(5) EAT FAT TO FLATTEN ABS Studies suggest that foods rich in monounsaturated fats--including olive oil, nuts, seeds and avocado--can help prevent the accumulation of unwelcome belly fat. Bring on the guacamole!
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(4) DE-STRESS TO WEIGH LESS Increased levels of the hormone cortisol, a result of chronic stress, lead to excess stomach fat. Keep a "smile pile" of pictures and mementos on your desk to remind yourself of life away from the pressures of work, and what truly matters.
(3) PICK UP YOUR PACE Women who added three 20-minute high-intensity jogs or walks to their weekly walking routine lost an average of 2 inches from their waist over four months, whereas those who stuck with less intense strolls lost only half an inch, according to researchers from the University of Virginia in Charlottesville. Scientists say stepping up your sessions may release more growth hormones, which help your body burn fat faster.
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(2) STAND UP TO BELLY FAT Concentrating on standing tall while running or on the elliptical machine sneaks in extra tightening as your abs and back muscles engage to support your posture. To test yourself, make the loser sign, placing the tip of your index finger on the tip of your chin and your thumb on the high part of your sternum. This way, your head is in line with your spine and your shoulders are back.
(1) TOAST YOUR SUCCESS Raise a glass to this: Women who had one drink a day or less had a smaller belly than both teetotalers and occasional drinkers who had two or more alcoholic beverages in a sitting, a study in The Journal of Nutrition reports.
Adopt these stomach-slimming strategies to make your middle little in no time. And if you want even more abs-flattening advice, sign up for the "Flat Abs at Last!" track of SELF's Reach Your Goal program. The day-by-day plan is ab-solutely free. Muffin top? You're history!
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