“Hide that belly where I cannot see it!” The stomach is the source of many insecurities and taboos. 50% of people admit they don’t like theirs: too big, not flat enough, a source of discomfort. It concentrates all our emotions, and it truly reflects them, with its 200 million nerve cells! Yet it is possible, and necessary, to make peace with your belly. And to do so, why not take it back into your own hands? Here are 24 tips of all kinds to help you look after your belly and adopt habits that support your overall wellbeing. They cover what’s on your plate (fibre, protein, less sugar and salt), how you move (swimming, running, yoga, core strengthening) and how you look after yourself (sleep, breathing, massage). Above all, they help you learn to love your belly!
Where should you start to take care of your belly?
There’s no need to overhaul everything overnight. It’s better to combine a few simple tips and stick with them. On your plate, take your time over meals, focus on fibre and protein, and cut back on sugar and salt (tips 1, 6, 7, 17 and 19). For movement, pair an endurance activity such as swimming or running with two core-strengthening sessions a week, and keep moving throughout the day (tips 4, 12, 18 and 20).
Finally, look after yourself: good-quality sleep, abdominal breathing, yoga, massage… and kindness towards your belly (tips 9, 11, 15, 16 and 24). If in doubt, have a chat with your doctor (tip 14).
Tip 1: Take your time when eating
Did you know it takes an average of 20 minutes for the satiety mechanism to kick in? So when you sit down for a meal, don’t hesitate to pause between bites. Eat slowly and chew thoroughly, and put your fork down for a moment after each mouthful. Eating slowly can help you listen to your hunger and fullness cues and be more aware of your meal.
Tip 2: Choose comfortable, well-fitting clothes
Caring for your belly through your wardrobe? Who would have thought? It’s really about choosing clothes that fit you well, rather than trousers or skirts that are too tight at the waist and can feel restrictive, especially after a meal. Opt for clothes you feel comfortable in, or choose stretch fabrics. It’s a simple way to feel more at ease right through to the end of the day!
Tip 3: Adopt good posture
A simple trick that’s well worth trying! Relearn how to hold yourself properly: stomach in, shoulders back, head straight. One extra habit is to engage your abdominal muscles regularly throughout the day. This can help you become more aware of your posture and your core, without much effort!
Tip 4: Swim
When it comes to your belly, physical activity is a must. Swimming is particularly interesting, as it works all the muscles, especially the core, which keeps the torso upright. Front crawl and backstroke really get your stomach muscles working. So to look after your belly while staying active, all you need to do is slip on your swimsuit and head to the pool!
Tip 5: Stay hydrated — smartly
It bears repeating: drinking enough water is essential! Whether you’re prone to water retention around the belly or sluggish digestion, proper hydration is one of the good habits to adopt. Prioritise water, aiming for 1.5 to 2 litres per day. If you’re prone to constipation, choose a magnesium-rich water. And if you want to mix things up, certain drinks can add a little variety to your daily hydration.
Tip 6: Make sure you get enough fibre
According to recent studies, French people don’t eat enough fibre: around 20 grams per day, versus the recommended 30g. The answer is simple: make room for more fibre-rich foods. Your plate should include plenty of legumes (chickpeas, lentils, split peas), dried fruits (prunes, figs), nuts (almonds, walnuts, pistachios), green vegetables (spinach, chard, green beans), wholegrains (wheat germ, rye, brown rice, oats) and fresh fruits (raspberries, figs, pears).
Tip 7: Cut back on sugar
Sugar is best consumed in moderation. It’s therefore essential to limit your intake. Favour natural sugars (fruit, honey, maple syrup) and drastically reduce your consumption of fast food, sodas, sugary drinks, ice cream and ready meals. Read labels carefully, looking out for added sugars (glucose, fructose, sorbitol) and avoid them like the plague!
