crazyhippiemom

This is the ‘meat-n-potatoes’ (pardon the pun) of getting rid of that belly fat that has plagued you for years.   You’ve probably had it for as long as you can remember… those golden days of high school, the emancipating years of college, even early into your adulthood - you’ve always had your steady friend, the Spare Tire.  Well, no more.  Nothing lasts forever and considering the health and psychological detriment this ‘friend’ has caused over the years, I think it’s time we gave that hunk of burning fat it’s walking papers.

I know, I know, I know.  You wear your belly fat as a badge of honor for all the delicious and hearty meals you’ve eaten over your lifetime.  You accessorize it (the belly fat, that is) with all kinds of trendy belts and scarves.  You even slip that sucker into a bathing suit every once in a while, and why shouldn’t you?  Is it because your belly fat increases your chances of getting diabetes?  Or is it because your belly fat increases your chances of heart attack?  Perhaps, it’s because your belly fat sometimes causes you embarrassment.  Maybe it’s all three and a host of additional major health related issues. You’ve worked hard to get that belly fat and you’re going to have to work extra hard to get rid of it.  It’ll be worth it though, because not only will you be healthier, you’ll be smokin’ hot!

More than likely, you have attempted to get rid of your spare tire.  You’ve exercised, you’ve dieted, you’ve done surgery, you’ve prayed and begged and pleaded with the big guy upstairs… to no avail.  So I guess you’ve realized that belly fat is one of the hardest spots to affect.  Why is that?  Glad you asked. Belly fat is a combination of poor diet, sedentary lifestyle, and genes.  The last one, can’t do a thing about, but, good news… the first two are in the bag.

Diet & Exercise

Now here’s where I can bore you with all the talk about glycemic indices and metabolic changes in ones system when ingesting all forms of fattening foods… but I’ll spare all of us that little piece.  The bottom line is, this is going to take a lot of commitment.  Diet and exercise are truly the only allies you have, and of course, your self-discipline. The choices made with regard to what is eaten and when, absolutely creates and maintains an unhealthy state.

Deflate

Let’s move on to how to deflate the spare tire now that it’s set up shop in your gut.  Here are some really cool tips on diet and exercise that will help you trade in that keg for a six pack.

• Diet - No, don’t go on a diet, change your diet.  Start the old switch-r-roo from coffee and pastries in the morning to a more balanced and detoxifying eating style.  This will take some practice but you can do it.  You’ll want to work on your percentages.  For example of 100% of your meals for the day you’ll do something like this: 35% lean protein (beans, nuts, tofu, and plenty of leafy green veggies), 35% high fiber carbohydrates (flax, mustard greens, avocado, collard greens, spinach, broccoli, blackberries, zucchini squash, & strawberries), 30% healthy fats (flax seed, olive oil, most nuts, avocado, olives, most seeds).
• Exercise - Yeah baby, you’ve got to burn that sucker off.  Instead of choosing to jog everyday for 30 minutes a day, why not mix it up a little?  Try 3-5 times a week with a varied bag of exercise choices (swimming, walking, jogging, pilates).  These exercises, when combined attack the whole body, not just the belly fat, which in turn will create a more harmonious weight loss effort.
• Mental Constitution - Get your mind right!  You’ve got to let go of the stresses and embrace a more relaxed approach.  For some, when they get stressed out, they eat and they eat and they eat.  What does that equate to?  You’ve got it.  Belly Fat, in fact, it equates to ‘All Over Fat’, not just in the belly. So attempt to reduce the stress in your life by perhaps employing meditation, massage, visualization, prayer, whatever works for you. 

You are well aware that your belly fat is not doing you any favors by just hanging on.  You know that if you are to lead a healthy life, it’s got to go.  So, get on the road to getting it gone.

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