Thursday, September 15, 2011

Getting rid of belly fat

UPDATED.

For the past few months, I have been visiting the gym.  The best thing about going to the gym is that my health and physical strength has improved compared with previous years.  But although I feel great, I haven't been successful in getting rid of my belly fat.

I came across an article in the August 2011 issue of InStyle magazine that provided suggestions on how to loose the tummy fat.  Since InStyle is a women's magazine, I'll only highlight those I think men can benefit doing.

  • "Switch to green tea" - Scientists at Tufts University in Massachusetts have found that green tea, which contains catechins, a natural antioxidant, helps trim body fat--along with exercise, of course. 
  • Do cardio instead of focusing on crunches.
  • Avoid pasta and white bread and opt for wheat, whole grains and berries.
  • Shop fresh (organic) food, protein and herbal teas instead of canned foods and carbonated drinks.
  • Strengthen your back muscles to maintain good posture to help suck in that gut.
In another article I came across suggested that doing the "bicycle" motions can help flatten the belly.  An article in Redbook by Maridel Reyes states that "activating muscles on the front and sides of your belly works twice as much harder than crunches.  The article, only available in print, goes on to instruct how to do the bicycle at home without a actual bicycle.

Sources: "10 ways to a flatter tummy," InStyle, August 2011http://tuftsjournal.tufts.edu/2009/02_1/briefs/02/; "The #1 Move for Flat Belly," Maridel Reyes, Redbook, October 2011, pg. 100