Tip 8: Check for possible food intolerances
Gluten sensitivity, lactose intolerance… passing trends? Not entirely. Food intolerances are a real issue for some people. They can cause gas, bloating and digestive discomfort. If you’re prone to digestive issues, talk to your doctor before eliminating gluten or lactose from your diet. If a gluten intolerance is confirmed, opt for naturally gluten-free foods and flours (corn, soy, buckwheat). The same goes for lactose: if you have an intolerance, plant-based drinks and desserts can be good alternatives.
Tip 9: Practise abdominal breathing to de-stress
The gut is often described as the body’s second brain. No wonder it reacts to the slightest upset! Everyday stress can also take its toll on your overall wellbeing. The key is learning to switch off and carve out moments of relaxation. On the agenda: meditation and abdominal breathing! They can help you unwind and clear negative thoughts. They also gently engage your deep core muscles, a lovely way to look after your belly!
Tip 10: Take care of your gut flora
To look after your belly, it’s worth paying special attention to your gut flora. The intestinal microbiome is the collection of micro-organisms living in our digestive tract. It helps us digest the food we eat. But if it’s neglected or mistreated, bloating may follow! For a thriving microbiome, feed it well: consider probiotic supplements, prioritise foods naturally rich in probiotics (yoghurt, kefir, artichoke, carrot, olives, sauerkraut, miso), while limiting foods that tend to ferment (cabbage, onion) and too many raw vegetables.
Tip 11: Get quality sleep
This tip may seem surprising at first glance, yet quality sleep is a real asset for your overall wellbeing. Chronic tiredness can bring cravings, snacking, heightened sensitivity and stress. So prepare well for bedtime:
- opt for a light dinner;
- take a gentle after-dinner stroll;
- swap screens for a good book;
- treat yourself to a cosy wind-down session that eases you into sleep.
Why not try a belly massage with the Belly Slimming Night Cream, between sips of herbal tea? Together, they make for a pleasant little evening ritual.
Tip 12: Strengthen your abdominal muscles
To look after your belly, it’s worth strengthening your core muscles: the rectus abdominis, but also the obliques. What better way than a few muscle-strengthening exercises? Put on your workout gear, roll out your mat and work through side planks, press-ups and bicycle crunches. Two sessions a week, paired with your favourite playlist or an online video tutorial, will help you strengthen your core.
Tip 13: Harness the benefits of cold
Cryotherapy! But what exactly is it? It’s a practice that uses cold. Originally used in dermatology, its application has gradually expanded across various disciplines. Today, cryotherapy is hugely popular in the world of body care. Why not enjoy it at home? Massage your stomach every day with a cold treatment, such as our Cryo Belly Slimming Gel. Its refreshing formula makes it pleasant to use while massaging your belly. We’re already getting goosebumps!
The cooling gel that leaves the skin on your stomach firmer
- Arctic Algae, Prosveltyl® & Menthol, combined in a formula designed for the stomach and hips
- Sorbet texture: it absorbs faster and makes the fresh sensation last longer
- 🍃 98.3% natural-origin ingredients
Tip 14: Talk to your doctor
A rounded belly can have many different causes. Abdominal fat may result from a sedentary lifestyle combined with a rich diet, but also from a hormonal imbalance or an underlying condition. Speak to your doctor and discuss your desire to lose belly fat. The consultation could be very enlightening. Your doctor can help you assess your abdominal fat gain and guide you towards a lifestyle that is better suited to your body’s needs.
Tip 15: Try yoga
The ultimate zen tip! Yoga, a discipline rooted in Asian tradition, is much loved! Its various postures (asanas) gently engage the deep muscles. Pranayama breathing exercises help you relearn how to breathe from the belly and work your entire core. Don’t hesitate a moment longer if you’re looking for a gentle practice that’s good for both mind… and belly!
Tip 16: Massage your belly
Self-massage has plenty going for it… Giving yourself a daily massage helps you relax, reconnect with your body and refocus on yourself. It’s also a beauty ritual to care for the look of your skin. Massage your belly every day and it will thank you! To do so, reach for a handy massage tool like our Vibrating Massager. It replicates traditional massage techniques such as effleurage, for a gentle routine.
