A recent article over at AOL Body caught my attention because it was titled “5 Food Fixes for Flat Abs.” I read the title and thought to myself that it couldn’t be possible to eat certain foods to trim my abs, so I read on to see what it meant. The gist of the article was this – foods alone aren’t going to trim your mid-section, but they’ll certain help. Here’s their advice for getting a flatter tummy:

• Eat Fruits and Veggies (duh!) – in particular, orange ones like carrots. Researchers believe that foods like carrots are loaded with antioxidants which ward off ab fat.
• Eat foods with Selenium – apparently selenium is a cancer fighting mineral that also helps lower rates of abdominal obesity. This one is tricky though because the levels of selenium you get will vary based upon where the foods were grown. They suggest to get a supplement if you don’t think you’re getting enough.
• Incorporate protein – Protein helps keep you full, boost your energy, and can help reduce the amount of fat being stored in your mid-section.
• Drink a glass of wine – It’s not that you should start drinking, but if you already drink a glass of wine each day, know that there are some benefits!
• Eat healthy fats – like olive oil and Omega 3s!

Wanting to get some fabulous abdominals? Today we’ll talk about three different exercises that you can do which will help you get the abs you’ve always wanted! Before we get into talking about those exercises, I’d like to point out that it’s important not to over-work your abdominals, just as it’s important not to over-work ANY of your muscles! There is no need to train your abs every day. Instead, train your abs one day, rest another day, and then work them again. All of your muscles need time to rest! With that, here are three exercises you can do to get “Fab Abs” that will strengthen your core and improve your posture.

–Leg Lifts–

1. Lie down on a mat or the floor and tighten your abdominal muscles and squeeze your buttocks
2. Straighten your legs so that they are perpendicular to your upper body
3. Move them back and forth – but don’t go farther than a 45 degree angle

–Basic Crunches–

1. Lie down on a mat or the floor and put your hands behind your head while and bend your knees
2. Lift the upper portion of your body (upper back and shoulder blades) off of the floor (note: your chin shouldn’t touch your chest)
3. Do about 10 repetitions

–Bicycle Pump–

1. Lie down in the crunch position and place your hands behind your head
2. Lift your upper body while twisting it towards the left, bringing your right knee towards it and vice-versa

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