Honestly, who doesn't want a flat belly? But sometimes there just isn't enough hours in the day to hit the gym and work out those abs. I'll be the first to admit that dedicating daily time to crunches and cardio isn't really realistic when it comes to my schedule. Luckily, there are ways to make your belly look flat without really having to break a sweat. Check out a few of these simple tips that will slim down your belly in no time!
Improve your posture
Believe it or not, standing up straight can make you look up to 5 pounds slimmer. Poor posture can make you appear slouchy and shorter. Yoga and pilates are one of the best ways to help improve your posture, strengthen your abs and strengthen your back muscles. After a time, you'll start to look longer and leaner.
Tighten your tummy
Tightening your stomach throughout the day helps work out your abdominal muscles. Think Kegels but for your tummy! Make sure to suck in your stomach whenever you're doing pilates, yoga, or lifting weights. Slouching during exercise can weaken your ab muscles.
Breathe in
Take a few minutes a day to do some pilates breathing. Simply suck in your stomach and then breathe (while relaxing your abs). Do this four or five times a day to see results. The best part is you can do this technique anywhere from your room to your office desk.
Go to sleep early
Getting enough hours of shut-eye can help promote a slimmer stomach. You can be maintaining a healthy diet and exercising regularly, but if you're not getting enough sleep, you get still get belly fat. Lack of sleep causes the levels of a stress hormone called cortisol to rise which can lead to weight gain. If you can, try to sleep at least 7 to 8 hours. You'll definitely notice a difference.
Eat Slower
Rushing through your meals can lead you to eat more (because you won't feel full right away) which can ultimately lead to more belly fat. Try decreasing your portions, slowly savoring each bite and make sure to pay attention to any feelings of fullness.
Stay away from carbonated drinks
The gas in carbonated drinks can cause instant stomach bloating and bulging. Try swapping your bubbly drinks for tap water or fresh juice instead. I recommend incorporating herbal teas into your diet, like anise seed tea or ginger tea. They work as natural anti-inflammatories that can help soothe and calm your stomach.