Top 5 Flat-Belly Foods

Top 5 Foods for a Flat Belly

Dreaming of a flat stomach without hitting the gym? The good news is your dream may not be too far away. Whether you’re hoping to blitz away a muffin top or are battling with bloating, your diet is integral to shaping up this problem area. Start eating your way to a trimmer waistline with these top 5 foods for a flat stomach.

Flax seeds

Flax seeds (often referred to as linseeds) are nutritious seeds packed with monounsaturated fats (MUFAs) - which are actually a lot more diet-friendly than they sound. Monounsaturated fats, unlike saturated fats (the "bad" fats found in junk food), not only lower cholesterol levels but they can also help to reduce body fat. Liz Vaccariello, author of The Flat Belly Diet, advocates these healthy fats for those wanting to specifically target belly fat.

Not only will these super seeds tackle love handles, but they are great for those suffering from bloating. Flax seeds provide high levels of fibre and can help to keep the digestive system running smoothly, helping to banish bloating, constipation and other digestive problems. Try adding a tablespoon of freshly ground flax seeds to your morning cereal, lunchtime salad, or homemade smoothie to start enjoying their belly-flattening benefits.

Berries

Blackberries, blueberries, acai berries... what do these fruits have in common? They could all help you to squeeze back into your skinny jeans. Studies have suggested that those wanting to lose their belly fat should opt for fruit that is blue or red in colour (such as cherries, red grapes and many types of berries). In fact, it is the chemicals that are responsible for giving these fruits their colour (anthocyanins) that, according to recent research, also burn abdominal fat.

Yoghurt

Not only is yoghurt low in fat and calories, so good as a weight loss food, but many yoghurts also contain active cultures (probiotics) which promote the growth of good bacteria in the gut and help with digestion, excess gas and bloating. Yoghurt is luckily easy to fit into any diet plan as part of a meal or a snack between meals. You could also try combining natural yoghurt, berries and flax seeds in a morning smoothie or bowl of cereal, getting you off to a great tummy-trimming start before you even leave the house.

Whole grains

Whole grains are great for weight management and shedding those excess pounds. Not only are they a low-fat source of slow-release energy but, due to their high levels of fibre, they will help to regulate the digestive system and also keep you feeling fuller for longer. Eating whole grains also helps to lower levels of cortisol (the stress hormone) and insulin in the body, both of which encourage fat to be stored around the belly.

Many people, however, instinctively opt for wheat as their primary source of whole grains, which is often not the best choice. Not only is wheat difficult to digest - which can cause bloating in some - but it is better to eat grains in their natural form rather than as a processed flour. Good alternatives to try are brown rice, oats, buckwheat and spelt. Quinoa - although technically a seed - is also a nutritious alternative that can be used in the place of grains such as pasta and couscous.

Water

While it's not technically a food, a lack of water in your diet could be the one thing still standing in your way of a flat stomach. Bloating is something that affects many women and the problem is often worsened - or even instigated - by a lack of fluids in the system. Drinking water will help to flush toxins out of the system, curb hunger, improve the digestive system and reduce fluid retention, all of which will leave your stomach looking flatter.

If you are aiming for a flat belly, it is important to drink a minimum of eight glasses of liquids a day. Although this does not have to be water, it is best to go for liquids that are still (fizzy drinks can cause bloating) and low in calories. If you don't fancy plain water, a good alternative is green tea - which is also rumoured to have fat burning benefits - or fennel, dandelion or peppermint teas, all of which can combat bloating.

Top 7 Flat-Belly Tricks

Top 7 Flat-Belly Tricks

Most women have experienced the feeling of being bloated at some point in their lives. However, for some it can be a recurring problem, leading to frequent discomfort and embarrassment. To help beat bloating and get the flat stomach you’ve dreamed of, check out these 10 de-bloating tips.

Consult your GP

Bloating can be caused by numerous factors including water retention and poor digestion. However, if you frequently suffer from chronic bloating you should visit your GP to discuss your symptoms and try to pinpoint a cause. As bloating can be a symptom of manageable conditions such as IBS or coeliac disease, as well as a reaction to certain medications, it is important to get an expert opinion.

