So your belly is bulging and it ain't PMS.  According to WebMD there are 10 things you can do to battle the bulge effectively:

1. Relax, Baby!
Stress can apparently trigger a heftier midsection because of increased levels of cortisol, a hormone related to stress.  They suggest deep breathing and saying, "One". We think it might be just as effective saying "Two" ... but heck, whatever works.

2. Cut the Alcohol
Of course.  Alcohol is always billed as the bully.  They say even that one glass of wine with dinner can make you plump because of the cortisol.  We say, "Pshaw!  Look at the French!"  But then again they did their research and you can't argue with science.  Consider giving it up for a few weeks and see what happens.

3. Don't Smoke
If stank ass breath, yellow teeth, sagging skin and the dangers of cancer haven't convinced you to stop, maybe knowing that it's not keeping you thin would?  Once again, smoking increases cortisol and as a result, smokers tend to have more belly fat than non-smokers.

4. Eat More Fiber
Aside from being good for your health it keeps you regular, which means no constipation and bloating.

5. Drink Lots of Water
Contrary to popular belief, drinking lots of water prevents bloating - especially during that time of the month.

6. Consume Calcium
Strong bones = no slouching = no shortened abdominal cavity.  Hunch backs aren't exactly known for toned, taut abs.

7. Exercise
There is no other way around it. The only way to develop muscles and achieve a nice washboard stomach is to hit the gym.  Don't just focus on crunches, an entire body workout is necessary.

8. Tuck in Your Tummy
An easy ab exercise that can be done at any time, is to pull your belly button towards your spine. This can be done while driving, walking, or watching tv.  No excuses!

9. Weight Training
Cardio alone isn't going to achieve the results.  Weights burn fat and build lean muscle tissue.  Consider booking a trainer for a session or two or bringing a toned friend to the gym to show you the ropes.

10. Perfect Your Posture
Standing and sitting up straight make you look taller and leaner and they also work your core muscles.  Try to stay standing when doing things like arm curls at the gym.  Keep your shoulders back and your tummy tight. Pair that with the belly button tucking and you've got a two for one!

3 non-scientific approaches

There are 3 things we have found to be quite effective but try at your own risk:

1. Take a picture
This may sound silly and vain, but if you are trying to achieve a certain physique, you will need to deal with cold hard reality.  Take a picture of yourself in your undies from various angles.  Do NOT suck in your stomach or stand on your tiptoes to make your legs look fit.  Stand flat footed and let it all hang out.  Take a picture from the front, side and back.  Follow up in a few weeks after doing the above 10 points and compare.  Do it as a habit. There is no motivation like seeing your paunch or jiggly thighs in 10 mega pixel clarity.  It will keep you motivated. Trust.
*Warning: You will want to keep these files under lock and key

2. Steal a picture
A picture of a Giselle Bundchen type in a bikini that you can look to as a goal for yourself is a good idea. Just try to make sure the model you have chosen to emulate is something you could reasonably achieve in a couple of months. If you are 200lbs, Giselle might not be right for you.  Find a fabulous 170lb - 150lb figure.  You can always go lower from there once you meet your first milestone.

3. Banish Sweets
There is no way to control your sweets craving if you have chocolate bars and chips stuffed in your cupboards.  Don't buy them in the first place. It's much more of a pain to run out and buy a pint of ice cream when you have a craving, and the more of a pain it is, the less likely you'll do it.

What are your tighter tummy tips?

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