How to Get A Flat Stomach

Getting a flat stomach is a matter of increasing cardio activity and switching to healthier eating habits. Summer is approaching and after months of comforting, winter meals, many may be hoping to drop a few pounds. Anyone dreaming of slipping easily into skinny jeans, or wanting to lose extra padding around the waist should consider the following tips. With a little discipline, a toned, flat stomach is within reach.

Do Plenty Of Cardio Exercise For a Flat Stomach

A commonly held myth is that stomach exercises such as sit ups will deliver toned abs. It is not possible to spot train your body in this manner. You could do several hundred stomach crunches per day to no avail if your lovely toned muscles remain hidden under a layer of abdominal fat. To get a flat stomach, you need to lose fat all over your body.

Best Flat Stomach Exercises

Want to know the best exercises for a flat stomach? Swimming and walking! In fact, any cardio exercise that gets your heart pumping will increase your metabolism, burn fat and reveal your washboard stomach. So get out and skate, dance, play tennis - anything moderately vigorous that you enjoy. Aim for three to four 30-minute cardio sessions per week. If you cannot set aside this time for exercise, use a few simple tricks to incorporate cardio into your everyday regime - walk briskly to work instead of driving, take the stairs instead of the elevator, or get out for a walk during your lunch hour.

Alter Your Eating Patterns To Strip Fat From Your Stomach Area

To get a flat stomach, you need to change both what you eat, and how you eat. Ironically, you should eat more often if you want to strip the fat off your stomach. Instead of the three large meals conventional wisdom advises we eat, switch to five or six smaller portions per day. "Grazing" in this manner, rather than stuffing yourself with three large meals will boost your metabolism and burn fat. You will also feel less hungry as your body constantly has fuel.

Switch To Healthier Food Options

Aim for a healthier diet all round and you will see a dramatic difference in your stomach. Refined carbohydrates such as those found in white bread, white rice and pasta have a tendency to bloat the stomach and have little nutritional value. Switch to whole grain pasta, bread and brown rice. These healthier options will keep you fuller for longer and the additional fibre will keep food moving along the intestinal tract. Increase your intake of fresh fruit and vegetables, lean proteins and cut down on sugary food and drinks.



Minimise Stomach Bloating
Did you know that too much dairy can cause bloating and gas? Many experts recommend you limit your dairy intake to achieve a flatter stomach. Women may experience stomach bloating just before menstruation as hormone fluctuations cause fluid retention. To minimise this, cut down on salt, alcohol and drink lots more water.

Training The Stomach Muscles

Now that you are stripping away abdominal fat, it is time to train your stomach muscles so that they become sleek and toned. Train your upper abs (basic crunch), lower abs (leg raises) and obliques (side bends) separately to get all-round toning. When training your abs, aim for slow, controlled movements rather - far more effective at engaging your muscles than rapid movements.