10 Habits I developed to gain a flatter stomach

For a short period in 2015, I was living in Toronto with my twin sister and her husband. I was coming from a 4 month visit to my then bf (now hubby) in California and decided to move to Toronto instead of coming home to the comfort of my maternal home in Alberta– where rent and food was free, I had my own room and car, and a secure full-time job. I decided to move to Toronto because I knew my sister was the best help I could have emotionally, after parting with my love, and also because we wanted to work together on a business venture.

The brief time I was living there was the cleanest I have ever eaten in my life. My sister and I both enjoy eating clean and shopping for food so you can just imagine the field day we’d have every time we bought groceries. It was during this time that I truly noticed the difference it made especially with my abs!

APRIL 2015

Fast forward to today, I have now been married for a little over 7 months. Although I can say I have been consistent with my training, my diet does not compare to how it was when I was eating my best. It’s soooo hard to say no to late night ice cream runs with hubby and even more difficult not to indulge in our most beloved Carne Asada Fries !!!

Regardless of all that, I am actually in awe of how my much I am still in good shape–even my abs! I was taking some photos the other day and was happy about the definition I saw that I decided to share with you 10 habits I developed to achieve a flatter stomach.

APRIL 2016

1.Drink more water
– I officially quit drinking soda in Dec 2010. I cannot believe it has been over 5 years! Before that, I was an avid soda drinker. When I was living in the Philippines, I would always drink a small bottle of Coke right when I get home from school. The heat and the habit made me crave it and at that time, it was so refreshing to me. The cravings are beatable, though!!! I conquered it!!! Since then, I drank more water. I made it a habit to drink at least 8 tall glasses a day. Now that I am regularly training, I consume even more–up to 18 glasses! And in terms of soda, I don’t crave it anymore nor do I miss it at all. 🙂

2.Drink Green Tea
– I remember sitting in my room as a teenager, reading a book while sippin’ on some green tea and thinking to myself, “I think I’m becoming the woman I want to be.” I knew little of the benefits green tea had, but since finding out about them, this wonderful drink has been a regular in my diet. During winter, I would drink up to 5 cups as it is easier for me to drink a hot beverage when it’s cold. Other than that, on a regular day, I drink at least two hot cups–one with breakfast and another after supper.

3.Regular Exercise
– I train with weights or HIT  3 times a week and do light stretches with ab workouts in between. Weekends are my off days but whenever I get the chance, I embark on a hike every now and then.

4.Whole OATS
– Whole oats are a staple in my diet! I will ever get tired of eating them. On training days, I mix it with my protein powder. On off days, I eat it with fruits or just season it with some cinnamon, pure cane sugar, and occasionally with a bit of almond milk.

5.Healthier Snacking
– I haven’t met anyone who doesn’t enjoy snacking. Although too much snacking can be bad, choosing the right food to snack on is favorable. I try to plan out not just my meals but even my snacks! To get an idea, click here.

6.More Fruits
– This one is pretty straight forward. Fruits are a great alternative to unhealthy sweets. It’s also a wonderful way to get some fiber in!

7.Consume More Greens
– Among these habits that I’ve developed, this is by far the toughest for me. I do love me some hearty salad–however, it’s not something I would enjoy eating all the time. I eat more greens by incorporating them in my smoothies, sandwiches, and pasta!

8.Flax and Chia Seeds
– These seeds are such a gem! They contain a lot of fiber in just a few teaspoons. I add these to my smoothies, yogurt, oatmeal, and salads.

9.Intermittent Fasting
– Although I do not do this eveyday like I used to, I still embark on IF during my HIT week and on days where I’ve eaten too much the night before. I wrote about it a few years ago and if you’d like to find out more, click here.

10.Posture
– Slouching makes the tummy look bulgy. Be more aware of your posture and do your best to keep your back straight, chest out, and stomach in. You’ll  sense your stomach flatten out a bit and you’ll instantly feel more confident!

Please note: I STILL have days where I feel bloated and I definitely am not close to where I want to be, but getting this far is such an accomplishment for me. 🙂