If you suffer from a bulging belly, you can reduce and conceal the unwanted inches with a few quick tricks to get a nice flat and firm tummy. Get a flatter tummy with these simple tricks.

 

Tight posture
When standing, imagine that your upper body is in a corset. This corset is pulled tight from behind, so try to move your abdominal muscles accordingly. This will strengthen your abdominal muscles in the long term and your posture will immediately give you a tighter-looking stomach.

The right shoes
High heels may make your legs look long and slender, but the rotation of your hip bones also pushes your tummy forwards. This can undesirably emphasise a small potbelly. Flat shoes ensure firmer abdominal muscles and a flat stomach. If possible, you should walk barefoot at home.

Away with leggings
Skin-tight leggings or jeans may hold the stomach in and make it look flatter, but the abdominal muscles are used less and lose their shape. With looser fitting clothing, the abdominal muscles have to work to hold the tummy in place and it will look better in the long term.

Yoghurt for breakfast
Low-fat dairy products reduce the fat around your waist. The best way to start each day is with a breakfast of low-fat natural yoghurt with fresh fruit and oatmeal.

No sugar-free foods
Too much refined sugar is guaranteed to cause a potbelly, but that doesn't mean that sugar-free foods are better. Some sweeteners are broken down more slowly by the body and bloat the stomach with gas.

Drainage
A good way to get rid of excess curves is to release retained water from the body. Foods with diuretic properties ensure effective drainage. Watermelon, celery, asparagus, cucumber and nettle tea work well.

Less caffeine
Coffee, cola and other caffeinated drinks can release stress hormones for up to 18 hours after consumption. Excess hormones are deposited as fat cells in the abdominal area.

Peppermint fragrance
According to experts, smelling fresh peppermint helps to curb snack cravings. The scent of certain fruits is also said to curb the appetite.

Wholemeal instead of white flour
White flour products cause fat deposits in the abdomen. A diet with wholemeal products improves the metabolism and reduces the abdominal girth.

Eating without talking
If you talk a lot while eating, you often take in too much air with your food, which makes your stomach bloat. It is better to eat slowly and in silence.