Many people out there are in the same boat. They decide they've got to do something about it, but just at the point where they're about to see some results, they slip back into the same frame of mind that first caused them to put on weight. Does this sounds familiar?
In this article I will discuss the dangers, the cause and most importantly, the solution for a fat stomach and obesity in general. These three points I'll make are quite obvious really, but most of us choose to live our lives in ignorant bliss, which makes it so easy to fall back into the same old habits that got us into the situation in the first place.
Where I live in the UK, around 1,000 people a week die from obesity-related conditions. It's much the same all over the western world and growing, with America at the top of the heap.
When it comes to your health, It's not just the extra fat your carrying that matters, it's where your carrying it. As you put weight on your waste line, Fat builds up around your internal organs, which means the risk of heart disease, stroke, diabetes and a few other nasty conditions increases dramatically.
1. Cut down on drinking: Most of us enjoy a glass of wine with a meal or a few beers with friends at the end of a hard week. The thing is, we normally associate putting on weight with eating not drinking. Here's a thought...
A glass of red wine can contain between 170 - 250 calories, and a pint of beer 200 - 275 calories. This makes you look at an average night out quite differently doesn't it?
So if you like a drink and don't really pay attention to the amount you have, start thinking about drinking in moderation or even giving it up for a while. Also you could try buying lower volume alcohol as usually, the higher the percentage of alcohol, the higher the calorie content. Wine is a good example of this.
2. less fast foods: OK, so your out and about with the kids, or your stressed out in work, and eating healthy is the last thing you want to think about. It's so easy to grab something easy and convenient isn't it? The trouble is, easy and convenient is normally heavy on calories and light on nutrition.
I have a few tips for combating these types of eating habits. I say eating habits because that's what they are. The same as smoking, biting your fingernails or picking your nose. Alright, I'm not saying 'bad for you' foods don't taste nice. I'm saying, we often find comfort and familiarity in such things, even if we know they do us harm.
The first step would be to start thinking differently about your diet in general. If you start thinking ahead and planing every meal in advance, you'll soon build new eating habits. Also it's not hard these days to educate yourself on what's good and what's bad for you.
You've probably heard this before, but I'll say it anyway. Eat lots more of the right stuff e.g. fruit, veg, fish and lean meats more often. Try eating five or six small meals a day and drink plenty of water.
If you find yourself in a restaurant, ask for no butter on your vegetables, and the salad dressing served on the side. If your having pasta, ask for the sauce on the side. If you ask, they normally will do it for you. This way you have more control over calories content.
3. get some exercise: This is so important for our health and well being. When you think about it, human beings are not designed for lazing around. Early man had no super markets or convenience stores. They had to be extremely active for they're own survival. Our genetics haven't changed much, except maybe for a little less body hair.
If your not too shy about joining a gym or you know someone who trains regularly, take advantage and start as soon as you can. On the other hand, you may prefer working out at home or out side. What ever you decide, don't wait till next week, next month or after Christmas, take action as soon as possible.
Cardiovascular training is essential. I prefer running to anything else, although you could choose swimming, cross training, cycling or even walking. Of course, any type of physical sport is great too. Think of what you left behind in your school days and never really picked back up for some reason. This could be the right time to grab that bull by the horns.
The other essential exercise for getting rid of your belly fat is stomach workouts. try different types of ab exercises that work your upper, lower and side abdominal muscles. Design your own workout routine and stick to it 100%.
Final word...
I have no idea how much of a weight problem you have, but I do know these three points are the answer to why your reading this article today. I can only offer you this advice... Take the information presented here and run with it! Make the decision to change final, and don't except anything less of your self!
