10 Flat Belly Tips

By Kathleen M. Zelman, MPH, RD, LD

WebMD Feature

We're not talking about extra pounds of stomach fat here, but the temporary abdominal distention that plagues most everyone from time to time. Unless your stomach bloating is because of a medical condition, such as liver or heart disease, the only real cause is intestinal gas - not "water weight," says Michael Jensen, MD, an endocrinologist and obesity researcher at Mayo Clinic.

Flat Belly Tip No. 1: Avoid Constipation.

Flat Belly Tip No. 2: Rule Out Wheat Allergies or Lactose Intolerance.

Flat Belly Tip No. 3: Don't Eat Too Fast.

Flat Belly Tip No. 4: Don't Overdo Carbonated Drinks.

Flat Belly Tip No. 5: Don't Overdo Chewing Gum

Flat Belly Tip No. 6: Watch Out for Sugar-Free Foods

Flat Belly Tip No. 7: Limit Sodium

Flat Belly Tip No. 8: Go Slow with Beans and Gassy Vegetables

Flat Belly Tip No. 9: Eat Smaller Meals More Often

Flat Belly Tip No. 10: Try Anti- Bloating Foods and Drinks

Click the link to read the entire article: http://www.webmd.com/diet/features/10-flat-belly-tips?page=2

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Healthy Eating

*The word "diet" just means eating healthy and lower calorie meals.
By: Mayo Clinic Staff

"Your weight is a balancing act and calories are part of that equation. Fad diets may promise you that counting carbs or eating a mountain of grapefruit will make the pounds drop off. But when it comes to weight loss, it's calories that count. Weight loss comes down to reducing extra calories from food and beverages and increasing calories burned through physical activity. (ThinStick helps to control your appetite so you can keep your calories under contol. ThinStick completly supports a healthy diet and also regular exercise)

Once you understand that equation, you're ready to set your weight-loss goals and make a plan for reaching them. Remember, you don't have to do it alone. Talk to your doctor, family and friends for support. Also, plan smart: Anticipate how you'll handle situations that challenge your resolve and the inevitable minor setbacks.
If you have serious health problems because of your weight, your doctor may suggest weight-loss surgery or medications for you. In this case, you and your doctor will need to thoroughly discuss the potential benefits and the possible risks.
But don't forget the bottom line: The key to successful weight loss is a commitment to making permanent changes in your diet and exercise habits."

When changing your diet for the better ask yourself if it...

• Includes foods from the major food groups: fruits, vegetables, grains, low-fat dairy products, lean protein sources, nuts and seeds
• Includes proper amounts of nutrients and calories to help you maintain a healthy weight
• Includes foods you like and can easily find in your local grocery store
• Fits your lifestyle and budget

Averting a meltdown by Edward T. Creagan, M.D.

If we are attentive and if we listen, we can sometimes learn from others' experiences. A middle-aged professional from a small Midwestern town shared with me the following story.

She was a woman in her early 60s who had undergone major surgery, chemotherapy and radiation for a serious malignant condition. After her treatment, her energy and vitality were half of what they had been. She was restricted to working 20 hours a week, and even then some of that time was not particularly productive because of fatigue. As the weeks passed, however, she felt her energy return to almost normal. But then she made a serious miscalculation.

Rather than nurturing the healing process, she jumped on the corporate treadmill of morning and evening meetings, board activities, speaking commitments and social engagements. You can easily predict what happened. She had, in her words, a "total meltdown" and required medical support and rest to recover.

It is so very easy for us to become overcommitted and over engaged, until we use up our reserves and there is nothing left. So, how do we avoid this minefield? Some of the things that I have learned:

1. Know your priorities. Focus on what must be done rather than what would be nice to do.
2. Give yourself a break. Get enough sleep and get some time away from the daily demands.
3. Learn to say no. Have the confidence and, yes, the courage to say, "No thank you, I will not be able to do this."