Keep a food diary

If you tend to get bloated following meals, it could be that you are suffering from a food intolerance. It may be worth getting tested for food intolerances; however, experts are unsure of the effectiveness of these tests. The best thing is to keep a food diary, noting everything you eat as well as any signs of bloating, to help identify a link.

Take a probiotic

A healthy gut is packed with good bacteria which help to break down food and prevent yeast overgrowth. However, due to factors such as stress and medication (particularly antibiotics) levels of good bacteria can get low. When this happens, digestion and levels of yeast in the gut are affected, both of which can lead to bloating. To rectify this, try taking a probiotic supplement. Probiotics can also be found in some yoghurts, although dairy can be a cause of bloating for some.

Stay hydrated

Ironic as it may sound, staying well hydrated is one of the best ways to reduce the water retention which can lead to bloating. Furthermore, getting enough fluids can help you to improve your digestion and avoid constipation. Try to drink regularly throughout the day, opting for uncarbonated drinks such as water, peppermint or fennel tea.

Avoid gas-inducing foods

The leading cause of bloating is excess gas, so try to limit your intake of gas-inducing foods such as cabbage, sprouts, beans and grains. Also, avoid the sweeteners sorbitol and maltitol, try not to overdo your intake of fibre, and avoid chewing gum, which can exacerbate bloating. Try to also cut down on refined sugars, fermented products such as alcohol and cheese, and foods containing yeast, as these can cause yeast in the gut to thrive, which can lead to excess gas and bloating.

Concentrate on your meals

Many of us eat our meals on the go or while chatting with family and friends; however, taking more time over your meals and not talking while you eat could help reduce post-meal bloating. Eating too quickly and talking while eating can cause you to swallow air, leading to excess gas. Also, as digestion begins in the mouth, not chewing your food enough times can affect how well it is digested. It is also beneficial to eat little and often, as large meals can overload the digestive system.

The Health Benefits of Being in Love

The Health Benefits of Being in Love

Why being in love is good for you - Boxes of chocolates, lavish meals out and those late night fights; there certainly is an unhealthy side to love, but finding that special someone can bring all kinds of benefits too. So, if you’ve been considering ditching your partner, or are just feeling a little harassed by love, check out some of these relationship perks:

Love lowers risk of alcohol abuse

You may be footing a bigger weekly wine bill for all of those cosy nights in, but research has shown that you are less likely to abuse or depend upon alcohol if you are in a relationship. In the study, only four per cent of people who had been in a relationship for between two and four years misused alcohol; whilst only three per cent of those who had been in a relationship for more than five years reported abusing alcohol. However, 12 per cent of the participants who were not in a relationship in their 30’s were described as misusing alcohol and 13.5 per cent of people who had not been in a relationship for more than two years treated alcohol in an unhealthy way.

Love keeps us young

We all know that being in love and making love are two very different scenarios and apparently so does Mother Nature. Being in love is often very trying and can age us; however, research suggests that making love keeps us young. A study conducted by researchers at the Royal Edinburgh Hospital in Scotland found that those women who have sex four or more times a week look 10 years younger than their actual age. Consultant neuropsychologist Dr David Weeks said that loving couples not only look after their bodies more, but that they also benefit from the physical and emotional effects of sex. So, next time you reach for your anti-ageing cream, maybe opt for the baby oil instead? 

Love: good for women, bad for men?

When you think of a married man, do you think of the grumpy, beaten-down stereotype? If you do, then don’t worry, apparently there’s some truth behind this well-worn notion. The English Longitudinal Study of Ageing found that women report a higher quality of life when they are in a relationship, but their husbands or partners report having a significantly lower quality of life. However, although it is possible that relationships fulfill the needs of women more than men, compared to single people, those in a relationship are still happier overall. In a separate study 40 per cent of married couples said they were happy, compared to only 25 per cent of single people. 

