Don’t subject yourself to extreme dieting. While a healthy, low-fat diet is important for reducing body fat and flattening your stomach, eating too little can backfire with disastrous consequences for your midriff. Cutting calories too drastically increases both the stress hormone cortisol and insulin – the body responds by storing excess calories in the abdominal region.
1 Do attempt three or four sets of 20 repetitions of tricep chair-dips or weights about 10 minutes before going out in a strappy dress. A short, intense session will leave muscles “pumped” and they will retain firmness for some time.
2 Don’t eat chewing gum before you go out. Researchers at The American College of Gastroenterology say it makes you swallow a lot of air which inflates the tummy. Smokers and fast talkers have the same problem.
3 Do stand up straight. The US Occupational Health and Safety Administration warns that the drooping, hip-thrusting slouch of celebrities such as Paris Hilton, is ergonomically incorrect and leads to rounded shoulders and a weak back. Not a good look.
4 Don’t wear heels you can’t walk in. They encourage a slouch that pushes the belly forward and compresses spine muscles.
5 Do dance your way through the festive party season – a great way to strengthen and lengthen leg muscles.
6 Do take up skipping, even if you have little time for the gym during December’s hectic social whirl. It works all the major muscles in your arms, shoulders and legs and will keep your fitness ticking over.
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