Is losing weight your top new year’s resolution? Specifically, getting rid of your belly fat and furthermore, having dreamy six-pack abs? Obviously, it’s not an easy task at all to love love handles – so many people tried and failed so many times, but at least it’s a good time to start. There are at least five to seven months until the beach season starts, and it will work better when your goal is losing them within six months than within two or three months.

It’s important to remember that there is no magic formula to lose your excess belly fat. It won’t be easy and it won’t be instantaneous either. But there is still good news. When you lose overall weight, the belly fat is generally what you lose first.

Another thing to remember in losing your love handles is that a life-style change is a must. You don’t want them to return back and haunt you again only in several months. Change your body’s set-point where your metabolism will adjust itself and maintain an appropriate weight that you feel comfortable with.

Here are some essential tips to have a new set-point for your body, lose excess weight and finally say good-bye to your love handles:

Don’t skip meals, and eat less at every meal: One of the biggest causes that human body’s weight control system becomes messed up is not eating regularly. When you skip a meal, you’re more likely to overeat at the next meal and more likely to eat junk food. If you’re used to eat two meals a day, change it three meals a day with two thirds or three quarters of your regular portion. Don’t reduce the amount of the food too much.

What to eat and what not to eat: Replace white bread/pasta/rice with whole wheat, whole grain bread/pasta and brown rice. Have more vegetables. Limit high calorie foods such as saturated fat, red meat, or starchy carbohydrates. Have more vegetables. Seaweeds are great source of fiber and minerals, and will keep you full longer. Have more chicken breasts, fish and beans.

Afternoon snack: When you feel hungry in the late afternoon, have nuts such as walnuts or almonds instead of snickers, a can of coke or chips. These are tasty, crunchy and great sources of good fats and other nutrients.

Do aerobic exercise at least 4 or 5 times a week. The best exercise to start with is to walk fast - 30 to 45 minute fast-walk is great. Twice a week, include weight training. This will develop muscle tone, and increase your metabolism.

Drink plenty of water throughout the day. It keeps you hydrated as well as helps you to feel full for longer time.

Alcoholic drinks: If you’re going to have some alcoholic drinks, eat less that day. Drink them slowly and drink them with lots of water. This will slow down alcohol absorption.

This entry was posted on Thursday, January 7th, 2010 under Exercise, Paradise.