May 15, 2022: Stomach Flattening
My weekly Get Your Stuff Together Sunday email series gives you one actionable focus for the week that will make your life a little easier.
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Have you ever dreamt about a flat stomach? Most of us don’t care about the 6-pack look or the washboard abs - we just want a flat stomach without extra bloat or fat. This week, we’re going to talk about getting a flat stomach and how it has nothing to do with crunches.
If you’re looking for a flatter, more toned stomach—and FAST—then these tips should help:
1. Stop Stressing Out
Stress is associated with increases in cortisol levels; and, for some reason, that cortisol directly impacts your stomach. In fact, when your cortisol levels are high, you tend to store more fat in your abdominal area than any other.
If you’re serious about a flat belly, then you need to take the time to de-stress with some meditation, or another stress-reducing activity.
2. Eat More Fiber
Abs are made in the kitchen—and not so much in the gym. If you aren’t seeing the look you want, then it’s time to take a hard look at your diet—and what you can change.
One easy switch to make is to add in more fiber-rich foods. Fiber, which takes up space in your stomach and prevents you from eating more, may also improve your digestive health. The more “regular” you are, the better it will be for your stomach. If you’re low in fiber, just remember to start off slow, as too much fiber can cause gas and bloating.
3. Elevate Your Heart Rate
All the work you’re doing on your abs won’t matter if you can’t see them, and this makes exercise a lot more important.
Exercises that increase your heart rate—like cardio, or HIIT training—may help you expend calories, and use your stored fat as a source of energy.
4. Include More Strength Training
If you want to boost your overall fat loss (aka weight loss), then you need to focus on doing strength training—as well as cardio.
Strength training encourages more lean mass development—which could lead to an increase in your metabolic rate. The more lean mass you have, the more body fat you will lose. Plus, doing compound movements, like the squat and deadlift for example, may also work your core in an active (but less focused) way.
5. Drink Plenty of Water
One reason why you may not have a flat belly is due to bloating, which gives your stomach a puffy look. If you drink plenty of water, you could flush the extra fluid from your stomach, giving you a flatter look.
If you make these changes, you could see a flat stomach in no time at all.
Next Sunday, we’ll talk about why you should be eating fruit and how the sugars won’t hurt you.
Want some expert help with reaching your health goals painlessly? Check out my programs! We’ll get everything taken care of in a way that fits into your current lifestyle so you never have to think about your health again.
Do you have a friend who could stand to G(her)ST? Feel free to forward this!
I hope you have a wonderful week,
Kelly
Kelly Morgan, Ph.D.
Tsirona - www.tsirona.com
My weekly GYSTS email give you one actionable thing to do for the week that will make you life a little easier. As "they" say, "Fail to plan; plan to fail." Get these emails (and more!) delivered right to your inbox by clicking HERE.