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

Source

I am one of those that tends to be an emotional eater. This emotional eating comes from any variety of emotions; happy, sad, anxious, bored, lonely, etc. And usually, the foods that I eat are considered comfort foods that aren’t so healthy. There’s definitely a connection between mood and food. For example, when you’re down and depressed, food can be a way to distract yourself from thinking about your problems. Another connection comes from certain foods like chocolate, which release small amounts of mood and satisfaction elevating opiates.

The Mayo Clinic has put together a very helpful list of ways that you can regain control of your eating habits so that you’re able to stop your emotional eating. They’re all easier said than done, but with work and effort, would be possible.

1. Learn to recognize true hunger: Is your stomach rumblin’ and grumblin’? If not, you’re probably really not hungry.
2. Know your triggers: The important thing here is to recognize you eating patterns so that you can avoid negative ones.
3. Look elsewhere for comfort: Instead of eating those comfort foods, take a walk, listen to music, exercise, call a friend.
4. Don’t keep unhealthy food around: Simply put… keep the junk at the store! This is much easier said than done. But, it’s true. If unhealthy foods are around, you’ll likely go for them when you’re stressed.
5. Snack healthy: Find healthy snack options that also satisfy you so that you won’t be craving potato chips and ice cream. One of my favorite snacks is veggies and dip with a fat-free dip, or apples with a little bit of low-fat peanut-putter for some protein.
6. Eat a balanced diet: This is important. If you’re eating a balanced diet and getting enough calories, chances are that you’ll feel fuller for a longer period of time.
7. Exercise regularly and get adequate rest: I think getting adequate rest is something that a lot of us have a hard time with. We have to be doing 50 different things in 50 different places which makes it difficult to adequate time for rest.

Like I said, all of those things are so much easier said than done. It might be best to focus on just one or two of those components instead of trying to do them all at once. One of the things that I have learned to do best is to recognize true hunger. When I stopped to think about what I was eating and when, there were many times throughout my week that I ate simply because I was bored. Emotional eating can really take you off track when you’re trying to lose weight, but using the suggestions above will help you to meet your weight loss goals, and change your lifestyle.

Source: Mayo Clinic [Via Yahoo Health!]