Waist Training: Is it Right for You?

We’ve all heard of waist training, but unless you’re an avid follower of Hollywood A-listers, for the majority of us this latest fitness craze is a bit of an enigma. So, what is waist training? How does it work? And the all-important question: is it right for you? If you’re thinking of slimming down for a Christmas party – or already planning your New Year dieting resolution – then this article could help you decide whether to try this new slimming method.

What is waist training?

While it’s only hit the headlines in recent years, waist training has in fact been around since Victorian times, when women used corsets to shrink their waists to miniscule proportions. As fashions and the ‘ideal’ body shape changed over the years, to the more boyish, athletic physique of the late 20^th Century, their popularity dwindled. However, thanks to the power of social media and the public’s obsession with A-listers such as Kim Kardashian, killer curves have never been more popular. Indeed, when Kylie Jenner posted an image of herself wearing a waist trainer it got 1.4 million likes on Instagram! As a result, the hourglass fuller figure is now very much back in vogue.

But unlike the steel-boned, asphyxia-inducing corsets of the past, modern waist trainers are supple, wide belts. Known as waist trainers or waist cinchers, they’re typically made of softer materials and can be tightened to achieve the desired effect. While the likes of Kim K can typically be seen wearing this underwear as outerwear, the actual idea is for them to be worn under clothing. And they’re not just touted as a quick fix – if used as part of an exercise and diet programme, there are numerous positive testimonials out there that support long-term shrinking effects.

How do waist trainers work?

Waist Trainer

According to the science, waist trainers don’t remould the body just because of constriction. The theory is that they should be worn during exercise, as they create thermogenesis (i.e. you got hot wearing them) and this melts away the fat, as well as releasing toxins via perspiration. While these claims are disputed by the scientific community, wearers will lose water weight, although this effect will be short term. It’s far more likely that, as part of an overall fitness regime, people wearing waist trainers will have good exercise goals and be on a diet. Indeed, manufacturers recommend that wearers eat small meals throughout the day, as this stimulates metabolism. While this effect on metabolism is again questioned by researchers, wearing a waist trainer definitely helps lower food intake, as it would be uncomfortable eating large meals.

One unexpected positive effect of waist trainers is that they can help improve posture, increasing core strength and helping you maximise your workout. This benefit is really good news for all Moms out there, many of whom are left with weaker backs after giving birth.

If you’re thinking of embarking on this fitness programme, make sure you build up your use over time. Begin by just wearing the waist trainer for half an hour a day, while you get used to the feel of it, and increase your use over time, to a maximum of 8 hours a day. The key here is to listen to your body – if it’s uncomfortable, wear it for less time.

Are there any health risks?

This is where waist trainers do get a bad press. If not worn correctly – too small, overtightened or worn for too long – there are definite health risks. These include:

• Impact on breathing – as was the case for their Victorian counterparts, if too tight they can restrict your breathing pattern, making you light headed. This is a particularly dangerous side effect if you’re planning on a strenuous work out.
• Skin irritation – raised temperature and increased sweating can cause skin irritation and lead to skin infections.
• Displacement of internal organs – the constriction can cause your internal organs to shift, affecting bowel function and leading to acid reflux.
• Danger to developing bodies – waist trainers are also particularly dangerous for young girls, whose bodies are still developing. Given the power social media holds over this demographic, this is a major issue for Moms out there.
• Impact on mental health – for teenagers and adults alike, holding yourself to unrealistic ideals can lead to feelings of low esteem and mental health issues.

So is waist training right for you?

Waist Training Results

All these risks aside, if fitted properly and worn according to guidelines, there’s no doubt that waist trainers can help women shrink down their waists to a smaller, firmer shape. Just be aware that they won’t work on their own. While being worn, they can reduce waist size by up to an incredible 4 inches, but unless accompanied by a strong exercise routine and strict diet plan, the effects will be short lived.

One thing that can’t be ignored is their power, when used properly, to help us mould our own figures. After all, how many of us lose weight, but it doesn’t come off of the area we want to slim down? Exercise can help, but with the aid of a waist trainer you can control your own shape, create your curves and achieve that hourglass silhouette.

Sugar

Satisfy That Sweets Craving

We all know sugar is bad for us. That horse has been ridden to death many times over. Sugar has no minerals, vitamins, or essential fats. It contains no proteins. All it gives us are empty calories that will stick to our waistlines, take forever to work off at the gym, and rot our teeth if we are not careful.

Another result of too much sugar? Rotting teeth from plaque that gathers between teeth and leads to decay. According to the site https://dentistinellicottcity.com:

“Plaque is a naturally occurring matrix of minerals and bacteria that forms on teeth. As plaque builds up, bacteria accumulate. The bacteria eat starches and sugars, then create an acidic byproduct. Acid softens enamel, causing erosion, dental sensitivity, and allowing bacteria can invade and cause cavities.”

Among other things, consuming too much sugar is a recipe for non-alcoholic liver disease. Eating more than the daily allowance for sugar can lead to insulin resistance in the body. This can further lead to diabetes and metabolic syndrome. Insulin is also key to regulating abnormal cell growth in the body. Scientists now believe that your insulin levels play a role in developing cancer.

