… soy sauce: Even low-sodium soy sauce is still high in sodium and will cause practically instant bloating.
Instead, flavor your food with a little fresh tomato salsa or a hint of cayenne pepper, which has an added benefit of boosting metabolism.”
–Susan Irby, “The Bikini Chef” and author of Substitute Yourself Skinny
READ: 4 Ways to Instantly Get Rid of That Bloated Belly
4. Box It Out
“Add boxing to your cardio routine. When you throw punches with weights or at a fast pace, you’re working your core in a way that helps to flatten your midsection. You must engage your core to throw punches, and twisting your torso works all the ab muscles.
Boxing also gives you a cardio workout that burns extra calories. Add 16 minutes of boxing three times a week to your regular cardio routine (30 minutes at high intensity four to five times a week), and you can lose up to 2 inches from your waist in four weeks. Simply throw punches while holding 1- or 2-pound weights for 8 minutes, alternating arms, then repeat without weights at a faster pace for 8 more minutes.”
–Michael Olajide Jr. and Leila Fazel, co-founders of Aerospace High Performance Center in New York City
3. Focus On Other Body Parts
“Play up a different body part to draw attention from your middle.
If it’s your legs, wear skirts or slim pants. Shoulders—bare them even if just a bit with a boatneck or sweetheart neckline. Cleavage? Make sure your bra does its job. If your bra rides up in the back, the bra has likely stretched out. If it accentuates back flab or if the space between the cups doesn’t lie flat, go up a size.”
–Kim Johnson Gross, style expert and author of What to Wear for the Rest of Your Life
2. Stop Overeating
“Eating portion-controlled meals that include whole-grain foods and monounsaturated fats (MUFAs) throughout the day is the best way to eat for a flat belly: People who eat whole grains lose more abdominal fat. And making most of the fats you eat MUFAs reduces ab flab, research says.”
–Keri Glassman, RD, author of The O2 Diet and The Snack Factor Diet
READ: 6 Cereals That Slim You Down
1. Laugh. And Laugh Some More.
Did you know, “The best thing for your abs is laughing?” Every time you laugh it strengthens your abs. There are even laughing yoga classes (Go to Laughter Yoga to find a class near you). If you start busting a gust, you are absolutely toning your abs.
[EXTRA TIP] Get Familiar With The Best Flat Belly Foods
Best breakfast: A slice of whole-wheat bread with natural peanut butter and 1 cup of your favorite berries.
Best lunch: Spinach salad with sliced avocado, grilled firm tofu, and cherry tomatoes, drizzled with a little olive oil and fresh lemon juice.
Best dinner: Grilled salmon, a roasted sweet potato, and sautéed asparagus with olive oil and garlic.
Best snack: A cup of fat-free yogurt with 2 tablespoons of sunflower seeds.
–Kristin McGee, Pilates expert