By: Taylor Empey, Nationally Certified Fitness Trainer and Nutrition Specialist
ISSA – CFT, SFN, SET, SSN, and Elite Trainer Level I
So you want to get rid of some belly fat, and you can’t help but be on the lookout for that magical exercise that will give you flat abs once-and-for-all. I’m sorry to burst your bubble of hope, but all the ab crunches in the world won’t make a dent in your belly bulge, as long as you continue with your unhealthy lifestyle.
This isn’t a cutting edge discovery. In fact, by now it’s common knowledge that spot reduction is a myth, and yet, time after time, I’m asked to reveal the exercise, or exercise machine, that gets rid of stomach fat. There is no such magical exercise. The magic is found in altering your diet and exercise routine to promote fat loss from your overall body, including—but not limited to—your midsection. Here’s how to really get rid of that belly fat:
Flat Belly Tip #1: Cut Out Processed Foods and Sugar
You know how Disneyland has the FastPass tickets that allow you to cut to the front of the ride lines? Consider processed foods as a FastPass ticket to belly fat. I wouldn’t be surprised if future studies show that the over-processing, chemical additives and high fructose corn syrup that are pumped into processed food specifically adds fat around your belly. If you want to lose pounds, stay away from sugars, sodas, chemically altered fats, processed, packaged, fried and preserved foods.
Flat Belly Tip #2: Eat Fresh Whole Foods
Once you’ve cut the garbage out of your diet, fill in the void with fresh foods such as green veggies, whole fruit, lean high quality meats and fish, colorful veggies, and whole grains in moderation. While these foods may seem boring at first, stick with it long enough and you’ll grow to love the unadulterated flavor of real food. Eating a diet filled with the foods listed above will give your body all the nutrients it needs to shed pounds and lean out.
Flat Belly Tip #3: Cut the Booze
We have all heard the term “beer gut” so you know what I mean when I say you need to moderate or cut down the drinking. I enjoy the occasional drink or two once per week, but that is the extent of it. If you want to cut down the waistline, you need to start cutting down the frequency and amount of booze you drink. Try just by cutting it in half or at least down by one drink per week. Try to eventually get down to just one night of drinks per week or less, and focus on only enjoying 1-3 of your favorites. Also, focus on light clear liquors mixed in low calorie drinks. Dark liquors, wines, and beer are a sure way to add to that belly fat and they can have some seriously high hidden calories.
Flat Belly Tip #4: A Consistent, Challenging Exercise Program
The absolute best way to fight the battle of the belly bulge is with a consistent, challenging exercise program. Be consistent! You should exercise 3-5 times each week. Make it challenging! If you want to see results, then keep your body guessing with new exercises and varied intensity.