You can plank your way into the wee hours and crunch and curl all you like, but often our tummy flab persists with unwanted resolve.

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Remember the ol’ saying ‘abs are made in the kitchen’? Well, Sweat With Bec’s Bec Donlan, New York fitness guru, PT and Fab Ab Queen, believes so. We asked the lean lady with abs so hard you could bounce a ball off them, just how important your intestinal fitness is for a flat tummy.

“Gut health is one of the most underrated things ever, and I can’t stress just how important it is,” says Bec.

“It effects everything from your energy levels, to your moods, to even how your body absorbs vitamins and nutrients. For years, I would suffer from feeling bloated, upset stomach, stomach pains, restless legs, gas (yup, all the really attractive symptoms!). I have been determined to get to the bottom of it for years and I can finally say that I have, and now have one very happy tummy.”

“Yes, we know that taking a daily probiotic is great for the gut but there’s so many other things you can do! Below, I’ve compiled a list of my favourite things that save the day when it comes to gut health and making sure I have a flat stomach.”

Apple Cider Vinegar

ACV helps improve digestion by increasing stomach acid (I like to think of it as Drain-O for your stomach) and it’s great for both gut health and weight loss.
I drink a 1/2 glass of water mixed with a shot of apple cider vinegar, first thing in the AM and last thing I do before bed to keep all feelings of bloat and stodginess at bay. Ahhhh hello abs…

Kombucha

Kombucha is a probiotic beverage, it’s naturally fermented with a living colony of bacteria and yeast. Eww. However, this bad boy has a RIDIC amount of benefits such as improved digestion, fighting candida (harmful yeast) overgrowth, mental clarity and mood stability. It’s also known for reducing or eliminating the symptoms of depression, anxiety annnnnd as an added bonus the ultimate hangover cure because its packed full of B vitamins.

Sauerkraut

Fermented veggies are where its at. Sauerkraut and Kim-chi alike is packed full of live and active probiotics have beneficial effects on the health of your digestive tract. It’s also full of anti-oxidants, works as an anti-inflammatory in your body and lactic fermentation (how its made) has been proven to ward off cancer.

Pinnertest

Food Intolerances make you sick and cause weight gain so why not get to the bottom of the problem? Pinnertest is what kick started my Intestinal fitness binge and I couldn’t be happier. This is the most accurate and efficient intolerance test on the market and results are back in 10 days.

Use the code “SWEATWITHBEC” for $60 off your test.

Tespo

This bad boy is about to completely change the vitamin industry,
Think a Nespresso machine but for vitamins. Did you know that due to the additives and fillers used in pills you only absorb around 20% of the actual vitamins?! I didn’t. These fillers are also what usually leave you with an upset stomach too. TESPO means you absorb up to 90% without the extra BS – just clean high quality vitamins.

Use the code “SWEATWITHBEC” for $40 off your unit.

Bhu Bars

These are the first bars I have seen / had that tick all the boxes; chemical free, dairy free, high protein, vegan, paleo, gluten free and best of all SUGARFREEEEEE! They have been a saviour for me when travelling, on the run or just so God damn busy that making protein balls don’t fit into my schedule. Give them a try! Peanut/ choc is seriously next level delicious.

Use the code BHU_BEC for 20% off your order.