Achieve a Flat Stomach: Proven Strategies for Women

Stress, lack of physical activity, medications and poor eating habits can cause belly fat in women. Fortunately, there are ways to lose the bulge and gain a flat, toned stomach. With a few lifestyle changes, like exercise and a healthier diet, you can achieve a flatter stomach.

Instructions

• 1

  Change your birth control prescription. Water retention due to birth control pills or other medications also add girth to the midsection. Ask your doctor about an alternate drug or a diuretic to flush excess fluids from the body.

• 2

  Engage in cardiovascular workouts, such as aerobics, jogging or biking. Regular exercise---at least 3 times a week for 30 minutes or longer---burns fat, and increases your heart rate and respiration.

• 3

  Tone your belly. Cardio workouts burn stomach fat, but abdominal workouts tone and flatten the stomach. Crunches, Pilates and other core workouts firm the lower and upper abdominal muscles.

• 4

  Eat a healthy diet. Fatty foods---such as fried, fast or "junk" foods--- contribute to stomach weight. Limit fat intake and eat more fruits and vegetables. Protein (chicken, eggs and dairy) builds muscle tissue, which increases the metabolism and helps burn fat.

• 5

  Reduce stress. The brain releases cortisol when the body and mind suffer from stress; this chemical contributes to the storage of abdominal fat. Reduce stress by exercising, getting a massage, going for a walk or listening to music.