5 Secrets to Getting a Flat Belly
As dieters, we’ve all dreamed of having tight, toned stomachs with sexy six-packs.
Unfortunately, abdominal fat is not only dangerous, it’s just plain hard to get rid of. For
many of us, the midsection seems to be the first place we pack on extra pounds, and
the last place we lose them.
But don’t give up hope just yet! Here are five proven secrets you can use TODAY to get
a flatter stomach while you work to reduce that stubborn belly fat.
Secret #1: Reduce overall body fat.
There is no such thing as spot reduction. That is, you can’t lose fat in your stomach area
without losing fat everywhere else. To get the lean stomach you want, you’ll need to
reduce your overall body fat percentage. This can only be done through a healthy diet
and exercise regimen that combines aerobic exercise with strength-training.
Start today by researching a food plan and exercise routine you’ll enjoy. The most
successful plans feature diets high in lean protein and complex carbohydrates, plus
cardio exercise and strength-training three to five times a week.
Secret #2: Fill up on fiber and protein.
Snacking on the wrong foods can sabotage your tummy-busting efforts. Keep your
hunger – and your waistline – in check by filling up on whole grain oatmeal, fruits and
vegetables, beans, lean meats, nuts, and olives. Foods that are high in Omega-3 fatty
acids, such as fish, help counteract the fattening stress hormone cortisol.
Cortisol sends signals to the body that cause it to go into survival mode, storing fat all
over, but particularly around the midsection. Reduce your cortisol levels, and your body
will start to burn through those fat stores again. You can reduce cortisol today by
practicing relaxation and eating foods high in Omega-3s.
Would you like to permanently say goodbye to your oversized clothes?
The Trimmer Method can help you:
Secret #3: Stay away from salt and sugar.
Carbohydrates cause us to retain water (hence the –hydrates suffix). This can result in
bloating, especially in the tummy area. Salt is another notorious bloat-inducer. Instead
of loading up on table salt, try smaller amounts of sea salt, or a salt substitute.
For quick stomach shrinkage, reduce the number of carbs you consume each day. The
ones you do eat should come from whole grains, nuts, fruits and vegetables. These
complex carbohydrates help regulate hunger and minimize cravings.
Secret #4: Strengthen your core with regular sculpting exercises.
Exercise will help remove the layer of fat that hides your abs from view. It will also help
shape those hidden muscles so that they’ll look great when they finally make their
appearance. A strong core will also help you stand and sit upright, which has a two-fold
benefit: Good posture makes you look thinner, and also gives you ample opportunities
to work those abs by holding them taut as you walk or sit.
For the strongest, most sculpted abs, do core-strengthening exercises like sit-ups, Vups,
leg lifts, or Pilates three or more times a week. Vinyasa yoga has several poses
which strengthen the core and help you clear your mind of stressful thoughts that
stimulate cortisol production – a fat-busting bonus!
Secret #5: Drink water to flush fat away.
It might seem counter-intuitive to load up on water when you already feel bloated, but
the fluid you consume actually helps your body get rid of the fluid it’s holding on to.
Bloating occurs when the body is dehydrated. In an effort to preserve its vital fluids, the
body holds onto every bit of water it has, resulting in puffiness in the hands and
abdomen. The only way to counteract this is to drink enough water to make your body
feel safe again, allowing it to flush the retained fluid from its system.
