Having an hourglass figure is a goal from many women. It’s a classic, sexy look that has been in vogue for decades and continues to be just as coveted. While body shapes like rectangle or triangle are more common, that hasn’t stopped females from trying to get a curvy body. Check out our best tips for how to get an hourglass figure and overall sexy body!
What Is An Hourglass Figure?
An hourglass figure is a female body shape where the shoulders and hips are around the same size and the waistline is significantly smaller. It’s characterized by voluptuous curves, and a very defined waist. With an hourglass figure, your smaller waist is balanced by curvier hips and a round bum, made famous by celebrities like Kim Kardashian and Jennifer Lopez. There are three target areas to work on for an hourglass figure: your upper body, waist and your glutes. You can target one or more of those areas depending on your natural shape to achieve the body you want.
1. Avoid Processed Foods
Processed foods, such as frozen dinners, microwave popcorn, granola bars and bacon are packed with salt, added sugars and preservatives. If you want a killer hourglass figure, you should avoid processed foods as much as possible and stick to a clean diet filled with whole foods like fruits, vegetables, whole grain, legumes and lean meat.
Not only are processed foods bad for your waistline, they’re also bad for your health, leading to serious health problems such as heart disease, high blood pressure and diabetes.
2. Load Up on Healthy Fats
Healthy fats like avocados, olive oil, nuts and seeds help balance your hormones, and will also fuel you as you work on your hourglass body. They provide essential fatty acids and calories to keep you going, as well as help to reduce inflammation in the body.
3. Portion Size Matters
These days, many people overeat because portion sizes have become so large, so our bodies have become used to it. We also tend to eat quickly, not giving ourselves enough time to see if we’re full yet. Before reaching for seconds, sit for a while and ask yourself if you’re really hungry or if you’re reaching for more out of habit. Focus on proteins first, fats second and carbs last to ensure a well-balanced meal that will keep you satisfied.
4. More Protein and Fibre
You need protein for both weight loss and muscle gain, which are essential if you want an hourglass figure. Protein ensures you stay full for longer, helping you eat less throughout the day. It also repairs and strengthens your muscles so you can build the body you want! Fibre is also great for weight loss because it’s digested slowly, making you feel satisfied and less tempted to snack on unhealthy foods.
5. Eliminate As Much Sugar As Possible
Health experts have claimed that sugar is the new smoking. There are so many hidden sugars in the foods that we eat and there’s a direct correlation between sugar and excess body fat. Make sure to read nutrition labels, because added sugar is everywhere and females should consume no more than 25 grams of sugar per day.
6. Drink Lots of Water
While everyone should be drinking plenty of water throughout the day, if you’re following a fitness routine, it’s even more important to keep hydrated. Drink a glass of water when you wake up to get your metabolism moving, and it’s also helpful to drink a glass before every meal to keep yourself from overeating. Saying hydrated also keeps you from retaining moisture, reducing bloating in your abdomen.