Tired of being flabby? Ready for a flat stomach? You’re just one of the millions who want to lose belly fat and get a tight and toned tummy.
Belly fat is usually one of the first we put on, and can be the toughest to get rid of. Not only is it making you feel less attractive, it is also a high-risk place to accumulate fat for your health.
Collecting fat around our essential organs is a bad habit, North Americans have developed by eating unhealthy foods and not being as active as we should be.
Accept your problem
First, accept your problem. You’ve come far enough to want to read this article, which means you know a change is in store for you. Good for you! Also, be sure that you know exactly what has caused you the belly in the first place. Once you accept this, you’re less likely to revert back to old habits once you’ve achieved your lean body.
Ladies, it’s not all about crunches and sit-ups
Next, you’ll need a sound workout program. You’ll have to arrange your schedule first. See what suits you around work, family, social time, and more. Rather than going to get a gym membership, be sure that you even have the time to go to the gym at all! Exercises to get flat abs are not all crunches and sit-ups.
A sound, well-rounded program will include full body, dynamic movements which burn high calories.
The more intense your workout, the closer you are to getting lean flat abs. These are called HIIT, or high-intensity interval training. These workouts are fast-paced, burn lots of energy, and help kick-start the body into a fat-burning machine. High-intensity training with a bit of weight training 3 times per week brings you closer to achieving your visualized goal–a flat and toned stomach.
Studies have shown that just 3 days per week of resistance training can help raise your metabolism and help burn more calories while maintaining strength, and keeping muscles toned.
If you are a novice, always consult with your physician before you start on an exercise program.
Flat Abs Diet
It’s not all exercise and sunshine! A large component of getting flat abs is in what you eat. Just ask bodybuilders and fitness models. A great deal of attention is given to food choices and preparation, as well as portion size and timing of meals. All of these combined in just the right way make up a flat abs diet. Here are the basics of the diet:
- Eat small and moderate portions at all meals
- Eat 5-6 times per day- eat when you are hungry!
- Never eat anything which comes in a package (junk food, bars, shakes, frozen dinners, etc)
- Always eat lots of protein in the morning (nonfat milk, lean meats, eggs, cottage cheese, etc)
- Drink plenty of water between and during all meals (8-10 glasses per day!)
- Eat 1-2 fruits each day
- Eat veggies with every meal
- Eat nuts, peas, broccoli, and lots of cauliflower!
- Cut out all processed foods, including mystery meats and bread.
While this may seem like simple stuff once you get started you’ll feel hungry, and unsatisfied and be tempted to break the diet. Stick with it for a few days and you’ll begin to feel clear, alert, and more energized than you can ever remember. Stick with it for several weeks and you’ll have that tight and toned tummy quicker than you’d imagine!