Apply the lotion to your stomach and waist area in a thick layer. Don’t massage the lotion too much into your skin. Wrap the clear plastic wrap around your waist, on top of where you put the lotion. You may need to wrap the plastic two to three times around your waist. The plastic wrap should not be loose, but should be tight enough that it doesn’t fall off. Wrap the elastic bandage around your waist on top of the plastic wrap. Secure the bandage to your body by tucking the end into the portion already wrapped around. Sleep with the wrap on all night and remove it in the morning. You’ll likely notice a small difference in your waist size, but note it’s only temporary.

Corsets can help your waist look 2 – 4” smaller just by wearing them. Corsets, because they’re tight, can also help you eat less as you’ll feel full faster. Alternatively, you can also try wearing shapewear, which can help make you look thinner as well, but uses a different material than corsets. Plus, you can buy shapewear that’s also underwear, camisoles, etc. [2] X Research source

Dark-colored jeans or pants that go down to your ankle or 1-2” below your ankle; long shirts, blazers, or non-baggy sweaters; knee-length pencil skirts; or fitted A-line skirts. Maxi skirts. These are another great option to make you look thinner because they give you a longer vertical line and make your legs look longer. Solid colors work best. Avoid skirts with pleats, big pockets, layers and thick elastic waistbands. Pair a maxi skirt with a fitted top and heels. Jeans that have a higher-rise or waist. Lower-rise jeans, while stylish, unfortunately can create the muffin top look around your waist, which does not look at all flattering. As with many other clothing pieces, higher-rise jeans make your legs look longer, which in turn makes you look thinner. Tuck your shirt into your jeans as well. Skinny belts to cinch shirts, dresses and even coats. This helps to define your natural waistline and shows off your curves. Try wearing heels. To help make your legs look slimmer and elongate your whole body, wear heels that are at least 2. 5” or taller. It also helps to wear heels with a somewhat pointed toe, as opposed to a square toe. [4] X Research source Just don’t wear them all the time — wearing high heels repeatedly for prolonged periods can cause serious harm to your body and your posture.

Black is a classic color that can go with just about everything. But in addition to being a good color choice for coordination purposes, it’s also a great color choice for making yourself look thinner. Black (and dark blue, green and red) can create an illusion of a long vertical line which thins the body. Vertical stripes create a similar illusion that the color black does, and can be helpful when you’re trying to make your middle look smaller. If you wear vertical stripes on pants or skirts, it helps make your legs look longer and thinner, which thins out your middle and upper body too.

Before selecting any new bras, get measured properly by a professional in the lingerie department of a department store. They should also be able to point out other tricks you can look for in a bra.

Evaluate your posture by standing with your back against a wall without any shoes on. Make sure you push your body such that your heels and bum are pressed against the wall behind you. Place one of your hands between the wall and your lower back, around your waist area. If the space is larger than the width of your hand, you need to work on your posture. Good posture when you’re standing includes: keeping your shoulders back and in a relaxed position; pulling in your abdomen; keeping your feet hip-width apart; standing such that you are balanced equally on both feet; not locking your knees. [9] X Trustworthy Source Mayo Clinic Educational website from one of the world’s leading hospitals Go to source Good posture when you’re sitting includes: choosing a chair where both of your feet can rest comfortably on the ground; choosing a chair that allows you to sit with your back against the back of the chair — place a pillow behind your lower back if necessary to feel comfortable; holding your head straight up with your chin tucked in a little bit; keeping your back and neck straight, but comfortable; keeping your shoulders relaxed and comfortable.

Avoid snacks that are high in calories, fat, sugar and carbohydrates. This would include items such as chips, cookies, chocolate bars, bagels, pretzels. Select snacks that are high in fibre, such as whole grains, beans and some fruits and vegetables. Select snacks that have high amounts of good nutrients, such as low-fat dairy products, lean meats, nuts.

There are multiple types of sugar substitutes on the market, each with their own benefits and problems. Know the difference between the different kinds and what potential effects they may have on your health. The Mayo Clinic offers an overview here: http://www. mayoclinic. org/healthy-lifestyle/nutrition-and-healthy-eating/in-depth/artificial-sweeteners/art-20046936?pg=1

Lean protein includes: low-fat dairy, beans, chickpeas, quinoa, round steaks, round roasts, top loin, top sirloin, pork tenderloin, ham, and skinless chicken and turkey.

Saturated fats are usually found in processed foods like cookies and pastries. It is also found in red meat. Instead of frying items for a meal, bake, broil or grill meats. Use fat-free or low-fat dairy products. Exchange two egg whites for a whole egg in recipes. Use herbs, spices, lemon juice and other types of cooking flavors instead of adding butter or margarine.

Other great sources of fiber are: flaked bran cereal, whole grain bread, oranges, raspberries, baked potatoes, carrots, hummus, and pears. Canned beans usually are less likely to cause bloating and gas than the fresh variety, if you are concerned that might be a problem.

Complex carbs include whole grains such as oats, quinoa, brown rice and wheat. Simple carbs include items made with refined flour, including white bread and pasta, and other items like white rice.

Try adding two servings of dark chocolate a day to your meals.

Doctors recommend women over the age of 18 consume at least 400 mg of magnesium a day. And those 31 years of age and older should consume 420 mg. Men over 18 should consume 310 mg per day, and men over 30 should consume 320 mg per day. Magnesium food sources include nuts, spinach, soy milk, beans, avocados, brown rice, bananas, salmon and other fish.

The ideal amount of exercise is 45 minutes of moderate aerobic exercise at least three times a week.

Repeat this exercise with your left leg as many times as you can, then switch and do the same with your right leg. Perform this exercise at least three times a week.

Repeat this exercise as many times as you can. Perform this exercise at least three times a week.

Keep your back lying straight on the ground throughout this exercise. Repeat this exercise as many times as you can. Perform this exercise at least three times a week.

In order not to hurt your neck, pretend you have a tennis ball under your chin and against your chest. Your chin shouldn’t get any closer than this to your chest. Repeat this exercise as many times as you can. Perform this exercise at least three times a week.

Keep your feet hip-width apart throughout this exercise. Work yourself up to holding this position for 60 seconds. Keep your back straight against the wall. Your thighs should be at a 90 degree angle to the wall and your calves should be parallel to the wall. Perform this exercise at least three times a week.

Repeat this exercise as many times as you can. Perform this exercise at least three times a week.

Get off the bus a stop early and walk the extra distance. Purposely walk up and down every aisle at the grocery store, even if you only need a few items. Park your car at the far end of the parking lot rather than near the doors.

In order to engage your core muscles when using the hula-hoop, make sure it stays above your hips. Hoops for the purpose of exercise have added weight to them in order to help with your workout. Look for a hoop that’s at least 40” in diameter and weighs about 1 – 2 pounds. Add hula-hooping to your exercise routine such that you do it 30 minutes at a time, at least three times per week.