According to Michael Jensen, M.D., a specialist in endocrinology at the Mayo Clinic, belly fat is more than just unsightly; it can also be dangerous. People with fat around their midsections are more likely to develop heart disease, diabetes, sleep apnea and are at increased risk for stroke. With a few common sense fitness tips and a solid fitness regimen, you can end your belly fat problems, once and for all.
Start With Cardio
Cardiovascular training is one of the single most important facets of weight loss. Losing belly fat is nothing more than weight loss in a targeted area; it is very difficult to target weight loss to a specific area. Cardio training is anything that gets your heart rate up. It can be jogging, elliptical training, a brisk walk or a swift bike ride. Try and gear your cardiovascular workout to something that you enjoy, so you are more motivated to work out.
Watch Your Calories
The trick to losing belly fat, or any fat for that matter, is ensuring that you burn more calories than you consume. It can be tough to stick to a strict diet, but on the days when you cannot help but cheat, make up for it with an extra 10 minutes on the elliptical, or a few more push-ups. Fat is stored energy. When you make your body use stored fat as energy instead of supplying it with calories, fat is burned instead of accumulated. Weight is lost.
Eat Smarter
Diet is important, even if the only weight you are looking to lose is around your midsection. Eat plenty of lean meats and fill up most of your meal plate with brightly colored leafy greens, vegetables and fruit. Not only do plant foods have fiber, which make you feel fuller, but they are packed with all the vitamins and minerals your body needs to metabolize food properly and help you lose weight.
Ditch the Crunches
Replace your ab crunches with strength training. Strength training helps your body to build muscle. In turn, you will burn more fat. You can do some ab work, of course, but when you build overall muscle tone, it helps to burn up the fat.
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