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By Perry Gil S. Mallari
For many, Yuletide is the time to indulge in
Epicurean and Bacchanalian adventures. For the overweight, the deed
is rewarded in mid-January with an unwanted trophy—a heavier and
more pronounced flab around their waist. Having a fat belly is not
only unattractive but can also be hazardous since carrying too much
fat around one’s abdomen can increase his or her risk of heart
disease.
No quick fix
In reducing belly fat, one can save himself from
much disappointment by knowing the bare facts about problem: It has
long been determined by experts that there’s no quick fix for the
thing. Don’t waste your time and money. Popping pills won’t do
it nor doing sit-ups or crunches to spot-reduce fats in the gut. A
potbelly doesn’t develop overnight so it won’t go away overnight
either. There are holistic strategies though that one can employ to
shave off belly fat in a safer and more permanent manner but then
again, it’s not going to be easy. Any worthwhile goal requires
serious effort.
Eat to live
Eat to live and do not live to eat is a wise
saying indeed. The joy of eating ranks among life’s greatest
privileges but when practiced irresponsibly could also bring
catastrophe. Healthy eating is more favorable than Spartan dieting
which is more often than not, associated with deprivation and
hunger. A high-fat and high-sugar diet are the main reasons for fat
build up not only in your gut but in other parts of your body.
Want to get rid of that jelly belly this new
year? Make high-fiber the rule. Let vegetables and fruits be the
norm on meal times. Researchers believe that among the reasons of
the extraordinary long lifespan of Old Testament characters was that
the original biblical diet, from the time of Adam and Eve up to the
great flood during Noah’s time, was fruitarian and vegetarian.
This doesn’t mean though that you have to say goodbye for good to
your favorite T-bone steak. Even elite athletes following a strict
nutritional regimen give in to their cravings once in a while.
Undefeated world kickboxing champion Benny “The Jet” Urquidez
has a “junk food day” when he can eat whatever food he chooses
to.
Pump it up
There’s no way around it, cardiovascular
exercise is still the best way to burn fat. Indulge in whatever
aerobic activity you enjoy—be it walking, running, cycling, boxing
or ballroom dancing. They say swimming is the best overall aerobic
exercise. The list could go on and on but the basic rule to bear in
mind is “it has to be fun,” otherwise you would quit immediately
as soon as the drone of a monotonous exercise program hits. Be
guided by caution and common sense though, which means taking it
easy on yourself in the beginning and undergoing a thorough physical
checkup by your physician before engaging in any rigorous exercise
activity.
Trade fat for muscle
Weight lifting is extremely beneficial for
anyone who wants to shave off belly fat. A weight-training regimen
will develop muscles and more muscles mean the body has extra fat
and calorie burning power. Conditioned muscles also allow you
to accomplish work with less stress and strain, with some amount of
surplus energy at the end of the day.
The road to having flat abs is long and bumpy
but eventually, one is bound to discover that the healthy lifestyle
required to achieve the goal carries a lot more benefit than just
looking trim and lean.
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