Forever In The Hips

The running joke that eating cake goes straight to the hips or waistline. If only it was easy to target those areas to burn fat. Infomercials for ab rockers and thigh machines may seem tempting, but spot-reducing fat is just a myth. The truth is that fat is burned evenly from all over the body. While more fat in the hips may keep those favorite jeans from sliding on, it’s not as dangerous as the fat that accumulates around the midsection. Excess fat in the abdominal walls, can put you at risk for cardiovascular disease, diabetes, and even cancer.

So, how do you get rid of it?

Avoid foods and drinks with added sugar. When you consume a lot of refined sugars, the liver is overloaded with fructose and immediately turns it into fat. Sugary drinks should especially be avoided because the brain does not process them the same, leading to higher caloric intake. The sugar found in whole fruits and vegetables is not a problem because fiber in them lessens the effects of the fructose. 

Mix strength training and cardio. Strength training builds muscles, allowing you to burn more calories throughout the day.  If you add cardio exercises to your workout routine, you’ll raise your heart rate and burn more fat. 

Eat the right fats. Did you know that fat burns fat? Just don’t eat the wrong ones. Meat and dairy contain a lot of saturated fat, the kind you want to avoid. Opt for fish high in Omega-3, avocados, olive oil, and sunflower seeds, instead.

Get enough sleep and reduce stress. Stress and lack of sleep are huge contributing factors in weight gain.  Because stress releases the hormone cortisol, our bodies cling to the fat. 

Although belly fat is a common weight gain area with numerous contributing factors including hormones, age, genetics, poor diet, and lack of exercise, there is hope to get rid of it. Follow these tips, and you’ll be on the path to a healthier and smaller waistline. 

“Thanksgiving, after all, is a word of action.”   W.J. Cameron