FLAT STOMACH Q & A

Q: Hey Ali!  I was wondering how you keep your stomach so flat! I know your yoga practice obviously has alot to do with it but I was just curious if you do anything else, because I\'m pretty fit and petite but alot of the times my belly is super bloated idk why! Its not anything I eat because I have it when i wake up as well. If you have any clue what can be causing this, or what I can do to help it that would be wonderful! Thank you for your time !

A: Hi K., I am just offering my personal approach and what works for me. 
Yeah I do have a few tips on how I  get or keep my stomach flat. These lifestyle choses work for me almost all of the time.

My rule # 1: Drinking water on empty stomach or 30 minutes before meals. I do not drink water with food or after meals. I aim for a few liters a day. I don't measure it but I drink a lot of water and a lot of herbal teas. For example this morning I had an unusual tea : Lovage Tea. it's slightly salty and reminiscent of celery juice! Delicious, detoxing, flushes the kidneys.

#2:  Keeping my diet high in carbs from whole fruits and veggies and low in fats. Somewhere between 5-15% calories from fat. This also gives me a lot of energy. (high fat diets tend to cause candida issues and therefore bloating. The yeasts ferment and make you bloated, plus they can keep your blood sugar high even if the diet is lower in carbs) 

#3: Practice Ujaii Breath - with mula bandha- root chakra lock. A yogic technique that is pretty simple and effective. 

#4: Of course practice yoga- core strengthening poses, twists, interval exercise sets.

#5: My biggest vice is coffee - unfortunately whenever I have it i notice that it causes some bloating. It's too acidic and irritating for the gut. 

#6: Good digestion is key but that goes with all the previous rules :)

This are the first few most important things that come to mind. If you guys have anything else to add to the list please leave it in the comments bellow. 

Love and Blessings