Moves and Foods That Will Banish Belly Fat

No matter how hard you workout removing and toning stubborn abdominal fat can be frustrating as well as discouraging.  Sometimes all it takes are a few simple lifestyle changes in order to see visible results.

First and foremost it’s important to remember that toned abs start in the kitchen! No matter how hard you might be working out your core it’s impossible to see the results if your midsection is covered in unwanted fat. Below you will find both diet tips and toning workouts that will have ready to show off your fabulous abs in no time.

Start incorporating these foods to assist in burning fat and free your tummy from bloating.

Green Tea: Green tea is rich in antioxidants and helps to speed up metabolism by intensifying the levels of fat oxidation. Add a bit of lemon for flavor and drink up!

Photo credit: Tiago Faifa

Berries: Berries are packed with fiber, antioxidants and loaded with water that helps in losing weight.  Try topping for your morning cereal, oatmeal or yogurt with any berries of your choice. It’s also great all alone as a snack.  

Photo credit: Juan José Valencia Antía

Almonds: Almonds help keep you full longer and you will avoid overindulging in unhealthy foods when hunger calls. It’s also considered a fat blocker so keep a handful of almonds handy at all times!

Green Vegetables: Low in calories and packed with fiber, it doesn’t get much better than that!  By incorporating leafy greens into your everyday diet, you will be satisfied with nutritional greens leaving no room for overeating.  Start adding arugula, romaine, kale and spinach in your salads.

Tip: Remember to drink enough water this helps to flush the body of toxins. Drink at least eight 8-ounce glasses for women and twelve 8-ounce glasses for men.

Now that you have pinpointed diet essentials incorporate these workouts that will help keep your midsection toned!

Plank with opposite arm and leg: Get in a traditional plank position, make sure you are in a straight line and your abs are contracted.  Slowly lift your opposite arm with opposite leg into a brief hold, replicate the same move on the other side and return to plank position (that’s one rep).  Perform this workout for a set of 10-15 reps.  

Straight leg raise: While lying on the floor in supine position straighten your legs and lock your knees. Point your toes forward and place your hands under butt (make sure your palms are facing down). Raise your legs to the point they form a straight angle with your body slowly lower while keeping your abs engaged. Repeat for 10-15 reps.

High Knees: This is a perfect cardio move to perform in between your ab toning workouts.  Begin running in place bringing you knees to your chest. Do this for 1 min to get your blood pumping and work up a sweat!

Burpees: This workout is a total body cardio move! Begin in squat position while placing your hands on the floor in front of you. Kick out your feet behind you so that you are now in push up position. Quickly pull your feet back into squat position and then jump up as high as you can. Repeat this move for 10-15 reps.

Training minds, changing bodies!

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