Love improves our mental health

Love has many physical benefits, but it would seem that men and women who are in a relationship get lots of mental health benefits too. In New Zealand a team at the University of Otago examined 1,000 people. They found that people who had been in a relationship for longer than five years were less likely to be depressed and attempt suicide. Other studies have found similar findings, stating that married people report lower levels of depression and distress. Apparently married men are also half as likely to commit suicide as single men, and one third as likely as divorced men. Perhaps the phrase “you’re driving me crazy” should no longer be used in reference to your partner?

Love gives us more birthdays

Sadly, being in love does not mean you get to have more than one birthday a year. However, it does mean that you get to see more of them. The mortality rates for single males aged between 30 and 59 are two and half times higher than their non-single counterparts! Don’t gloat too much though girls. Single women also face a 23 percent higher mortality rate than those who are married. Researchers suggest that this difference in longevity is due to the fact that most single people have poorer health benefits, a lower income and are socially isolated. Being supported and connected to others is an essential part of keeping healthy.

Top 10 Sex Myths

Top 10 Sex Myths

Find out the real facts of life

Sex; it’s one of the most thought about subjects, but how much do we really know? Our knowledge of sex is often confused by rumours, misconceptions and outright lies. So, dust off your magnifying glass, pull out your probes and apply your long, investigative, latex gloves – it’s myth busting time:

A woman can’t get pregnant when it’s her first time

The notion that a woman cannot get pregnant the first time she has sex is still a commonly held belief. In Turkey 25 per cent of young people thought this was true. However, the truth of the matter is that without reliable contraception, pregnancy is possible, whether it is the woman’s first time or her fiftieth time.

I can’t darling, I’ve got a headache

Have you ever used the old headache excuse, or been denied some loving action because of one? Well, we have a cure for her sore head because sex has medicinal properties. When women have sex, endormorphins are released into her body, which in turn relieves pain. Therefore getting under the covers should help ease a woman’s headache.  

Men always want it

Although many men in their late teens and early twenties want a lot of it, men do not always want to have sex. Lots of things affect people’s sex drives; stress being one of the biggest culprits. If you don’t feel like it, there’s nothing wrong with you. On average Briton’s have sex six to seven times per month, whilst American’s on average have sex twice a week.  

If you masturbate you run out of semen

This is not true. The amount of semen a man ejaculates varies, being between half a teaspoon and a whole teaspoon of fluid. This equates to 40-500 million sperm.  Men who ejaculate a lot in one day may notice that the volume of semen decreases, but there is no risk of you running out of semen, you will simply produce more.

Older people don’t do it

Talking about old people getting frisky can embarrass some people; but let’s face it everyone likes sex, even the granddads and grandmas. Many people think that after the menopause women lose interest in sex, but this is not always true. Many older people enjoy an active sex life beyond the menopause and it has lots of health benefits too.

It’s good to lose your virginity when you are young

Although people are having sex younger, many regret it. The average age to lose your virginity is 16 in the UK. It was 21 in the 1950s. Sixty-three percent of sexually active adolescents wished they had waited longer and eighty-nine percent of those surveyed would advise their own brother, sister or friend not to have sex until at least after finishing secondary school.

Thin condoms break

If a condom is your preferred method of contraception, which type do you choose? There are a lot of condoms on the market: ribbed ones, sleek fitting ones, the thin, the thick and the pina colada flavored. Whichever you use, you don’t have to worry about the thickness because Durex reassures us that the thickness of the condom doesn't necessarily correspond to safety.

We’re all porn Stars

Watching two of Hollywood’s finest stars perform a hot love scene is great for getting you in the mood, but it should not be used as a sex guide. Real people do not come every time and last for three hours. Studies show that 75 per cent of men orgasm two to three minutes after penetration and an estimated 30 per cent of women can only achieve orgasm through masturbation.  

Men cheat more than Women

When you hear that a couple have split up because of an affair it is easy to assume it was the man’s fault, but recent studies suggest that women are much better at keeping their affairs secret. According to Dr David Holmes between eight and 15 per cent of children haven't been fathered by the man who thinks he's the biological parent.

