Preston is a professional bodybuilder and a licensed Physical Trainer. He also coaches people (men and women) on how to live the healthiest life they can with simple changes. He will be doing a mini series on natural ways to lose weight and feel your best. We are thrilled to have him write for us on HowDoesShe. He is getting ready to go virtual as requests for his help have been overwhelming. He hopes this way he can help more people live the life they want too. PS- he’s not selling anything. Just giving tips.
Thanks Preston – we are excited you are a part of the HowDoes (S)HE team!
Tips for a flat belly
8 Tips For A Flat(ter) Belly Without Diet Or Exercise!
What’s the No. 1 excuse for not having a flat belly? Lack of time. “When the heck am I going to find time for the gym.” I will always choose my (fill in the blank) over the gym – kids, wife, work, brownies…
(Myth) – Getting a flat tummy requires endless hours working out and eating rice cakes with boiled chicken breasts. (Truth) – If you simply don’t have time to commit to kale you can still achieve a flat(ter) tummy without diet or exercise.
Let’s make some simple changes that don’t require a personal trainer! I’ve put together a list of 8 tips that’ll help us out. Yes, these are super simple but overtime could make quite a difference.
- Magic H20 (tips for a flat belly)
Even though water does not magically burn fat (sorry!) there are some major correlations with water and losing weight (yeah!) When the body is dehydrated it instinctually hoards water. This can cause a person to carry up to 4 extra pounds around the midsection. Also, staying hydrated can help you avoid overeating. It’s somewhat common for individuals to confuse thirst for hunger. That hunger pain you feel could be your body in need of hydration, not food.
How do you know if your drinking enough H20? Its recommended that you drink at least six eight-ounce glasses of water every day. Is six too much or too little? The key is your pee (no joke): When it comes to pee my favorite color is a nice pale yellow.
- Freshen your breath, wait… never mind. (tips for a flat belly)
Chewing gum leads to swallowing more air, which leads to bloating. Another reason – most chewing gums use sugar alcohol and or artificial sweeteners. Guess what? Yep, sugar alcohol and artificial sweeteners cause bloating. Giving up gum might be the little extra to squeeze into those jeans.
- Hey Slouch!(tips for a flat belly)
Slouching causes our gut to hang out and our belly to bulge. When we straighten up we automatically engage and tone our stomach muscles. Straightening those muscles on a more continual basis also helps burn more calories throughout the day.
Correct posture also helps with our breathing. Correct breathing stimulates our metabolism, which has all sorts of benefits.
A few post-it reminders around the house should do the trick.
- “It’s sugar-free, so I won’t gain weight.”(tips for a flat belly)
Watch out! They try and trick you with wording. Sure, sugar-free means sugar-free but what is replacing the sugar? It’s called artificial sweeteners such as aspartame. Studies have shown that aspartame stimulates your appetite, increases carbohydrate cravings and stimulates fat storage and weight gain.
- My brain needs more time…(tips for a flat belly)
Eat slow, chew each bite at least 10 times. If we inhale our grub too quickly our brain doesn’t register the amount within us. A multitude of studies has shown that our brains need more time to realize that we are no longer hungry. Which will only lead to us eating more than we need.
Extra Tip – When I do have a full-on food breakdown I have found that if I hold a bite of (ice cream, potato log from gas station, zinger, just sugar) in my mouth for at least 30 seconds, each bite, I find I don’t consume nearly as much!
6. Make a bathroom schedule… What?(tips for a flat belly)
Yes, that’s correct. Having a specific time each day to use the bathroom is important. Why? We all have hectic schedules, when we feel rushed and we push aside the urge to go until the very last moment. Result – bloat inducing constipation (bigger midsection).
Pooping (yes, I said it) on a set schedule can increase your metabolism and prevent bloat and constipation.
Plus, Gwyneth Paltrow swears by this…
- Let’s take a walk…(tips for a flat belly)
Wait a second… I thought this post was about getting a flat belly without exercising? Umm.. Let’s leave it to the reader to decide if walking is considered exercise or not…
A simple walk each morning or during lunch or even shopping can cause a spike in your metabolism.
- Chillax(tips for a flat belly)
Our inability to relax is one of the ways we can’t lose our belly fat. We’re stressed out. We are in a much more vulnerable state when we are frazzled. Stress hormones negatively affect our digestive system. This causes constipation, bloating and emotional eating. Find your stress outlet that truly relaxes you and do it each day for 20 minutes.
Speaking of hormones, age can attribute to hormone fluctuations that cause weight gain. Consider trying hormone replacement therapy to help you lose weight, prevent disease, and help you get healthy, stronger, and happier overall. Learn more about it here!
Like saving money for your retirement, investing in your health is easier than you might think! Start making these simple changes today and watch what happens.
No matter where you are with your health, today is a good day to start!
Tips for a flat belly
– Preston
Amethyst says
Love the yellow shoes! Where are they from?
Tina says
That’s all I drink is water. And I’m definitely going to start doing the rest as of today. Thank for the tips.
Honey says
Very nicely explained. Thanks.
Lola says
I’m as skinny as ever