SPA SECRETS FOR SVELTE ABS by Heidi Moon
Want to look extra fabulous for a special event? Tummy bulge an issue? Here are some little spa secrets to slimming-down:
1.) Relax! No, it is not just because I am a certified spa-junkie that I say “relax”… Stress actually plays a major role in creating belly fat! In reaction to stress, your body releases the cortisol hormone which not only signals the body to store fat specifically around your organs but also triggers unhealthy cravings for sweet and salty foods. So de-stress and decrease your waist size!
2.) Drain the Pipes. A true spa secret with many benefits… colon cleansing! Not as fashionable as donning a pair of Spanx, but cleaning out the pipes will lead to immediate weight loss, reduced constipation and associated bloating.
3.) Follow a Flat Belly Diet. You can make great impact on how your look, and feel, by following a diet that does not stress your GI tract, create gas or bloating. Skip bulky raw foods (although they have benefits –so don’t write-off entirely) that create bulk and stress on the GI tract. Avoid gas-giving foods such as broccoli, legumes and peppers. Also minimize the carbs, as carbs are stored in the body as glycogen which stores with it 3 grams of water for every gram of glycogen! So what should you focus on? Proteins, cooked vegetables, nuts and any mono-unsaturated fats. My superfood slim-down choices are hard-boiled eggs, salmon, almonds, pistachios, spinach sauteed in olive oil with dried figs and lots of water.
4.) Work the Corset. The key to flat abs is NOT crunches… or the Pilates 100s… In fact, both of these excersies can lead to a little pooch by creating a diastasis (or separation) of the recti (six-pack) muscles – especially for any woman who has had a baby. The key is to work the corset muscle called the transverse, that literally wraps around your core from the back to the front and from the top of the pubic bone to the bottom few ribs. To work this muscle, start in a seated position and bring your belly back to your spine. Once you have this muscle engaged, hold it for 30 counts, then squeeze even tighter for 5 counts. For more exercises, see spabebe’s Core Rx training technique (www.spa-bebe.com).
5.) Rev Up by Winding Down. Rev up your metabolism by starting your day with your vigorous aerobic exercise and larger meals, and wind down as the day progresses. Stop eating three hours before going to bed, and finish the day with plenty of water.
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