3 Steps to Maintain a Flat Stomach as You Age Getting old doesn't have to mean gaining weight.

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Flat Stomach Exercises > How to get a Flat Stomach > 3 Steps to Maintain a Flat Stomach as You Age

One of the hardest parts of the body to maintain as we age is the stomach. In men, the stomach is prone to the well known "beer gut". It may or may not be caused from beer, but it tends to get bigger as men get older. Women are more prone to what many call the "spare tire" around the middle--that extra pouch of flab you just can't seem to get rid of no matter how many sit ups you do. To keep a flat stomach as you age, there are three important steps to follow and stick to.

1.) Watch what you eat

First, watch what you eat. It sounds simple and you have likely heard it a hundred times before, but you are what you eat and the older you get, the more this is true. The more you age, the slower your metabolism becomes. You can no longer eat whatever you want without seeing any consequences on your body. Therefore, as you age it is important to fill your diet with fresh fruit, vegetables, lean meats and complex carbohydrates. This is not only good for your outward appearance but your overall health as well. Stick to low fat meats like fish and poultry, and incorporate nuts and eggs into your diet for additional protein. Aim to eat several servings of fruits and vegetables a day. Remember, certain health drinks can count as fruits and veggies too! More than anything else, watch your carb intake. Breads, pastas and pastries are the foods that go straight to your middle and stay there. If you're feeling really brave, consider cutting out white bread and pasta completely and stick to only whole grains.

2.) Do the exercises that you can

Next, exercise often and for extended periods of time. Many gyms have programs tailored toward older folks, and also tailored to getting specific parts of your body into shape. Cardio is key to keeping flab off your middle, and weight training will help your body burn more calories all day long, even when you are resting. As you age you may also need to change the types of exercise you participate in. Swimming, cycling and aerobics are all light impact forms of exercise that are also great for building up endurance and burning off fat. Weight lifting doesn't have to mean pumping iron. Adding just five pound weights to your workout will step up the amount of calories you are burning, tone the muscles in your core, and also help develop strong bones.

3.) Switch up your routine often

Finally, change up your routine to keep your body and mind sharp. Your body builds up resistance to the same kind of exercise if you do it all the time, and it will stop being as effective. If you always work out alone, try a group class. If you prepare the same meals regularly, buy a healthy cookbook to help you come up with new options. Look for work outs and recipes specifically targetted toward helping you stay slim around the middle, and you will have a flat stomach for years to come.