APPLE-FIGHTING RULES

Ditch fizzy drinks WHY?

Recent research shows that the liquid sugar calories found in soft drinks encourage the body to store fat around the middle far more than calories from other sources. Fruit juice is also extremely high in sugar.

Your best bet is fizzy water with a squeeze of lime or lemon juice – it will ward off the bloated tummy that dehydration can cause.

Don’t eat white bread WHY?

Cakes, white bread and pasta are all quickly turned into sugar in the bloodstream.

Switching to low GI wholegrain carb alternatives, such as wholemeal bread and pasta, can help trim extra fat from the waistline, according to a study in the American Journal of Clinical Nutrition.

Be sure to milk it WHY?

Studies show women who drink milk daily lose more weight – particularly from their waists – than those who skip it.

Scientists believe it may be because the calcium and a compound called linoleic acid found in all dairy products actually help to breakdown body fat in the tummy area.

Sort your stress levels WHY?

Even otherwise slim women are more likely to have excess fat around their waist if they feel stressed often, according to research by Yale University in the US. Jamie Duigan, celebrity trainer and author of Clean & Lean Flat Tummy Fast! warns: “When stressed, we produce cortisol, a hormone which encourages the body to cling on to fat around the stomach.” He recommends calming breathing exercises and long baths before bed to encourage good sleep.

Get your body moving

WHY?

When it comes to developing the apple-shaped belly, research has revealed that the deciding factor is often the total number of waking hours you spend seated.

So becoming more active is key to keeping a trimmer mid-section.

It doesn’t have to mean taking up an extreme sport or becoming a gym addict. Simply taking a brisk walk, getting on your bike or doing stretch classes will all make a difference.

Aim for 20 minutes of moderate activity every day.