For those of you out there that think doing a hundred sit-ups each day is going to flatten your stomach or tone your abs, you really have been lied too. This may be a start, but it surely can’t be all that your do to improve your mid section.
These days the TV is filled with infomercials and commercials on the latest gadgets and exercise machines that promise a tight six pack within days. This is nothing more than good marketing and a good looking product. Trust me when I say this it doesn’t work.
The simple truth is exercise is not enough; this is something I constantly find myself telling people on a day to day basis. Exercise is only one part of what it takes to get a flat stomach. Healthy eating habits are an important part of the process as well.
This is probably the reason why so many people fail to get a flat stomach. They tend to do lots of exercise but neglect to develop good eating habits and the results of all that exercise remain hidden beneath a layer of belly fat. Developing healthy eating habits is a must if you intend on tightening that stomach up.
Healthy Eating Tips and Advice
Stop with those big meals, start eating smaller meals throughout the day. Maybe 5-6 small meals a day and spread them out, if you have to eat a big meal try and make it earlier in the day. Gives you more time to burn those calories!
Increase the frequency of your meals and the amount of healthy food you eat and you will increase your metabolism and burn more calories after each meal.
There is an added benefit to eating more meals a day. When your body digests food it burns calories, so by dividing what you would eat in a day into smaller meals and eating more often will burn more calories. You will also feel full for longer periods and it will prevent you from feeling hungry during the day.
You should eat breakfast as soon as possible; this will help speed up your metabolism that slowed during the night. Not eating breakfast is a complete No No. If you don’t eat breakfast your metabolism will slow even more, as your body reacts to the hunger.
Stop eating at least two hours before you go to bed. This will allow your food to digest properly and help your body rest and recuperate better from the previous day.
What you should and shouldn’t eat
You should never completely change your diet all at once. Start by eating the same foods you are used to, only try and eat the healthier versions.
Eat wholegrain bread instead of regular white bread. When possible, eat wholegrain pasta and brown rice, low fat milk products, egg whites as well as lean meat and tuna.
You don’t need to count calories, simply stay away from the foods you know are bad for you. Cut down on sweets, cakes, pastries and soft drinks and aim to consistently give your body what it needs: fruits, whole grains, vegetables, nuts, and lean protein. Don’t forget to drink lots of water!
