There are a number of reasons why your love handles may stubbornly stay. First, genetics may be to blame. But too much overall body fat, digestive health issues, not doing the right workout for your body type, hormones and hormonal changes, and too much stress in your life, are some of the most common reasons as well. It is important to consult your trusted health practitioner or a Naturopath to find out how to best handle your love handles and then work from there.
2. Follow a healthy diet. This we cannot emphasize enough. No amount of working out will count if you don’t eat healthy. Stock up on complex carbohydrates (fruits, vegetables, and whole grains) and eat more lean protein. Do away with simple carbs such as white bread, refined-grain pasta, and sugary drinks, and eat more healthy fat. Yes, some fat are good for you! The monounsaturated fat found in avos, nuts, fish oil and olive oil provide the body with nutrients it needs to operate productively and help the body break down bad fats particularly around the middle!
3. Crank up your Cardio. Go for a walk, cycle, run, swim, or do an interval-based training. Find an enjoyable activity that will bring your heart rate up! Not only does cardio make your heart strong, it also helps you improve your metabolism and burn fat and calories. There are many different cardio exercises available. Find one that you like and one that suits your lifestyle best.
4. Get some Zzz’s. The amount of sleep you get may be just as important as your diet and exercise regimen. Poor sleep has been repeatedly linked to weight gain and increased appetite. Think about this: staying up all night may make your prone to late-night snacking, and chances are, you’re likely to grab a bag of chips or other high-calorie snacks that are not good for your belly. Sleep also enhances physical activities, while lack of it may affect your decision-making abilities especially in terms of controlling your appetite. This is due to its effect on hormones that signal hunger and fullness. Besides, a good night’s sleep just makes you feel better in the morning.
5. Don’t skip meals. Skipping meals can cause your metabolism to slow down, and you don’t want that when you’re aiming for a flat belly. When you go a long time without eating, your body will start to crave food and cause you to eat a lot. Instead, eat proper meals and pay attention to portion size. Swap a big meal for smaller ones spread throughout the day. Snacks are okay, as long as they are smart and healthy food choices, such as mixed nuts or fruits.
6. Stay hydrated. Drinking fluids is crucial to staying healthy. Having lots of water will help to flush toxins out of your system and keep your bowels moving, both of which are essential for a flat stomach. Don’t wait for the urge to drink before actually drinking water. Remember to always have water breaks especially when doing workouts or other strenuous physical activities. Make regular water more interesting by infusing it with refreshing and energizing ingredients such as lemon slices, orange slices, grated ginger, cucumber, fresh spearmint, and fresh basil.
7. Improve your posture. If you want a flatter belly right this instant, try sitting up with your back straight and your shoulders back. Did you feel it? Bad posture accentuates a lower belly pooch, but it also affects the strength of your back and stomach muscles. Good back and stomach muscles help maintain proper posture longer, leading to a stronger core, and a strong core supports your spine during workouts to prevent muscle strain and injuries, which you need to be able to do exercises that target your belly fat. A good posture also makes for better circulation while slouching or sitting incorrectly can harm the blood flow. Check yourself now and again to make sure you are standing and sitting straight.
8. Load up on fiber. Loading up on fiber-rich food is one way to reduce tummy fat. This curbs your appetite and minimizes calorie consumption. Food that are rich in soluble fiber such as flaxseeds, sweet potatoes, fruits like apricots and oranges, legumes, and grains like oatmeal are said to be a natural appetite suppressant as they delay the movement of food in your gut, and make you feel full for longer. Aim to increase your intake regularly to improve your body’s tolerance and aid in digestion.
9. Take a break. Constant worry and anxiety produce extra cortisol, also known as the stress hormone, which encourages the body to store fat—particularly in the abdominal area. Countless studies have shown that we are more inclined to consume “comfort foods” when we are stressed or exhausted. Hitting the "pause" button in your mind and practicing deep-breathing exercises can help relieve stress levels. So take a break and chill out!
10. Laugh it off! You might be surprised that laughing can actually make your tum flatter. When you laugh, the muscles in your belly expand and contract fully, which is exactly like exercising your abs. But on a lighter note, accepting yourself and loving your body, muffin top and all, laughing off at the frustration of being imperfect, and instead of treating our bodies with kindness and respect, will ultimately make you feel better about yourself. And if you feel better, you absolutely look better!