From vanity to overall personal health improvement, there are many reasons why we wish to trim our waistlines and flatten our stomachs. Carrying excess stomach weight is not only unattractive; it also puts more strain on your back and your heart. Tummy-flattening has become a worldwide industry; but, with so many exercise fads and diet recommendations on the market today, where do you start?

• Drink water rather than carbonated beverages. Sugar will add pounds to your stomach.
• Practice a seated knee lift. This you can do at home or at the office. Select an armless chair which provides support. While seated, reach forward with your hands and grab the chairs’ edges (slightly ahead of hip level). Exhale, pull your knees up and towards your chest and push your back against the chair. Hold for a few seconds, release and repeat as desired.
• Perform a legs-up crunch. Lay flat on the floor; rest your legs on something high enough to allow for a 90-degree bend in your knees. Cross your arms across your chest and curl up slowly. Don’t come all the way up – you can pause at about 30 degrees off the floor. Hold that position, lower and repeat.
• Concentrate on standing and sitting up straight.
• Nibble on white beans, blackberries, dried apricots and winter squash. All of these foods are high in fiber plus prevent constipation (which may be the root to your enlarged stomach).

Trimming down improves your physical, mental and emotional health. When you look better, you feel better. There is work involved with gaining that “six-pack” stomach you’ve always dreamed of, but this is certainly possible by doing the right things regarding exercise, posture and diet as well as remaining realistic with your expectations.