How To Get A Flat Belly Fast

We all want instant results when it comes to dieting and exercise, but as party season approaches, you might need a little extra help to get those slim lines you're after.

Fortunately it's not all about hundreds of sit ups a day, there are a few other tricks that can make a big difference

Get out the gas

One of the big problems when it comes to the waistline is bloating. Even when you think you're eating healthily there could be some foods that can leave you looking and feeling worse than ever.

While they're very good for you, vegetables including broccoli, cauliflower and sprouts can all leave you with a seriously bloated stomach because they are so high in fibre. They also contain sugars and starches that may cause gas and therefore bloating, so when you're looking to slim down your tum, swap for lighter greens like spinach, kale and green beans instead.

Adding pineapple, papaya, and banana also have properties to help relieve bloated stomachs.


Always eat dessert

How many of us crave something sweet after our evening meal? Well give into it and always have some sort of dessert, if only to make it clear to the brain that the meal is over. Even just a square of chocolate can finish the meal and it will also prevent you picking at any savoury left overs.

Don't ditch all the dairy

You might think cutting out high calorie dairy products would help you lose weight, but removing them from your diet can actually have the opposite effect.
A study from the University of Tennessee found that consuming 1,800 milligrams of calcium a day could block the absorption of about 80 calories, so make sure you get enough each day - in moderation.

Nice and spicy

Hot and spicy food eaten in moderation can boost your metabolism. And you don't eat as much when food is particularly hot - which is an added bonus. But don't go overboard, eating spicy food often and especially when you're not used to it can cause upset stomach and an inbalance of you digestive juices.

Take it slow

We know about the importance of eating slowly so your brain has time to register when you're full, but it could also prevent bloating too. When you wolf down your meals it can cause you to swallow air, which can get trapped in your digestive system.
Chewing gum can also leave you feeling full for the same reason, so try swapping for sweets you can suck - but where possible stick to sugar free.

Take a bath

Epsom salts have long been a cheat when it comes to looking slimmer, as the salts draw water out of your body and helps reduce the amount of water you retain - making your midsection look flatter
So before a night out or special occasion just add two cups of Epsom salt to your bath and soak in it for  half an hour.

Have an early night

When you feel well rested it can help your mood, eating patterns and ability to exercise.
Not getting enough sleep causes levels of the stress hormone cortisol to rise, along with levels of deep abdominal fat.
In a six year study, Canadian researchers found that adults who averaged just five or six hours of shut-eye a night were 35 per cent more likely to gain 10-plus pounds and were nearly 60 per cent heavier around the middle than those who slept seven to eight hours.

Get planking

It can be very difficult to target your exact problem areas, so a good all-round workout is always the best choice. But to tone those muffin tops the plank is perfect and all you need is enough space to stretch out.
As well as the standard plank, add the side plank into your workout to work the abs even harder.
If you are feeling even more adventurous try this option too:
Plank with Arm Lift:
Get into the plank position (toes and forearms on the floor, body lifted). Brace your abs and carefully shift your weight to your right forearm. Extend your left arm in front of you and hold for three to 10 seconds.
Slowly bring your arm back in. Repeat with the right arm. That's one rep. Do two or three sets of five to 10 reps, resting for one minute between sets

Anyone for Pilates?

Long-term Pilates will help you strengthen your core, improve flexibility and build strength in muscles, helping you appear longer and leaner.
It is also great for helping with posture and standing straight, with your abs engaged, can help you appear 5lbs lighter.
Try these two great exercises to help you tone your tummy and you can do them when you're stuck in traffic, sat at your desk or watching TV.

Engage your abs any time:

Sit up straight, keeping your back away from the back of your chair.
Exhale and pull your abs to your spine without curving your back, it should feel a little like you are bracing for a punch to the abdomen.

Hold for 30 seconds. Do twice an hour.

Oblique:
To challenge your obliques just tilt your torso slightly to the right and hold that position for 30 seconds.

Then reverse the action by tilting to the left so you can keep things looking even.
And that's that - flat abs for Christmas. Just so long as we can stay off the mince pies...