DIET DIET DIET! The only way to lose excess fat around your mid-area is to change your diet! You can work out and sweat all you want, but if you are not putting the proper foods into your body... that little bit of fat will hang on for dear life.
- You want to elevate your metabolism. Your diet contributes to about two thirds of the weight loss, the rest involves: exercise, sufficient sleep, and decreasing stress levels (cortisol = fat storage in ugly places!)
- Eat more often, about 5-6 times a day, but SMALLER portions. Eat every 2-3 hours. This will raise your metabolism. If it helps, keep a food diary.
- Limit your carbohydrate intake, it is best not to eat starchy foods after 6-7pm. If you must, stick to whole grain, or rye, bread. Get the majority of your carbs through fruits & veggies though.
- Make sure you eat foods that are low in saturated and trans fat, and obtain enough good fat (omega 3 fatty acids - salmon oil supplements are excellent for this). Again, avoid eating late at night.
- Eat plenty of protein! Staples should be: chicken breast, tuna, salmon, turkey, egg whites, cottage cheese!
- Drink LOTS of water. To prevent water retention, drink more water and cut foods that are high in sodium! 2-3 litres a day is good, at first, you'll have to pee every 10 min. but after a few weeks your body will adjust, trust me!
Like someone already mentioned, you CANNOT spot reduce. Stick to a consistent and realistic exercise routine:
- CARDIOVASCULAR activity, 3-4 times a week for 30-45 minutes in duration. It's important not to overdo your cardio sessions as it will do more harm than good.
- If you really want to pump up your metabolism, do your cardio in the morning before breakfast on an empty stomach, and also incorporate resitance/weight training into your workout to increase flexibilty and build muscle. High intensity interval training (HIIT) is also a super effective form of cardio for fat loss.
Hope that helps
- You want to elevate your metabolism. Your diet contributes to about two thirds of the weight loss, the rest involves: exercise, sufficient sleep, and decreasing stress levels (cortisol = fat storage in ugly places!)
- Eat more often, about 5-6 times a day, but SMALLER portions. Eat every 2-3 hours. This will raise your metabolism. If it helps, keep a food diary.
- Limit your carbohydrate intake, it is best not to eat starchy foods after 6-7pm. If you must, stick to whole grain, or rye, bread. Get the majority of your carbs through fruits & veggies though.
- Make sure you eat foods that are low in saturated and trans fat, and obtain enough good fat (omega 3 fatty acids - salmon oil supplements are excellent for this). Again, avoid eating late at night.
- Eat plenty of protein! Staples should be: chicken breast, tuna, salmon, turkey, egg whites, cottage cheese!
- Drink LOTS of water. To prevent water retention, drink more water and cut foods that are high in sodium! 2-3 litres a day is good, at first, you'll have to pee every 10 min. but after a few weeks your body will adjust, trust me!
Like someone already mentioned, you CANNOT spot reduce. Stick to a consistent and realistic exercise routine:
- CARDIOVASCULAR activity, 3-4 times a week for 30-45 minutes in duration. It's important not to overdo your cardio sessions as it will do more harm than good.
- If you really want to pump up your metabolism, do your cardio in the morning before breakfast on an empty stomach, and also incorporate resitance/weight training into your workout to increase flexibilty and build muscle. High intensity interval training (HIIT) is also a super effective form of cardio for fat loss.
Hope that helps