Women don’t Ejaculate

Not all women ejaculate, but some do. If you have seen women ejaculate during pornography this is not an accurate depiction. In reality, women ejaculate a small amount of fluid, which is a mixture of urine and a liquid from the G-spot (the female equivalent to a prostate). However, most women do not experience ejaculation, so if you don’t, there’s no need to worry.

Pilates For A Hot Body

Pilates Burn Fat And Extra Calories...

Pilates helps you burn fat and makes achieving that perfect shape so much easier! You can amp up your workout routine and start burning extra calories...


Pilates leads to weight loss and Malaika Arora, the bodacious beauty proves that with her enviable figure. In many cases just beginning a Pilates class, or a home routine, is enough to start your weight loss regime. Regular workout tones your body, helps you lose excess fat and with time you get comfortable with your workout level. By increasing the intensity with which you work out, your body will shed weight faster too.


As a beginner, you need to start slow and get familiar with the exercises. Once you get the Pilates principles of breath and flow working for you, you will be able to increase the intensity.


Take a Pilates class and attend it regularly. If you are already taking a class, talk to your instructor and find out if it is possible to move the class along a little more quickly. By doing this, you will notice a remarkable difference in the intensity of your work outs.


If you prefer working out at home, it would be a great idea to have a routine or two that you can master easily. Keep DVDs which help you watch and learn. Learn as many mat exercises as possible and create a routine for yourself that you can practice daily. As you progress and grow comfortable, you can try something newand challenging.


If you are determined to lose weight and aspire for a great body, keep increasing your stock of Pilates DVD collection. Look for workouts that are innovative and push your current level or add a new challenge like the magic circle, fitness band, or exercise ball. Whenever you do exercise, just go for that extra bit to keep yourself engaged with the whole process. Stretch to your fullest length, breathe deeply, focus and move with control.


The benefits of adding equipments to your Pilates routine are many. It helps build muscle and strength by exposing your body to new challenges. Weight loss becomes easier and your body sheds excess fat because of the extra exertion.

The Secret of Why Diets Don’t Work

Revealed! The secret of why Diets don’t work

IF YOU are on a diet and are frustrated that it is not working well, here is some food for thought. The reason behind difficulty in sticking to a diet plan may lie in strange behaviour of brain cells that regulate appetite, latest research has revealed.

"When we don’t eat, hunger-inducing neurons in the brain start eating bits of themselves. This act of self-cannibalism turns up a hunger signal to prompt eating,” says research to be published in the August issue of journal Cell Metabolism.

The process uncovered by scientists in neurons of the brain’s hypothalamus region is known as autophagy or self-eating. It occurs in other parts of the body as a way of providing energy in times of starvation but scientists so far had believed the brain to be relatively resistant to starvation-induced autophagy.

The new finding means that it may be possible in future to develop a drug that blocks this process, enabling people to diet as they wish.

Self-eating generates free fatty acids in brain cells called agouti-related peptide.

These fatty acids in turn boost levels of these neurons which are a hunger signal themselves, explained Dr Rajat Singh, an Indiaborn and educated scientist who led the research team at the Albert Einstein College of Medicine. When the process of self- eating is blocked in the neurons, their levels fail to rise in response to starvation.

“ We have shown that starvation activates autophagy in hypothalamic neurons. This process breaks down fat stores in brain cells, liberating free fatty acids. The increased availability of free fatty acids inside these brain cells increases levels of a hunger- generating molecule, agouti-related peptide,” Singh said.

The findings were tested in transgenic mice engineered to lack hypothalamic neurons.

These transgenic mice ate less food in response to a fasting challenge, and were leaner with less abdominal fat when compared to mice with functional autophagy.

"Decreased body weights of transgenic mice occurred in part from decreased food intake, and in part from increased physical activity,” Singh explained.

Chronic overeating contributes to obesity, and its typical effects like diabetes.

"We found that blocking autophagy in agouti- related peptide neurons decreases the amount of food consumed, as well as increases physical activity — all of which contribute to preventing obesity and inappropriate fat accumulation in the body,” Singh said.