Belly Bulge

Muffin Top, Love handles, Belly Bulge, such cute little names for such an annoying little problem, right? UGH! But did you know there are actually "belly busting" foods out there? YES! Eat yourself thin people! Makes sense, right? The evidence is in the food we choose! Let's take this scenario for instance.....so you go out for a carb laden, high calorie meal of pasta, bread and cake, why not we're already lost in foodland right? And the next day your tummy is bloated, your fatigued, your belly is making it's appearance over your pants, and you're not to pleased about it. The next night you eat a fresh garden salad loaded with veggies, protein, beans. You wash it all down with some lovely fruit salad and a low calorie beverage. You wake up the next morning, refreshed and that unsightly belly bulge, well it's starting to dissipate now isn't it. YES! See if you are consistent in healhy eating patterns, you CAN eat yourself thin, and lose that belly bulge over time!
SOOOOO....here is a list of some great "belly busting" foods that can get you started AND some great exercises from our friends at Marie Claire, to show off those abs in style this Summer!

Burn THAT Belly FAT Foods:

Oatmeal

Almonds

Protein Powder Shakes

Olive Oil

Berries

Eggs

Beans

Lean Meats/Fish

Whole Grains

Green Vegetables (things like spinach/broccoli)

Peanut Butter

(only a portion though, 2 Tablespoons!)

Dairy (lowfat or fat free)

Avocado (portion is ½ cup serving)

Green tea

Parmesan cheese (high in protein!)

Cannelini Beans

 

AB-Tastic WORKOUTS for that a flat tummy!

Courtesy Marie Claire Magazine

Belly Rolls

 Works: vertical ab muscles
What to do: Sit with your legs bent, feet flat on the floor and arms straight in front of you. Exhale and roll back until your lower back touches the ground -- stop. Inhale and roll back up. Repeat 15 times. Now exhale and roll back until your shoulder blades touch the ground -- stop. Inhale and roll back up. Repeat 15 times.

Tummy Curls
Works: horizontal ab muscles
What to do: Lie on your back and bend your knees at an (almost) 90-degree angle with the floor, raising your feet slightly higher than your knees. Exhale, lift your butt and roll back to your shoulder blades. Inhale and roll to your tailbone -- stop (don't let your butt touch the ground). Repeat 20 times.

Cross Crunches
Works: waist
What to do: Grab a liter bottle of water and lie on your back with your knees bent at a 90-degree angle with the floor. Cradle your left hand behind your head. Now hold the water bottle in your right hand, lift your head and shoulders off the ground and reach across your body, so the bottle is outside your left knee. "Pulse" 20 times. Switch sides and repeat.

Tailbone Lifts
Works: lower ab muscles
What to do: Lie on your back, arms stretched straight over your head and legs fully extended and crossed in the air. Exhale and lift your tailbone, then slowly lower as you inhale (don't just drop -- resist on the way down). Repeat 30 times.

Inverted Crunches
WORKS: lower back
WHAT TO DO: Lie on your stomach, arms in front of you as if flying. Exhale and lift just your right arm and left leg as high as you can. Inhale and lower. Then switch, lifting your left arm and right leg. Alternate, doing 20 lifts on each side. Finally, lift both arms and legs 20 times.