Tip 17: Add protein to your plate
To fuel your muscles — and your brain — you need protein. Opt for white meats, oily fish (rich in omega-3 and 6), and plant-based proteins (soy, tofu, tempeh, seitan). Protein contributes to the proper functioning of muscle mass. Combined with regular physical activity, protein has its place on a balanced plate.
Tip 18: Run
Running is one of the healthiest and most accessible activities out there! Indoors, on the road, through the countryside, by the water, in the mountains — running can be done anywhere, at any age and at any pace. This endurance sport lets you exercise regularly, according to your level and goals. The key is to go at your own pace and take the time you need. It also engages all the muscles, including the abs. Two running sessions a week can be a good rhythm to help you look after your belly.
Tip 19: Cut back on salt
Daily salt consumption is often up to twice the recommended amount! Yet excessive salt intake over time is linked to numerous health concerns, including raised bad cholesterol, cardiovascular disease, diabetes, water retention and the development of visceral fat. Moderate your salt intake by reading labels, limiting salty foods and cooking with less salt. Instead, reach for spices to add flavour to your dishes: ginger, chilli, cinnamon, cumin, cardamom… and more!
Tip 20: Move every day
“Small actions lead to big changes” — a piece of folk wisdom that applies perfectly to your belly. What if you took the stairs instead of the lift? What if you cycled to pick up the kids from school on your bike instead of driving? What if you went dancing tonight instead of sinking into the sofa? Add more movement to your life — your belly will love it!
Tip 21: Laugh
“Have they lost the plot at Cellublue?” Absolutely not! Laughter is a positive emotional response and a real boost for your mood. But that’s not all! When you laugh, your breathing is said to deepen and your tummy shakes with every chuckle. So what are you waiting for? Giggle, chuckle, laugh until it hurts! Joke around with friends, indulge in comedy films, or even try laughter therapy. Your belly and your cheeks will both be grateful!
Tip 22: Explore phytotherapy
What if plants could find a place in your routine? Nature is full of wonderful benefits — so why not make the most of them? Certain plants, such as fennel seeds or psyllium, have a traditional place in the kitchen. Green tea is also a popular everyday drink. Every plant has its place! Before trying any supplement, ask your pharmacist or a phytotherapy specialist for guidance.
Tip 23: Try smart textiles
They’re called cosmeto-textiles. What are they? Intelligent fabrics infused with micro-encapsulated active ingredients that are released upon contact with the skin throughout the day. So why not let your belly benefit too? Our shorty, enriched with ginkgo biloba and marine algae, is incredibly comfortable (second-skin feel) and can be worn every day. One more comfortable way to take care of your belly!
Tip 24: Love your belly
What if practising self-kindness were the best tip of all? Of course, it’s important to take care of your belly by eating well, exercising and massaging your abdominal area. But isn’t the ultimate secret to feeling good in your own skin simply accepting it — and choosing to see it in a positive light? Above all, love your belly — and your body. It will give back everything you put in!
Frequently asked questions
How long does it take to lose belly fat?
Every body changes at its own pace, so no tip can promise a flatter stomach within a set timeframe. What matters is sticking with a few good habits over time rather than looking for a quick fix. If your belly is a concern, your doctor can review things with you (tip 14).
What’s the easiest way to lose belly fat?
Focus on small habits that slot easily into your day. Stand tall and engage your abs regularly, take the stairs instead of the lift, go dancing rather than staying on the sofa… and laugh often! These tips (3, 20 and 21) fit easily into daily life and need no special equipment.
How can I get a flatter stomach naturally day to day?
Think about digestive comfort. Avoid clothes that are too tight at the waist, chew thoroughly, and limit foods that tend to ferment (cabbage, onion) as well as too many raw vegetables (tips 1, 2 and 10). If your belly often feels bloated or painful, ask your doctor for advice.
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Useful categories: Slimming Solutions, Weight Management.
