5 Secrets to a Flat Tummy

Eisha Sarkar

Posted on Hello Wellness on Apr 20 2011 11:59AM


You slip into the extra-tight black dress that accentuates all your curves. You love them all, except for that slight bulge around your midriff. Every time you look in the mirror, the bulge appears to grow. Tummies can be a bit of a problem, especially if you want to go in for those stylish designer European fits. Here's how you can keep it flat:

• Stand up straight: Just maintaining the correct posture will automatically pull in your abs and make you look leaner. Slumping shortens your abdominal cavity, so your belly has nowhere to go but out.
• Eat lots of fiber: Often, enlarged intestines are responsible for those protruding tummies. Fiber aids the body's digestion and elimination processes that in turn help give a flatter appearance to the lower stomach area.
• Work those muscles: Create a strength training routine that addresses all the major muscle groups. By increasing the muscle in your shoulders you can give the appearance of a smaller waist. Work on your entire body instead of just your abs. Swimming is a great sport as it helps you build your upper body and stomach muscles.
• Eat tiny meals more often: Rather than eating three larger portioned meals, spread out your portion sizes and snacks to allow for five to six meals per day. This will increase your metabolism allowing you to burn more calories and fat.
• Drink lots of Water: Water helps metabolism. Every metabolic process inside the body is aided by the consumption of water. Also, water helps reduce the intake of unnecessary calories by helping you feel fuller.

Caution: The market is flooded with a whole range of diet supplements and slimming capsules that promise you a flat stomach in a few weeks’ time. Beware of such quick-fixes as they may cause side-effects such as diarrhoea and sudden bowel movement. Dietary supplements often contain the plant extract, Ephedra (also Ephedrine), which has been associated with dizziness, insomnia, seizures, strokes, high blood pressure, uterine contractions and even death. Consult a doctor before you opt for such remedies.