Keep Your Stomach Flat…Eat This
Every summer the gyms die down (in comparison to winter) and the expectations on bodily appearance elevate. Summer comes and we expect to already be in great shape so we can take time off from the gym and enjoy it.
Although I don’t recommend ditching your exercise routine for summer, there are some nutritional ideas to help counter the neglect given to the weights when the sun comes out and it’s time to play.
We’ve put together a list of 8 foods that will not only counter the neglect towards physical activity, but also completely flatten your stomach when eaten in moderation.
1. Spinach
Remember those episodes of “Popeye” when you were a kid? Let me refresh your memory: the sailor guy would down a can of spinach whenever he got in trouble and his muscles would bulge out and he’d kick some serious butt. Now, you won’t be seeing automatic muscles from eating a can overnight, but spinach definitely encourages muscle growth by providing omega-3 fatty acids and folate along with increasing blood flow and protecting against numerous diseases.
2. Yogurt
Yogurt has a number of undisputed health benefits such as boosting the immune system, protecting against cancer, and strengthening bones and teeth. Make sure the label reads “live and active cultures” in order to ensure the positive effects of this powerful little dairy product. Make sure you also select yogurts without a lot of sugars or high fructose corn syrup…check the label!
3. Tomatoes
Any type of fruit or vegetable with bright colors are packed with lycopene, which more than does its job as a natural antioxidant…tomatoes are one of the top types of these to eat. Lycopene will decrease the risk of a number of different types of cancers and remove damaging carcinogens from your body; and they taste great on sandwiches and salads…eat up.
4. Carrots
Carrots are easy to prepare and fill up the stomach without providing excess calories…they’re full of beta-carotene and also reduce risk of many types of cancers. One problem for me…I hate carrots.
5. Blueberries
These small blue wonders are full of more antioxidants than any other fruit on the continent; blueberries prevent diabetes and dementia and are jam-packed with fiber. You can find the vitamins A and C as well as aid you in your quest for ultimate cardiovascular health. Take your kids blueberry picking this summer (cheap and fun way to promote good health).
6. Black Beans
Almost any type of bean is packed with fiber and heart-healthy benefits, but black beans elevate your brain to new levels of activity and are full of antioxidants. Try some at your lunch break at a place like Qdoba for an afternoon advantage at the office.
7. Walnuts
Most nuts are full of omega-3 fatty acids (more so than fish!) and contain just as much protein as a lean meat…but walnuts also contain anti-inflammatory characteristics and do wonders when eaten after a hard session of weight training; a handful a day does wonders. Try some almonds too…
8. Oats
Want extra fiber to lower your risk of heart diseases and help build muscle with protein-packed elements? Grab some oats…they personally make me digest a little too fast (if you get my drift) and are loaded with carbs, but oats in the morning will boost the metabolism and protect your body throughout the day in more ways that are able to be listed.
If you’re looking to keep your strict nutritional diet this summer and combat the heat’s effects of being lazy and exercising less, cut calories through liquids by drinking more water and fewer flavored drinks. You’re stomach will thank you and you’ll look great on the beach…an added bonus.
If you’re in the Grand Rapids area and still looking to shed the pounds by sweating more…or if you just need some more great nutritional tips, subscribe below for all the latest updates. Then, visit David Modderman’s fitness blog for additional tips.
Any other suggestions? I love feedback…comment away please!
Would love lots of feedback on this one…I’ve been trying to eat more veggies and really cut down on the excess mayo and drinks; it makes you feel really good and does wonders for the stomach in no time…comments, comments, comments please.
Yes there are a ton of different kinds of yogurt and its the difference between good and bad ones that does it for ya. Good points.
Oats also make me crap a lot, which is a shame because they are so healthy to eat. Oh well, no oatmeal for me!
Me too lol.
LOL; you guys are frickin’ ridiculous…oatmeal, frosted mini wheats, or anything with a high level of grains eaten in the morning makes me poop my guts out. Now get your minds out of the gutter…geez, tryin’ to have some educated conversation here!
Hilarious. But these are good tips. Thank you!
Wow: I would agree I think with the fact that most of these foods give you the craps. So are they worth the healthful benefits provided?
It’s called fiber guys! Fiber is supposed to do that and that is why it is helpful. Its not healthy to keep all that stuff inside. Are you guys eating fiber in any other meals? Sorry Derek…I had to give my two cents!
Good; I like that…you know I end up going 2+ times a day, but I really don’t mind considering Elvis died with an intestine weighing 40 pounds! True story…I just don’t like it when a lot of fiber at a time makes it a little unmanageable…you know?
Wow, what a great blog post, keep sending out the great content. I have a similar blog, tell me what you think: http://exercise24fitness.blogspot.com
Personally I’ve tried a lot of things to finally get a somewhat flat stomach, but most of the things you find just don’t work. I’m going to blog about my adventures trying to find a way to really lose weight in a healthy way. If you want to give me tips, my blog is located at http://fightpounds.blogspot.com/. I don’t know if I’m any good at it, but I’m going to try
-JohannaK
Definitely; I’ve always had a struggle with my midsection because there is a section of fat that is just plain stubborn…it sucks. I can’t just be “fit” and look really good; the only way for my stomach to look good is if I am COMPLETELY ripped out, otherwise it just looks fat.
I’ll take a look at your site…thanks!
Wow, what a great blog post, keep sending out the
great content. I have a similar blog, tell me what you
think:http://burnthefat-sammer.blogspot.com/
Thank you; appreciate the compliments.
Like your blog!
Checkout mine, too.
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Wow, what a great blog post, keep sending out the
great content. I have a similar blog, tell me what you
think: http://healthandfitness-nmeleschi.blogspot.com/
Thanks; I’ll take a look…keep the comments rolling please; I love constructive criticism.