The comprehensive guide to burning off your love handles.
P
Pooch, gut, beer
belly, love handles—whatever you want to call it, that cushy area
between your pecs and your lower half tends to be the most stubborn when
it comes to weight loss.
The secret to losing fat is actually no secret at all. What it comes down to is this: Clean, balanced eating, consistent workouts and regular, restorative sleep. It sounds simple—and it is—but with today’s bustling lifestyle it gets harder and harder to shed unwanted pounds.
While it’s very difficult and rather impossible (according to some) to spot reduce fat, targeting body fat as a whole is your best bet to busting that belly. From the best fat burning workouts to the top food picks for fat loss—here’s what you need to know if you want rid yourself of that extra fluff.
High intensity interval training is high on every trainer’s list, and for good reason. “My number one pick for fat loss would be high intensity interval training, just because you’re burning a lot of calories in a short amount of time. You’re getting more bang for your buck. I know a lot of guys that don’t have all day to work out in a gym, so when it comes to belly fat you have to focus on calorie burn and intense workouts,” says Jim White, owner of Jim White Fitness and Nutrition Studios in Virginia Beach. Think bootcamps, tabata, and series of burpees, box jumps and sprints—those all do the trick. The best thing about HIIT is that it keeps your body working long after you leave the gym, burning calories and fat on your off hours via a phenomenon called excess post-exercise oxygen consumption (aka EPOC).
Running
You don’t need to dole out big bucks for specialized workout classes or equipment when your two greatest fat burners are with you at all times—yes, your legs. “Running is one of those workouts that you can do anywhere. All you need to do is go outside—you don’t need equipment. At an average pace you can burn up to 600 calories per hour. Of course the more intense and the faster you run the more calories you’ll burn. Depending on pace you can burn up to 1,000 calories per hour. You can incorporate intervals of walking, jogging, and running [to not only ease into your run, but also to bump up the calorie burn]. You can also choose to go up hills or do sprints. Going out in the heat you also burn more calories. "I would definitely incorporate running as a great workout to burn belly fat,” says White.
Cycling
The options for spin today are growing to be more intense and more entertaining at that, with options like SoulCycle, Flywheel, CYC fitness, and your local gym’s trusty spin class. Locking into a bike will not only skyrocket your fat burn, but the pack mentality may cause you to work harder in an effort to keep up with and surpass your fellow riders. “I definitely would put spinning up there as one of the best fat burning workouts. First of all, you have that great social scene and music coming together [to boost drive and motivation]. Weight training can sometimes be boring alone, but adding spinning makes things more interesting,” says White. Researchers at the University of Southern California’s Department of Preventive Medicine found that when you work out with others, you’re more likely to enjoy your sweat session. When you enjoy something, you’re more likely to stick to it long term. It’s a simple concept, but when it comes to losing belly fat it’s particularly important because fat loss is a marathon, not a sprint.
Quinoa
Quite possibly the king of good carbs, quinoa is one of those foods that is incredibly versatile and boasts an impressive nutritional profile. “Quinoa is almost a complete meal—it has your protein, being one of the highest protein ancient grains—and it has your healthy carbohydrates. It’s very nutrient dense and very versatile—you can add more protein to it or healthy sources of fat like pumpkin seeds and oils. We need carbohydrates in our body (like quinoa), and a lot of people are afraid to eat them. Quinoa is a slow digesting carbohydrate and it’s not high glycemic, so it won’t cause an insulin response like eating straight sugar would,” says White. Carbohydrates give your body energy and help carry you through tough workouts. Quinoa in particular contains all the essential amino acids needed to support muscle development and encourage fat loss. By swapping nutritionally-lacking carbs like white rice or pasta for quinoa, you’ll boost your fat burn.
Greek Yogurt
Portable and gut-friendly, keeping greek yogurt on hand is going to help rid you of those unwanted love handles. From a quick snack—pair it with fresh fruit or nuts—to a smoothie enhancer or sour cream substitute, greek yogurt is very versatile when it comes to daily usage, making it an easy addition to your diet if it’s not a staple already. “It’s high in protein, and a good source of vitamin D and calcium to help rebuild the bones. Especially if you get the plain variety it’s very low in sugar—it’s a great snack for fat loss,” says White. The key here is to avoid pre-flavored varieties. Fruit on the bottom versions pack in an unsightly amount of sugar that may actually inhibit weight loss and potentially contribute to your fat deposits. A seven ounce serving contains a whopping 18 grams of protein on average and also provides healthy gut bacteria to keep your belly feeling good and digestion regular.
