1. SNACK at this “Magic Hour”
Try eating a snack that contains PROTEIN between 3 p.m. and 4 p.m. Go for a protein shake or bar, a piece of low-fat cheese like string cheese, or some almonds paired with an organic apple. No matter what, do not miss that snack. It’s important because it boosts metabolism and balances blood sugar. The more stable throughout the day you keep your blood sugar, the lower you keep your insulin levels, and excess insulin makes you store fat around your middle. Additionally, eating every three to four hours (small meal or snack) will keep your blood sugar even, but many people tend to go five or six hours between lunch and dinner without eating.
2. Shake on the NATURAL SEA SALT
Use natural sea salt or kosher salt, which is lower in SODIUM teaspoon for teaspoon than traditional TABLE SALTS. And when you’re prepping for a special event where you need to look SLIM – stay away from soy sauce: Even low-sodium soy sauce is still high in sodium and will cause practically instant bloating. Instead, try flavoring your food with a little fresh tomato salsa or a sprinkle of cayenne pepper, which has an added benefit of boosting metabolism!
3. Size matters
Eating portion-controlled meals that include whole-grain foods and healthy monounsaturated fats (MUFAs) throughout the day is the best way to eat for a flat belly: People who eat fiber filled whole grains lose more abdominal fat. And making most of the fats you eat MUFAs reduces ab flab, research says.
4. Naturally Increase this belly fat zapping hormone
Focus on cutting excess sugars out of your diet. This will keep insulin levels low and stabilized, and also keep levels of the hormone glucagon high. Glucagon is the best friend you could ever have in the struggle for a flat belly! Picture Ms. Pac-Man traveling around your waistline, gobbling up fat to be used as energy. That is glucagon. You’re welcome.
5. Chew your Food thoroughly (like your Mom said…)
Chewing your food thoroughly is actually the No. 1 + EASIEST tip to prevent bloating NATURALLY. Chew food until it is like applesauce in your mouth. Digestion begins in the mouth, and without proper chewing, food is not well-digested. Better-digested food means less gas and bloating. It all starts with STEP #1!