By now, you know about the muffin top. That little fold of flesh that spills over the waistline of fitted pants can take an ensemble from tame to trashy in no time flat.
But the muffin top is more than just a pesky confidence crusher. Excess belly fat can raise your risk of heart disease, cancer, and type 2 diabetes. So what can you do, aside from wait for caftans to come back into fashion?
Plenty. Weve devised a three-pronged attack that will have you winning the Battle of the Bulge in no time.
1. Snack Strategy
One of the most effective weight- and fat-loss secrets is staying satisfied. Dont go hungry; if you starve yourself, youre far more likely to overindulge at your next meal. The tricks are fiber and protein, protein, protein. Try these filling snacks and keep yourself satiated.
- Raw, unsalted almonds
- Celery sticks with peanut butter
- Mozzarella string cheese
- Baby carrots or carrot sticks with hummus
2. Slim that Stomach
At times it may seem like your own body is working against you. From your muscles to your metabolism, theres a lot to consider. But you can regain the upper hand.
- The One-Two Punch: Stand with your feet spread wide apart. Lean forward and alternate punching with your left and right hands, twisting your body to each side for maximum effect. This exercise will raise your heart rate and give your abdominals a workout.
- Yoga: Nearly all yoga improves posture. Every position that requires you to hold yourself upright is also building your core muscles and slimming your waistline.
- Deep Breathing: Justbreathe. In addition to helping regulate your metabolism, deep breathing has been shown to reduce stress and anxiety almost instantlystress that often shows in the form of belly fat.
3. Savvy Sizing