Broccoli
Your diet should contain an absurd number of veggies if you’re looking to melt away fat—broccoli being one of them. “When it comes to vegetables, which are very important, I would definitely throw broccoli as number one,” says White. Broccoli is low in calories and high in fiber, which means it’s going to fill you up, keep you full and stop any unnecessary, craving-driven eating later. One cup of the green stuff contains close to 3 grams of fiber for a measly 30 calories. It’s also an excellent source of iron, calcium and vitamin C, which will encourage greater blood flow to the muscles, support healthy bones, and increase immunity.
Asparagus
A close contender for top place as one of the best fat-busting foods is asparagus, according to White. “Asparagus is a natural diuretic and is also loaded with vitamins. Per one cup cooked it’s only 25 calories, but thanks to the fiber it will fill you up. You can grill it or steam it (steaming will probably be the cleanest way to prepare it), you can boil it or even microwave it. I’ve even seen people eat it raw. You can throw olive oil on it and saute it. There are a lot of different options here. You just want to stay away from the butter,” says White. Due to the diuretic properties of asparagus, you may see more immediate reductions in stomach bloating, reducing your pounch’s appearance while you work over time to really tighten it up.
Salmon
Fishing around for the perfect protein? Salmon is a good place to start. It's full of healthy fats, and when combined with regular exercise can support even greater fat loss according to research published in the American Journal of Clinical Nutrition. “Salmon’s great because it has omega-3 fatty acids and is a good source of protein. It is a little higher in fat than other protein options, but it's the good kind of fat that we need in our diet. I see a lot of athletes that don’t incorporate any fat in their diets and are afraid to eat fat, but this is a good fat to have. Per ounce you get about 7 grams of protein, so if you’re an average male who is going to consume around 5 ounces it can add up to 35 grams of protein per serving,” says White. Opt for wild salmon versus farmed varieties, as it tends to contain higher amounts of healthy omega’s and less of the inflammation-causing omega-6 fatty acids.
Blueberries
When it comes to melting fat it's not all fiber and protein. A balanced diet rich in nutrient dense foods like berries is extremely important if you want your body to function at it's optimal level. “As far as fruit I would recommend blueberries because they're one of the highest foods in antioxidants. They’re great to throw into your protein shake for a healthy added sugar after your workouts to help speed up recovery. Per cup we’re looking at around 60 calories, so it’s very low calorie and very versatile,” says White. Antioxidants not only fight free radicals, but according to a study from the University of Michigan, rats who were fed blueberry powder with their meals wound up with less belly fat at the end of the 3-month long study versus rats who consumed no berries in their diet, suggesting that the antioxidant compounds help fight and diminish stubborn fat cells.
Green Tea
Think of green tea as your fat-melting, metabolism-fueling cocktail. Especially when swapped for other calorie-rich caffeinated beverages like your morning latte, green tea can boost your fat burn efforts because it's low in calories and rich in antioxidants. This brew contains certain antioxidants called catechins, which have been found to rev up metabolism and encourage the breakdown of fat cells—particularly belly fat. Researchers from Penn State's College of Agricultural Sciences suggest that consuming decaffeinated green tea in conjunction with a balanced exercise regimen will increase weight loss and fat burning results rather than just sipping on the drink alone.
Quinoa Chia Pancakes
“The healthy fat and protein in here allow for the classic yummy pancake feel but with more nutritional bang!” says Smith.
Prep time: 5 minutes
Total time: 20 minutes
Makes: 10-12, 4-5″ pancakes
Ingredients:
1 cup quinoa flour
2/3 cup almond milk or water
2 eggs
1 tsp vanilla extract
1 tsp cinnamon
2 tsp chia seeds
1 Tbsp maple syrup
Dash salt
(For pan) mist of avocado oil
Directions:
“These are a great and easy dinner and can be served with simple sweet potato fries,” says Smith.
Prep time: 10 minutes
Total time: 30 minutes
Makes: 3-4 servings
Ingredients:
1 Tbsp avocado oil
1 yellow onion, chopped
3 chicken breasts, cubed (equal to 1 lb)
2 tsp chili powder
Dash oregano and basil
Salt and pepper to taste
3 Tbsp nutritional yeast or your favorite cheese; 1-2 pre-cooking, 1 for garnish.
5 red (or other color) bell peppers, tops removed, seeds removed and cut into 3-4 pieces
Directions:
“Chili is an easy option for a lunch or dinner and can also used as leftovers. It's rich in both protein and fiber and therefore makes for a good, belly-fat-fighting option,” says Smith.
