Sign us up! Five ways to get a flat belly WITHOUT diet or exercsie

While most of us try to stick to a diet or exercise regime, we can wander off it from time to time. And that's totally OK, we all need some time off, but it doesn't mean your figure has to suffer.

So, here are five great ways to make your tummy appear flat, without any nagging diets or gruelling workouts:

Perfect your posture

Standing straight and having the correct posture will instantly make you appear slimmer. 

"When your posture is good, you're automatically engaging and toning your stomach muscles," trainer Kim Lyons tells Cosmopolitan. So just dot a few Post-It notes around your room so you remember to stand tall. 

 

Down it

Keep the water flowing! "Being dehydrated causes the body to hoard water," says Kim, which can lead you to carry up to FOUR excess pounds around your stomach area.

Now that's something to remember the next time you pass on a glass of H2O. 

 

Give up gum

Chewing gum forces you to swallow more puff-producing air, which can keep you from squeezing into your skinny jeans. If you need to freshen your breath, you're better off buying some mints. 

 

Keep chewing

Rather than devouring our meals (like most of us do), make a point of chewing your food at least ten time before swallowing. 

"The body has to work overtime to break down food in the stomach and intestines, which can lead to major gas and indigestion."

 

Relax

Take 20 minutes a day to relax and de-stress, because worrying too much can actually lead to weight gain. 

"Stress amps up the production of cortisol, a 'fight or flight' hormone that sends excess fat directly to your midsection in its attempt to protect your vital organs." … And nobody wants that!