DuJour’s “Body Language” column offers short tidbits of info about one specific body part each week. This week, it’s all about abs.
1. THE QUICK-FIX: AIRBRUSH CONTOUR
A wise man once said, “if you can’t tone it, tan it,” which is especially when it comes to achieving a defined set of abs. For expert advice on airbrushing your way to an eight pack, we spoke to the industry’s best, Tamar Vezirian, the owner and founder of Gotham Glow in Manhattan.
“Everyone’s abs are different, so we look at the body assess before we begin. Most people have problems with the lower area of the abs and the obliques, so it’s important to darken those areas to create a slimming effect,” explains Vezirian, who’s been tanning celebrities and clients for 12 years. “When you’re going out to the beach, people will see you in real light, so you don’t want there to be two obvious stripes. Airbrushing is great because it’s a mist and very subtle.” Vezirian says that clients tend to be shocked when they see the results. “Immediately after, people look in the mirror and say ‘Oh my God! My stomach looks so much more defined than it did when I walked in here.’” Tans start at $75 and house calls are also available.
2. THE EXPERT: NICOLETTE M. PACE, REGISTERED DIETICIAN
Nutritionist Nicolette M. Pace offers a guide to the best fat-fighting foods for flat abs:
Citrus fruits are great to trim your bulge. They share a unique set of vitamins and plant chemicals to help deliver antioxidants, fiber and work as a buffer to the high fat, high carb diet. Recommended: Grapefruit. It helps improve metabolism and helps with insulin resistance. They taste great too and are the perfect spring/summer fruit.
Dark leafy greens give belly fat a run for its money. These plants (spinach, chard, beet tops, dandelions, etc.) are very rich in vitamin content and are great for cleansing the midsection fat, toning the liver and improving digestion. Recommended: Dandelion greens. Dandelions work as a diuretic to help you reduce bloat and cleanse your system. They contain taraxcin, a chemical that can improve fat digestion to rid you of your belly fat.
Rhubarb is another fat-fighting food for flat abs. Red rhubarb stalks infuse the body with catechins (an antioxidant fat burner and anthraquione which fights inflammation). These properties keep your mid-section slim and trim.
Whole grains/seeds. Switch out refined starches and improve your fat burning profile by using about two servings a day of whole grains like barley, oats, cracked wheat, quinoa or corn. These complex carbs will help to bring about reductions in your waist size from plant chemicals, inflammation fighting fats, fiber, vitamins and trace minerals.
3. THE TIP: DEBLOATING SUPERFOODS
“To de-bloat for an event or occasion, the key is to consume foods that are rich in antioxidants and help to flush the system. I would suggest consuming a large amount of detoxifying veggies and fruits,” says Pace. Her top picks:
Celery
Artichokes
Chili peppers
Aspargus
Eggplant
Berries
Apples
Melon
“These promote water loss and digestive relief from fiber,” Pace explains. “They also stop free radical damage from unhealthy blood fats, cleanse your organs and help you control your belly fat.”
4. THE GEAR: BEYOND YOGA’S ELEVATE LEGGING
Looking for a new source of exercise motivation? Try buying chic, flattering workout wear. In fact, some researchers believe there might actually be a correlation between specialized athletic clothing and inclination toward physical activity. Our recommendation for flattery and function: Beyond Yoga’s Elevate Legging. The stretchy supplex fabric is forgiving and quick-drying, and the built-in slimming front panel creates smooth lines along the middle section.
5. THE INSPIRATION: ANASTASIA ASHLEY
…because she proves that sometimes the best results don’t happen within the walls of a gym.
