Fat accumulation around your midsection increases your risk for cardiovascular disease, diabetes and some types of cancer, according to MayoClinic.com. If you want to lose belly fat quickly, you need to combine cardio activity, strength training and a healthy diet. Together, these lifestyle changes will help you lose fat all over your body, including the abs.
Step 1
Select high intensity cardio activity. Burning more calories during your workout session helps you lose fat quicker. Walking at a pace of 2 mph burns only 183 calories an hour for a 160-lb. person, according to MayoClinic.com. Increasing your intensity to running, however, burns 986 calories an hour.
Step 2
Use an interval training approach. If intense cardio activity is too difficult for your fitness level, use an interval training approach, which alternates moderate and vigorous activities. For example, start out with walking at 2 mph. After a few minutes, increase your intensity to jogging for a few minutes. Rotate between the two activities for at least 30 minutes.
Step 3
Strength train at least twice weekly, recommends the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. With strength training, you continue to burn calories even after your workout session has ended. Sessions need to last about 20 to 30 minutes each, according to MayoClinic.com. Focus on training your major muscles groups, including your abdominals, hips, legs, arms, back and chest.
Step 4
Eat foods that boost your metabolism. For example, omega-3 fatty acids improve your metabolism, according to "Fitness" magazine. Foods high in omega-3 fatty acid include tuna, salmon, walnuts and flaxseed. Monounsaturated fats are another food that improves your metabolism, according to CBS News. Nuts, avocados and olive oil contain this type of fat.
Tips and Warnings
- Don't using abdominal strength training exercises two days in a row. This will interfere with proper muscle healing, according to MayoClinic.com.
- Avoid fad diets that promise quick belly fat loss. The safest way to lose midsection weight quickly is cardio activity combined with strength training and a healthy diet.
References
- "Fitness": The 10 Best Foods for Flat Abs
- CBS News; How to Buckle Down on Belly Fat; May 2009
- "Fitness" Magazine; Top 10 Abs Exercises; Lexi Walters; May 2008
- MayoClinic.com; Belly Fat in Women; April 2009
- MayoClinic.com; Exercise for Weight Loss; December 2009
- MayoClinic.com; Interval Training: Can it Boost Your Calorie-burning Power?; February 2010



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