The Flat Belly Tips You Should Follow Right Now
There really is nothing like finally reaching those weight-loss goals you've had in mind for so long. All of the hard work has finally paid off! And while this is a feeling that takes time, dedication, and patience to get to, if you're super close, don't give up yet. If you're trying to target that hard to shed, often dreaded belly fat, it can be a bit discouraging. But we're here to help you out so you can blast that belly fat once and for all.
So what should you be doing right now that you might not be already? We rounded up some of the most helpful (and easiest!) tips to help you finally get that flat belly. Think of this as your go-to flat belly tips list. While you're making these healthy changes, be sure to try out the 21 Best Healthy Cooking Hacks of All Time!
Ditch the booze.
Sorry, but even if you're eating as clean as can be all day, drinking beer and wine often isn't necessarily going to get you that flat belly. It's no secret that there is a connection between drinking and weight gain, and if you're downing a few glasses every night, you're negatively impacting your metabolism and even your sleep patterns, all which contribute to the formation of belly fat. And that's not even factoring in the amount of calories and sugar you would be consuming from these drinks, too. So put the drinks down, and you'll reach those weight-loss goals a lot quicker.
Hide the sweet treats.
While ridding your kitchen and pantry of any temptation is obviously the best move, if you happen to live with others, this might not be all that realistic. What you can control, though, is how the candy and sugary sweet treats are displayed. A study published in the Journal of Marketing actually found that people are more likely to overeat smaller treats if they are in transparent packages. So be sure to store anything tempting not in out in the open or in a clear, glass containers. Say goodbye to the candy dish! It's the classic out of sight, out of mind concept here.
Lower the temperature.
It's time to get chilly. Sleeping with the heat lowered and in a cooler setting actually helps target belly fat, according to a Diabetes study. So you can flatten your belly while you're resting for the night? Sounds ideal to us!
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Drink more water.
By now, you already know just how dangerous sipping on soda and other sugary-filled drinks can be for your overall health. But you might not realize the true benefits of drinking a glass of water. One study found that more than 60% of the time, people often eat something when they're actually thirsty. So in order to make sure you're actually hungry, drink a glass of water first. Plus, drinking water before a meal results in a person eating less during the meal. It's a win-win!
Load up on cinnamon.
If you're looking for a healthy way to add some flavor and sweetness to your oats, Greek yogurt, or smoothies, look no further than cinnamon. It's been proven to improve the body's sensitivity to insulin, and this is great news if you're trying to slim down. This process allows for calories that are coming into your body to be converted to energy, not fat. An instant and delicious way to help you shed that unwanted flab? Can't get better than that.
Skip the refined carbs.
When in doubt, always go for whole grains and the unrefined carbs. It's best if you avoid eating white bread, rice, pasta, you know, the refined carbs, and instead, make your meals with oats, quinoa, brown rice, and wheat, for example. One Tufts University study even found that participants who ate three or more servings of whole grains per day actually had 10% less belly fat than those in the study who ate the same amount of calories from refined carbs.
Snack on berries.
There really is no better colorful, sweet snack than fruit when you're trying to get rid of that flat belly. Especially berries! Blueberries have been proven to help reduce belly fat, and strawberries can improve insulin sensitivity, so go ahead and get munching.
Enjoy some chocolate.
Yes, you read that right! You don't have to give up chocolate completely. In fact, dark chocolate can actually help you lose belly fat. One study found that a one ounce serving of dark chocolate eaten each day resulted participants having a lower weight and BMI. Just be sure you're going for the right kind of chocolate bar—one that is at least 70% cacao, and you're sticking to the correct portion size. Soon enough, you'll have that flat belly.
