Something about abs...

I had tried thinking up something clever for the title, they tell me the title is the most important part. But, I just couldn't come up with anything, so... there ya go. :)

Anyway, yes, this post is about your abs. How do you get a flat stomach?
I can tell you right now, it's not doing 100 crunches every day. You could have the strongest core on the block, but if there's a layer of fat covering them up how will anyone know?? Gotta get some cardio, y'all. Exercises that focus only on your abs, burn about.... zero calories. Yes, you will be getting toned... underneath. So, should you stop doing your core workouts? NO! They're definitely important. They help your posture and balance, and overall fitness. But there's so much more that needs to be focused on.

The number one thing is your diet.
Have you heard that popular saying that's going around the internet right now? "Abs are made in the kitchen"? Well, it's true.
With the members at the gym I work at, they come to me to complain if they're not seeing results.. and the first thing I ask is.. what are you eating?
Here's what you gotta do... cut out the added sugars. Make sure you're getting fiber and protein! Not only will they both keep you full, so that you eat less throughout the day, but the fiber keeps things.. uhh.. moving? Yeah.
Beat the bloat. Right? Also... lower the sodium intake!!
Sodium causes you to retain water, which in turns, bloats your stomach.
Incorporate beans, nuts, and berries into your daily meals and snacks.

This is easy stuff, guys.

Remember how I said you can't just focus on one area of your body? That's because fat is burned all over your body when you workout, and it honestly depends on your genes. Some people store fat in their midsection, some store it around their legs and hips. The best way to burn calories in your workouts is to do circuit training when you're focusing on strength, and to do interval training on your cardio. But, more on that later.


So, is it starting to make sense?
Is it something you can do?
Let me answer that second question for you... YES!!!
It is possible to get that flat, toned stomach.
But it will take some work! And it won't happen overnight. But it WILL happen.

About Natural Direction...

I always feel like it's a good thing to start off with introductions. So, let's do that, shall we?
My name is Megan, and I am currently studying Nutrition with an Emphasis in Wellness at Texas Women's University, and I love it!
I specifically chose to not take the RD (Registered Dietitian) route, because I discovered through some trial and error, that it's just not the path for me. I do not want to work in a hospital. I cannot stand behind some of the nutrition practices that happen there. No offense to anyone else who finds that work to be rewarding, it just wouldn't make me happy. I have decided, rather, to be a health coach, a holistic life coach, a personal nutritionist, a personal trainer, and everything in between. I have way too many interests (that are at least linked together) to focus on just one area of this broad spectrum of wellness.
That's why I use the tagline "wellness from every aspect", because I believe it's important.
Everything from what you eat, to how you move, to the products you use on your body and in your home all contribute to your everyday wellness. And not everyone knows how to balance all of this to attain complete wellness. So, that's what I'm here for. That's what Natural Direction aims to accomplish, teaching others and giving them the tools to create a happy, healthy life for themselves and their families.

Integrating holistic practices with science-backed information is what will bring this out for everyone.

I currently run an Etsy store- Natural Direction - and that is where you can find my homemade, all natural products for yourself and home. Everything from toothpaste to lotion to (eventually) cleaning products will be listed here for your convenient, one-stop-shop for getting rid of those toxins!

I will also be posting meal plans, workouts, and be offering one-on-one counseling calls for specific life areas that you might need help with someday.

Well, what do you think? I'm pretty excited, y'all. Side note: I fought so hard to not get in the habit of saying "y'all" and it just happened, anyway. So, now I embrace it. Be true to yourself, it makes you happy, and that contributes to your wellness. See how easy it is?? :)


Have any questions? Post ideas for things you want me to cover, and offer any advice, love, or rants you might have in the comments section below.

Talk to you soon!