Ten tricks that genuinely affect stomach appearance. Some address actual fat loss; others address bloating and posture — which can meaningfully change how flat your stomach looks independent of fat loss.

1. Stand taller. Posture alone visually flattens the stomach. Most "pooch" is partly slumped posture.
2. Engage the core while walking. Five seconds at a time, throughout the day. Builds transverse abdominis — the deep muscle that creates a flat-stomach look.
3. Drink more water, not less. Counterintuitive but true — dehydration drives water retention in the belly.
4. Cut sodium in processed foods. High sodium → water retention → bloated appearance.
5. Skip carbonated drinks. The gas has to go somewhere; it goes into your abdomen.
6. Eat fibre gradually if increasing. Sudden high fibre produces bloating. Ramp over 2-3 weeks.
7. Chew thoroughly. Fast eating introduces air; slow eating avoids it.
8. Sleep 7-8 hours. Undersleep drives cortisol, which stores fat preferentially in the abdomen.
9. Strength train 3x/week. Preserves muscle during fat loss; keeps metabolism higher.
10. Calorie deficit of 300-500 kcal/day. The only way to actually reduce the fat on top of your abdominal muscles.

Ten tricks. Five address appearance (posture, hydration, sodium, carbonation, sleep); five address actual composition (fibre, eating pace, sleep hormones, strength, deficit). Stack both categories and the visible stomach changes within 4-6 weeks.