Prep time: 5-10 minutes
Total time: 30-40 minutes
Makes: 4-6 servings
Ingredients:
1 tsp olive oil
1 onion, chopped
1-lb grass-fed beef
2 bell peppers, chopped
4 carrots, peeled and chopped
1 can black beans, drained and rinsed
1-16 oz jar of low-sodium, organic tomato sauce
Dash salt and pepper
1-2 tsp chili powder
1 tsp each: basil, oregano
Directions:
“Kale salad is an easy and delicious option for a lunch or dinner—both as a side and as the main course as well,” says Smith.
Prep time: 5 minutes
Total time: 5-10 minutes
Makes: 3-4 servings
Ingredients:
Salad-
2 heads of kale, cut off the stem, washed and dried
½ sweet potato, cubed and roasted
½ cup pomegranate seeds
Dressing:
2 Tbsp olive oil
2 Tbsp lemon or lime juice
Dash salt and pepper
Directions:
Pack Snacks
No belly-busting diet is complete without a super-charged arsenal of healthy, satiating snacks. By planning ahead for those times you get stuck—think traffic jams and long days at the office—you’ll be equipped to fight against any unhealthy temptations or poor food choicess. “I would definitely have snacks planned throughout the day. It's very important to eat throughout the day to make sure you’re not famished at some of the bigger meals. I would definitely have snack jars with things like granola bars, protein bars, almonds, dehydrated fruits, turkey jerky and a lot of high protein snacks stashed at work, in the car or at home,” says White.
Prepare Meals on Sunday
Putting aside time on Sundays to prep for the week ahead will not only save you countless dollars in last minute takeout meals, but it will also save you a tremendous amount of excess calories in the long run. When we make decisions based on emotions and convenience we often find ourselves tied to less-healthy fare. White suggests getting in the kitchen, throwing on some good music and preparing your meals for the days ahead. This way you can control ingredients, portions, and also free up time during the week to tend to your usual obligations. If you stick with it in the long term, this will translate to less overall body fat as a result.
Pencil in Your Workouts
If you haven't picked up on the importance of preparation, then we haven't done our job. It's all too easy to get wrapped up in your busy schedule and forget to put a priority on health and what actions contribute to it. “People don’t plan for the week as far as writing their workout times in the calendar. If you write them down you’re 30% more likely to stay adherent to your workout. Write them down as you would any doctor's appointment and try to shoot for sticking with it,” says White. The more workouts you check off, the faster you're going to see results. Do yourself a favor and book that bike ahead of time—you’ll eliminate the opportunity for lame excuses by making a real commitment to your sweat sessions.
Meditate For most, the thought of sitting down for 10 minutes without any kind of stimulation is embarrassingly scary. However, if you're able to muster up the willpower to do so, meditating for a small period of time each day will boost your fat burn efforts by reducing stress. By reducing stress, you reduce the stress hormone cortisol, which has been linked to higher amounts of fat in the body. “Definitely find some time to meditate. When we are stressed it can cause an increase in cortisol which can negatively affect body fat. There are a lot of great apps out there like Headspace which takes you through a short meditation to try to decrease stress,” says White. Or, look in to Transcendental Meditiation. Four of our cover guys practice this research-backed type of meditation! Don't knock it until you try it.
Make Sleep a Priority
Sleep takes all that hard work you're doing in the kitchen and the gym and fast tracks those results. A good night's sleep helps your body recover from activity and also regulates hormones responsible for hunger cues. “Sleep is essential [for fat loss and overall health]. It’s recommended that adults get 7-8 hours per night. There are a lot of studies on [sleep and fat loss], showing that good sleep can help us eat better and help us to lose weight,” says White. The two specific hormones sleep has an influence over are leptin and ghrelin. Leptin works to keep your energy steady and appetite low. Alternatively, ghrelin increases feelings of hunger. When you fail to get adequate sleep, ghrelin is increased and leptin is decreased, which messes with your hunger signals and can cause you to eat more. By getting your 7-8 hours a night you'll avoid any wacky cravings and emotional eating, which will make your fat-loss goals that much easier to achieve.
Avoid Artificial Sweeteners
The zero calorie tag is particularly tempting when you're desperate to drop fat, but honestly you'll see better results if you avoid any artificial sweeteners in your diet. According to the Harvard School of Public Health, when your brain registers something as sweet but fails to get those calories associated with it, it causes your body to seek them elsewhere, leading to excess calorie intake. In addition, popular sweeteners like Splenda are 300 to 600 times sweeter than real sugar on average, and consuming them may send your sweet cravings through the roof, potentially leading to poor food choices. Steer clear of the fake stuff and reach for the real stuff in moderation if you absolutely need something sweet. However, if you're really serious about getting rid of your excess fat it would serve you best to avoid added sugar at all costs.
