76) HAVE A FLAT TUMMY WITHOUT DIETING OR EXERCISE

Your first thought may be, "Are you joking?" or "Impossible!"

Well, I have news for you.  It is possible to have a flat tummy without having to starve yourself by chewing on a celery stick or workout until you drop!  The trick is to adopt the following eight steps and turn it into an everyday habit, or good practice, if you will.

Stand up straight. Photo credit:Wikipedia

Stand Up Straight

Look at yourself in the mirror and notice how you stand.  Does your shoulder slouch forward and your tummy is sticking out like a beach ball?   Start straightening up because your figure will look better.  Good posture will automatically engage and tone your stomach muscles.  The same goes if you are in a sitting position.  Keep your back straight and well supported.

• Practice walking with a heavy book on top of your head.  Balance is the key to correct posture.
• Place a few strategically placed Post-it Notes to remind yourself to stand tall.

Drink Up!

Tap Water Photo credit :Wikipedia

Don't start clapping your hands if you think it means beer, alcohol, or wine.  Drink water and keep the flow going throughout the day.  Dehydration causes the body to hoard water which can result in you carrying an extra weight of four pounds around your belly.  Feeling thirsty can also be confused with feeling hungry.  By drinking water regularly will prevent you from reaching out for the bag of chips or bar of chocolate.  Well, if you really must, eat a crunchy, delicious apple or any fruit as a healthy snack instead.

• Try to drink 6 to 8 glasses of water or 2 liters a day.
• Sip slowly, do not gulp.  Gulping will introduce air into your stomach.
• Flavor water with a slice of lemon or a squeeze of lime juice if you are the type who does not like the taste of plain water.

Too-dle-Loo

Toilet Bowl and Seat Photo credit:Wikipedia

This is what most women do. Hold back or be embarrassed to go when you need to go.  

Set aside a specific time each day to visit the toilet.  If you ignore the urge to go each time the need arises, you are training your brain to dismiss your body's signals and set the stage for bloat-inducing constipation.

Tips to induce bowel movement the natural way.

• Depress the area just above your pubic bone.  Hold for a minute or two.  Release. Repeat a few more times until you feel the urge to go.  If not, continue to drink water and try again later.
• Daily, massage your stomach in a circular and clockwise motion after every meal.  By warming up your stomach, it will help in the digestion process and result in better bowel movement.  If you prefer, you can add some essential oils such as Euclyptus for more warmth.

Taking a bit bite Photo Credit: StockFree Image.com

Chew Not Chow

Is your motto, "I live to eat" or "I eat to live?"  Try changing it to, "I eat to feed my body and keep it healthy."

How long does it take for you to finish a meal? 10 minutes, 15 minutes, 30 minutes? If you wolf down your food under 15 minutes, you need to ease up.  

Make it a point to chew every bite at least 10 times before swallowing.  Food is to be savored, not swallowed in chunks.  When you push large pieces of food into your body, it has to work extra hard to break down the food in the stomach and intestines.  This can lead to major gas and indigestion problems.  

Fast eaters, please take note that you are more prone to swallowing air, which can increase your risk of developing a potbelly.

Walk the Dog

If you don't have dog,  just walk on your own or with a partner. Make it your bonding time as well as getting  some fresh air.

Walking the dog Photo credit:Stockfreeimage.com

Try squeezing in a 30 minute walk daily.  Walking itself will boost your metabolism and help you burn waistline fat more efficiently.  It is easy, safe and you only need to invest in a good pair of walking shoes.

A study from Kansas State University has found that most devices designed to target abs really don't work.  Stick to walking and you will see better results.

Stick type of Chewing gum that includes xylitol. (Photo credit: Wikipedia)

Chewing Gum

Researchers at the American College of Gastroenterology found that by chewing gum, it forces you to swallow more puff-producing air.  Now you know why you are still keeping the skinny jeans in your closet for the past five years.

If you want to freshen your breath, suck on a mint instead.

Bee's and Dee's

No, they are not my dogs names. Just that you know, their names are DeeDee and JayJay which may not be of any importance......Back to the topic.  

Bee's and Dee's are vitamins B-complex and Calcium D-gluarate (1,000 mg). According to C.W. Randolph, M.D., author of From Belly Fat to Belly Flat, add these supplements to your regular vitamin regime.  Excess estrogen in our bodies may retain fat around the waist. Bee's and Dee's will help to excrete the hormone and you can attain a smaller waist.

If you have a medical condition, please consult your doctor before taking these supplements.

Relaxation Time Photo credit: Stockfreeimage.com

Chillax

The next time you get frazzled, remember that your body will increase its production of steroid and stress hormones which will effect your digestion system and causes major constipation.  Not only will you end up looking pouchy, stress can also amp up the production of cortisol, a "fight or flight" hormone. It will send excess fat directly to your midsection in an attempt to protect your vital organs.  

De-stress by taking time out everyday for at least 20 minutes and do something that will truly relax you. Here are some suggestions.

• Take a long relaxing bath
• Do it yourself facial massage
• Do crossword puzzles
• Watch a comedy
• Draw or Paint
• Do deep breathing exercises

My next topic for discussion is, "Eat These Foods To Lose Belly Fat."

You may also like to read:

46) DO IT YOURSELF FACIAL MASSAGE.
73) HEALTH BENEFITS OF GREEN TEA.
5) HOW TO PREPARE PURE NATURAL JUICES
17) CONSTIPATION CAUSES AND REMEDIES
58) HOW TO DRINK MORE WATER

MY ART CORNER

A little boy's love for his puppy,
A pureness make both happy.
A little boy's sweet innocence,
A young puppy's exuberance.

Thank you for looking and taking the time to read my blog.  I welcome feedback and please feel free to share your thoughts and experience in relation to today's topic.

Until my next post, "Here's To Your Health!"


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20 TIPS ON HOW TO LIVE LONGER