While more Malaysians are adopting better habits for good health, many are finding they have problem areas where they just can’t fatten up to shrink.
Raise your hand if you’re one of the millions who find themselves with a layer of stubborn fat around their waists?
It’s frustrating that even though you may be making an effort with your diet and trying to exercise more, sometimes it seems impossible to reduce the fat around your belly, especially when you want to look good for the holidays.
With an active lifestyle, there are several steps you can take to help you get or stay slim for good.
Busting the fat loss myth
I’m sorry to say there is no such thing as spot reduction.
We simply can’t choose where our body stores fat and then remove it from specific places when we decide we don’t want it.
It’s a daunting fact, but hundreds of crunches and crunches alone won’t help you lose that spare tire right away.
The good news is that with diet and exercise together, you can burn excess fat.
Follow these three tips to shed belly fat, and your spare tire will soon be flat.
Three Simple Tips to Help You Reduce the Appearance of Belly Fat
Here are three tummy busters that can help you stay stress-free and in control of your figure.
Tip 1: Take time to be active
While you can’t spot-cut and just focus on a flabby tummy, you shouldn’t discount the benefits of general exercise.
If you can find time for just one physical activity every day, you’ll soon find yourself reaffirming everything.
You’ve probably heard this before, but being active and physically fit is also a wonderful way to reduce stress in your life.
Exercise can give you a break and help you re-prioritize.
Even better, the time you spend exercising is time you can’t eat!
Tip 2: Take a deep breath
Practice mindful breathing by inhaling through your nose and letting the air expand toward your belly, then exhaling through your mouth.
Taking five to 10 mindful breaths can calm your mind and give you a rejuvenating break.
Don’t let stress take over and leave you exhausted at the end of the day; this can lead to comfort food.
Try this breathing technique as often as you remember (try putting on a sticky note).
Take time to think about your body and how you want it to look.
This technique can help you avoid a donut or re-prioritize a trip to the gym.
Tip 3: Pull your shoulders back and tummy in
Schedule a stretch break instead of a the tarik break.
You can do simple stretches and exercises from the comfort of your office chair or while you’re on the phone.
Try to squeeze your belly in when sitting or standing for 30 seconds at a time, and you’ll be strengthening your core abdominal muscles.
If you have a minute (you sure do!), take a moment to stand up straight, pull your shoulders back, and walk tall.
Improving your posture can help you feel more alert and in better shape.
While there are no quick fixes, you’ll feel better instantly if you start exercising, take control of your figure, and take time to think about yourself.
Whatever your problem area, be it a wobbly tummy, thundering thighs, or double chin, with a consistent exercise routine and a little patience, you can improve your physique.
Samantha Clayton is Herbalife Nutrition’s vice president of sports performance and physical education. For more information, please email [email protected]. The information provided is for educational purposes only and should not be construed as medical advice. The star makes no warranty as to the accuracy, completeness, functionality, usefulness, or other warranties as to the content appearing in this column. The star disclaims all liability for loss, property damage, or personal injury suffered directly or indirectly from reliance on such information.
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