7. Exercise regularly
The goal isn’t just to build muscles and burn calories. “Physical activity helps stimulate the muscles of the digestive system to restore regularity and reduce bloating,” says Crumble Smith. Even if you can’t get to the gym, try to squeeze in a 30-minute walk daily, says advises Kim Lyons, a certified nutrition coach and personal trainer on The Biggest Loser. The simple boost in metabolism will help you burn waistline fat more efficiently. Plus, one study found that people with hypertension who began walking 15 minutes a day and worked their way up to 300 minutes a week two months later reduced their waist circumference as well as their blood pressure.
8. Tackle stress
“When you’re frazzled, your body increases its production of steroids and stress hormones, which negatively affect your digestive system, causing major constipation,” says Judith Reichman, M.D., an obstetrician-gynecologist in Los Angeles. On top of that, stress also amps up the production of cortisol, a “fight or flight” hormone that sends excess fat directly to your midsection in its attempt to protect your vital organs. To minimize tension, Dr. Reichman suggests setting aside 20 minutes every day to relax. “Deep breathing, meditation, yoga and other relaxation techniques can help manage stress levels and may improve digestion,” adds Crumble Smith.