The secret to losing fat is actually no secret at all. What it comes down to is this: Clean, balanced eating, consistent workouts and regular, restorative sleep. It sounds simple—and it is—but with today’s bustling lifestyle it gets harder and harder to shed unwanted pounds.
While it’s very difficult and rather impossible (according to some) to spot reduce fat, targeting body fat as a whole is your best bet to busting that belly. From the best fat burning workouts to the top food picks for fat loss—here’s what you need to know if you want rid yourself of that extra fluff.
TOP WORKOUTS FOR FAT LOSS
High-Intensity Interval TrainingHigh intensity interval training is high on every trainer’s list, and for good reason. “My number one pick for fat loss would be high intensity interval training, just because you’re burning a lot of calories in a short amount of time. You’re getting more bang for your buck. I know a lot of guys that don’t have all day to work out in a gym, so when it comes to belly fat you have to focus on calorie burn and intense workouts,” says Jim White, owner of Jim White Fitness and Nutrition Studios in Virginia Beach. Think bootcamps, tabata, and series of burpees, box jumps and sprints—those all do the trick. The best thing about HIIT is that it keeps your body working long after you leave the gym, burning calories and fat on your off hours via a phenomenon called excess post-exercise oxygen consumption (aka EPOC).
You don’t need to dole out big bucks for specialized workout classes or equipment when your two greatest fat burners are with you at all times—yes, your legs. “Running is one of those workouts that you can do anywhere. All you need to do is go outside—you don’t need equipment. At an average pace you can burn up to 600 calories per hour. Of course the more intense and the faster you run the more calories you’ll burn. Depending on pace you can burn up to 1,000 calories per hour. You can incorporate intervals of walking, jogging, and running [to not only ease into your run, but also to bump up the calorie burn]. You can also choose to go up hills or do sprints. Going out in the heat you also burn more calories. "I would definitely incorporate running as a great workout to burn belly fat,” says White.
The options for spin today are growing to be more intense and more entertaining at that, with options like SoulCycle, Flywheel, CYC fitness, and your local gym’s trusty spin class. Locking into a bike will not only skyrocket your fat burn, but the pack mentality may cause you to work harder in an effort to keep up with and surpass your fellow riders. “I definitely would put spinning up there as one of the best fat burning workouts. First of all, you have that great social scene and music coming together [to boost drive and motivation]. Weight training can sometimes be boring alone, but adding spinning makes things more interesting,” says White. Researchers at the University of Southern California’s Department of Preventive Medicine found that when you work out with others, you’re more likely to enjoy your sweat session. When you enjoy something, you’re more likely to stick to it long term. It’s a simple concept, but when it comes to losing belly fat it’s particularly important because fat loss is a marathon, not a sprint.
TOP FOODS FOR FAT LOSS
Quite possibly the king of good carbs, quinoa is one of those foods that is incredibly versatile and boasts an impressive nutritional profile. “Quinoa is almost a complete meal—it has your protein, being one of the highest protein ancient grains—and it has your healthy carbohydrates. It’s very nutrient dense and very versatile—you can add more protein to it or healthy sources of fat like pumpkin seeds and oils. We need carbohydrates in our body (like quinoa), and a lot of people are afraid to eat them. Quinoa is a slow digesting carbohydrate and it’s not high glycemic, so it won’t cause an insulin response like eating straight sugar would,” says White. Carbohydrates give your body energy and help carry you through tough workouts. Quinoa in particular contains all the essential amino acids needed to support muscle development and encourage fat loss. By swapping nutritionally-lacking carbs like white rice or pasta for quinoa, you’ll boost your fat burn.
Portable and gut-friendly, keeping greek yogurt on hand is going to help rid you of those unwanted love handles. From a quick snack—pair it with fresh fruit or nuts—to a smoothie enhancer or sour cream substitute, greek yogurt is very versatile when it comes to daily usage, making it an easy addition to your diet if it’s not a staple already. “It’s high in protein, and a good source of vitamin D and calcium to help rebuild the bones. Especially if you get the plain variety it’s very low in sugar—it’s a great snack for fat loss,” says White. The key here is to avoid pre-flavored varieties. Fruit on the bottom versions pack in an unsightly amount of sugar that may actually inhibit weight loss and potentially contribute to your fat deposits. A seven ounce serving contains a whopping 18 grams of protein on average and also provides healthy gut bacteria to keep your belly feeling good and digestion regular.
