The bad news for anyone trying to lose weight in her face is that there is no magic way to make your body release fat specifically from the face. Dr. Brent Ridge, vice president for healthy living for Martha Stewart Living Omnimedia, says that cardiovascular exercise is the answer. "The body will burn fat stores uniformly when you increase cardiovascular exercise," says Dr. Brent. The good news is there is so little excess weight held on your face, compared to places like your stomach or thighs, that you'll get a slimmer face much faster than you'll be able to flatten your belly. Cutting calories and foods that cause you to bloat will also help you put your best face forward.
Step 1
Do moderate-intensity cardiovascular exercise for half an hour daily. Go for a walk at a brisk pace (about 4 mph). The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) say that any activity that gets your breathing fast enough so that you can hold a conversation but not sing counts as moderate exercise. Shoot for a minimum of 250 calories burned, as advised by Dr. Brent and Good Housekeeping magazine.
Step 2
Eat 250 fewer calories each day. An online food diary like the one in the Resources section below can help you keep track of your calories and also help you see where you can cut your 250 by eliminating unnecessary junk food or substituting healthier options such as baby carrots for candy.
Step 3
Cut out foods and beverages that make you bloat. Avoid salt, whether in chips or canned tuna. Rinse your canned seafood and buy low-sodium soups and soy sauce. Also, drink nine glasses of water per day and avoid alcohol, which is dehydrating. Sufficient water will help you lose the puffiness on your face and look slimmer.
Step 4
Do two to three days a week of muscle-strengthening activities. Lift weights if you are comfortable in your knowledge of proper weight lifting form. Otherwise try Pilates, yoga or strength training classes. Good Housekeeping says that weight-bearing exercises "help your face to regain firmness, not to mention a healthy, youthful glow" and that the more muscle you have the higher your metabolism will be, hence quicker weight loss.
Tips and Warnings
- You can ask Dr. Brent questions on his radio show "Ask Dr. Brent" on Martha Stewart Living Radio.
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