But all this information is of little help in thwarting a sugar craving. So what can individuals do to satisfy their sugar tooth in healthier ways? We break it down.

Go dark with your chocolate.

Cutting back on sweets all at once can lead to a binge session sometime in your future. A better way for controlling your sweets craving? Give yourself what you want in small, measured doses so that you no longer are dealing with an out-of-control craving.

A good option here is a bar of dark chocolate that is at 70 to 85 percent cocoa. With such a high percentage of cocoa, you are getting 11 grams of fiber in a 100 gram bar. As well as scoring high marks for magnesium, copper, manganese, iron, and potassium. Dark chocolate is a terrific source of antioxidants. It has also been studied in relation to lowering cardiovascular disease risk.

Choose fruit.

Your body interprets all sugar the same. But some sources of sugar come with additional minerals and vitamins, making them a more favorable choice. Case in point: Fruit. Apples, oranges, and berries all come with fiber and are chockfull of the nutrients that you need in your diet. Fruit can satisfy a sugar craving just as well as a candy bar, with only a fraction of the sugar content.

Go through your house and get rid of all the junk candy and replace it with fresh fruit for you to nosh on the next time a craving hits.

Make sure you get 8 to 9 hours of sleep each night.

Do you notice a pattern with your sweets cravings? Do they typically hit at night when you are sleepy? Sugar is one of the quickest sources of energy for the body, which is often why you begin to crave sugar toward the end of the day.

Instead of that sugar high, which will keep you up, go to bed. Give your body what it really needs, versus what it wants in the moment. Quality sleep hours mean fewer midnight hours in the kitchen trying to resist temptation.

Fill up your tank (stomach) with water and real foods.

Drink the daily recommended amount of water. Make sure you hit all your macro nutrient levels for food. Doing these two things will keep your stomach full of what your body needs to perform at its peak. This will also keep cravings away because a full stomach is less likely to call for more foods to fill it. Besides, how many of us drink all the water we are supposed to per day?

The next time a sweets craving hits? Tell yourself to first drink a glass of water and check to see if you have eaten the daily required amount of protein, fiber, and calcium. Once you hit your requirements for those, then allow yourself a controlled portion of dark chocolate or fruit.

Walk it off!

Occasionally, a sweets craving will hit that has nothing to do with the body’s need for calories and more to do with boredom. Instead of looking at pictures of enticing foods on Tumblr or Instagram, take a walk instead. It will take your mind off of sweets and give you something to keep you occupied until the craving passes.

Additionally, being in and around nature in the outdoors reduces one’s stress levels and can help you feel calmer and more at peace. Being stressed out can often trigger sweet cravings, which is why taking that walk is good for you on many levels!

We have all either had a hobby ourselves, or have known of friends and family who have hobbies. Hobbies are a wonderful way for people to keep busy, keep active, explore their creativity, and a way to express themselves. Hobbies also give a person a chance to explore other areas that they don’t have the chance to in their everyday work or home life. There are a wide range of hobbies to choose from and there is something for everyone. Depending on your interest, some of the more popular hobbies include:

– golf
– tennis
– bowling
– reading
– writing
– movies
– knitting
– quilting
– cooking
– scrapbooking
– jewelry making

Exploring having a hobby is a perfect way to learn how to do something you have always wanted to but never had the time. A hobby can also be very therapeutical for an individual, as one of the top benefits of participating in a hobby is stress relief.

One hobby that has become increasingly popular over the last five to ten years is jewelry making. Not only do people create jewelry simply as a hobby, but many have turned it into a profitable business. There are so many different options for a hobbyist who decides to get involved in making jewelry. A jewelry maker can create rings, earrings, bracelets, necklaces, pins and more. When making jewelry, all pieces made can be unique and personalized. Depending on what type of jewelry you make, you can create your own niche in the look you offer or the types of material that you use.

If you are wondering where to start with making jewelry, there are a wide array of places to learn from. There are many instructional videos on You Tube, for almost any kind of jewelry you’d like to make. Simply do a search and you will literally have close to 200,000 videos to choose from. Get more specific on exactly what you’d like to make and you’ll find even more. You can take classes at your local craft supply stores. Often, you will also be able to find a jewelry class offered through your community education programs. Take the time to research all that you will need to start, and decide on where and how you’d like to learn. Down the road, if you decide that you want to make jewelry to sell, you will also want to learn how to price the pieces you have created.

After learning how to make the jewelry items you want to make, you will need your supplies. Gem Packed is one of the most comprehensive places to not only purchase all your jewelry supplies but also to learn how to make fun and interesting kinds of jewelry. From offering gems, beads, pearls, wires and all the tools you need to start making jewelry, they offer an extensive blog filled with instructions on many different kinds of jewelry. It is a one stop shop on your quest as jewelry making as a new hobby or business.

Remember to also be patient with yourself, as there is always a learning curve when venturing into doing something different. Most importantly, have fun and let your creativity flow.