There’s no one-size-fits-all solution for a slim waist and a flat stomach. Unless you’re blessed with a turbo metabolism that does all the work on its own, eating well and getting some regular exercise remain a foundation worth building into your routine. Diet, bloating, exercise, stress, sleep, posture: we’ve rounded up all the angles. That said, if you’re not ready to give up cheese and motivation isn’t exactly your strong suit right now, all hope is not lost!
Know yourself 🙆♀️
Magazines and the internet are full of methods — some brilliant, some bizarre — all promising to get you on board with the latest diet trend. But every body is different. So there’s no point in doing just anything, any which way.
Before rushing into a diet that might leave you hungry and frustrated, it’s essential to identify your own needs and what actually fits your lifestyle: whether you have the time and/or desire to cook, your honest motivation level, access to fresh seasonal produce, and so on.
Eat smarter 🥬
Crash diets are hard to stick to, and the most sensible approach to eating well is a gradual, long-term one. Yo-yo dieting does more harm than good, let’s be honest, whereas with time and patience, the mulberry leaf becomes silk (as the Chinese proverb goes). What if we focused instead on balancing our diet?
Little by little, reduce portions and introduce more green vegetables and legumes into your meals, cut back on starchy foods, enjoy fruit (blend them into smoothies!) and explore a whole world of spices to make your dishes anything but boring. Don’t forget about digestion either — drinking water is key! Add a slice of lemon or some cucumber to make it feel a little more indulgent. And why not green tea or herbal infusions if that’s your thing?
Watch out for bloating 🤰
Bloating can be an unwanted side effect. It leaves the stomach swollen, not to mention the discomfort it causes. It’s triggered by a build-up of gas in the intestine, which causes the abdomen to swell.
Fatty meals and excess sugar can be culprits, but so can fizzy drinks, alcohol, coffee or certain foods that ferment in the gut (such as pulses, cabbage or onions), especially if you’re not used to them. Which is exactly why a varied diet that’s well balanced is so valuable: eating a little of everything in reasonable amounts, chewing properly and introducing fibre gradually. If bloating is frequent or painful, have a word with your GP.
Get professional support 👨⚕️
If you feel lost amid all this information (who wouldn’t?), know that there’s a whole range of support options, some more tailored than others, to suit every budget. You can see a doctor who specialises in nutrition for thorough, attentive follow-up.
Seeing a dietitian is also a good option. The quickest and easiest route remains dedicated nutrition apps. Smartphone in hand, they help you track your daily calorie intake. It’s no substitute for a healthcare professional, but it’s a handy starting point!
Get moving 🏋️♀️
The World Health Organization recommends at least 30 minutes of moderate-intensity physical activity five days a week. A slim waist and flat stomach are also sculpted through movement. To get there, focus on targeted, consistent exercises. Again, you can opt for personalised coaching at a gym, join classes in your sport of choice, or simply look up tutorials online.
The key is to choose an activity you actually enjoy, otherwise you’ll quit after three sessions and lack of motivation will win the day. To tone your waist, work your obliques, the muscles that make up the core along with the transverse abdominis and rectus abdominis. Bear in mind, though, that you can’t choose which area of your figure slims down: ab work strengthens your core, and it’s your overall activity, together with your diet, that does the rest. If core exercises feel too intense, consider yoga, swimming, running, Pilates, the cross-trainer or even hula hooping. And walking counts too!
Bathroom extras to try 💫
Let’s be honest, we’d all love a little help along the way. And there’s nothing wrong with that, as long as you think of these extras as a bonus for your routine and not a substitute for exercise or a balanced diet. For instance, slimming shorts. They come in all kinds: warming, firming, vibrating.
And you might also find your match in slimming creams, oils or slimming gels, which can be a great excuse for a little self-care ritual in the bathroom, while leaving your skin feeling softer to the touch.
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
Manage stress and sleep! 💤
Sometimes, it’s also a matter of lifestyle habits. Stress can make snack cravings more frequent. Then there’s sleep: when you don’t get enough sleep, it can be harder to tune into the feelings of hunger and satiety. So it’s helpful to learn how to manage stress and get quality, restorative sleep if you want to adjust your habits.
Adopt the right habits 🙋♀️
If it feels like the universe is working against you, the ultimate tip might just be the simplest one! A slim waist and flat stomach are also shaped by the posture you carry. Standing tall and learning to position yourself at your most flattering angle can add to your confidence. It’s also worth adapting your wardrobe, opting for fitted silhouettes and making smart choices with prints and fabrics. Perhaps it’s time for a wardrobe edit?
Follow the advice that suits you and move forward at your own pace. And for even more support, take a look at our Slimming Pack Day & Night 👀 With it, you’ll get a simple routine to fit into your day and night.
Frequently asked questions
How can I get a slimmer waist?
There’s no one-size-fits-all method. A varied diet, regular exercise you enjoy, restorative sleep and keeping an eye on stress are the foundations. Good posture and fitted clothes can also show off your waist.
Are ab exercises enough to get a flat stomach?
No. Ab and core exercises strengthen your core, but you can’t choose which area of your figure slims down. Combine them with overall physical activity and a balanced diet.
How can I avoid bloating?
Eat slowly, cut back on fizzy drinks and alcohol, and introduce pulses and cabbage gradually. If bloating is frequent or painful, have a word with your GP.
How much exercise should I do each week?
The World Health Organization recommends at least 30 minutes of moderate-intensity activity five days a week. Choose an activity you enjoy so you can stick with it in the long run.
Useful categories: Weight Management.
