10 MINUTE TUMMY TIGHTENERS

Beat the bloat with a little help from some easy-to-follow lifestyle changes

DON’T MISS BREKKIE

Missing the first meal of the day encourages your body to register famine and hang onto its fat stores. Fill up on foods that won’t leave you craving by 10am. If in doubt, nutritionist Cinzia Cozzolino pinpoints muesli as a great go-to. “Our 3 Little Birds Porridge, $10.95, provides fibre from whole oats, therapeutic digestive Australian lemon myrtle, calcium rich black sesame seeds and white mulberries to help regulate blood sugar levels too,” Cinzia explains.

EXERCISE LESS

Exercising for 45 minutes or more causes the release of cortisol, the stress hormone that slows down metabolism. Bust your belly fat quickly with 10-minute bursts of exercise. Do this daily with heart-pumping exercises like swimming or walking.

SNACK ON PINEAPPLE

Nutritionist Nanci Katra says, “Pineapples are packed with nutrients such as bromelain digestive enzyme that breaks down protein and is a potent anti-inflammatory. Also, its insoluble fibre promotes bowel-movement regularity.”

GO GREEN

According to a recent study by Anglia Ruskin University (UK), drinking decaffeinated green tea can actually help reduce body fat and increase fat oxidation rates (which helps weight loss) by 25 per cent. The catch is you’ll need to drink at least seven cups a day, combined with exercise, to see results. But on the bright side, at least you’ll be super hydrated!

GET THE GOOD BUGS

Known as “good bacteria”, probiotics are beneficial microorganisms naturally found in the human digestive tract, and also in many foods. Dietitian Susie Burrell says one or two serves a day of probiotics found in fermented drinks and yoghurts are great for reducing digestive problems such as constipation and bloating.