Your diet should contain an absurd number of veggies if you’re looking to melt away fat—broccoli being one of them. “When it comes to vegetables, which are very important, I would definitely throw broccoli as number one,” says White. Broccoli is low in calories and high in fiber, which means it’s going to fill you up, keep you full and stop any unnecessary, craving-driven eating later. One cup of the green stuff contains close to 3 grams of fiber for a measly 30 calories. It’s also an excellent source of iron, calcium and vitamin C, which will encourage greater blood flow to the muscles, support healthy bones, and increase immunity.
Courtesy Image
A close contender for top place as one of the best fat-busting foods is asparagus, according to White. “Asparagus is a natural diuretic and is also loaded with vitamins. Per one cup cooked it’s only 25 calories, but thanks to the fiber it will fill you up. You can grill it or steam it (steaming will probably be the cleanest way to prepare it), you can boil it or even microwave it. I’ve even seen people eat it raw. You can throw olive oil on it and saute it. There are a lot of different options here. You just want to stay away from the butter,” says White. Due to the diuretic properties of asparagus, you may see more immediate reductions in stomach bloating, reducing your pounch’s appearance while you work over time to really tighten it up.
Fishing around for the perfect protein? Salmon is a good place to start. It's full of healthy fats, and when combined with regular exercise can support even greater fat loss according to research published in the American Journal of Clinical Nutrition. “Salmon’s great because it has omega-3 fatty acids and is a good source of protein. It is a little higher in fat than other protein options, but it's the good kind of fat that we need in our diet. I see a lot of athletes that don’t incorporate any fat in their diets and are afraid to eat fat, but this is a good fat to have. Per ounce you get about 7 grams of protein, so if you’re an average male who is going to consume around 5 ounces it can add up to 35 grams of protein per serving,” says White. Opt for wild salmon versus farmed varieties, as it tends to contain higher amounts of healthy omega’s and less of the inflammation-causing omega-6 fatty acids.
When it comes to melting fat it's not all fiber and protein. A balanced diet rich in nutrient dense foods like berries is extremely important if you want your body to function at it's optimal level. “As far as fruit I would recommend blueberries because they're one of the highest foods in antioxidants. They’re great to throw into your protein shake for a healthy added sugar after your workouts to help speed up recovery. Per cup we’re looking at around 60 calories, so it’s very low calorie and very versatile,” says White. Antioxidants not only fight free radicals, but according to a study from the University of Michigan, rats who were fed blueberry powder with their meals wound up with less belly fat at the end of the 3-month long study versus rats who consumed no berries in their diet, suggesting that the antioxidant compounds help fight and diminish stubborn fat cells.
Think of green tea as your fat-melting, metabolism-fueling cocktail. Especially when swapped for other calorie-rich caffeinated beverages like your morning latte, green tea can boost your fat burn efforts because it's low in calories and rich in antioxidants. This brew contains certain antioxidants called catechins, which have been found to rev up metabolism and encourage the breakdown of fat cells—particularly belly fat. Researchers from Penn State's College of Agricultural Sciences suggest that consuming decaffeinated green tea in conjunction with a balanced exercise regimen will increase weight loss and fat burning results rather than just sipping on the drink alone.
RECIPES FOR FAT LOSS
(Courtesy of Isabel Smith, MS, RD, CDN, registered dietitian and founder of Isabel Smith Nutrition)Quinoa Chia Pancakes
“The healthy fat and protein in here allow for the classic yummy pancake feel but with more nutritional bang!” says Smith.
Prep time: 5 minutes
Total time: 20 minutes
Makes: 10-12, 4-5″ pancakes
Ingredients:
1 cup quinoa flour
2/3 cup almond milk or water
2 eggs
1 tsp vanilla extract
1 tsp cinnamon
2 tsp chia seeds
1 Tbsp maple syrup
Dash salt
(For pan) mist of avocado oil
Directions:
- Combine all ingredients in a small mixing bowl and combine using whisk or immersion (hand-held) blender until mixture is homogenous.
- Heat a medium skillet over medium heat and mist the pan with avocado or other high smoke point oil- 2 minutes.
- Pour batter into 4-5″ rounds and cook on each side- about 2 minutes.
- Serve with your favorite toppings and enjoy!
“These are a great and easy dinner and can be served with simple sweet potato fries,” says Smith.
Prep time: 10 minutes
Total time: 30 minutes
Makes: 3-4 servings
Ingredients:
1 Tbsp avocado oil
1 yellow onion, chopped
3 chicken breasts, cubed (equal to 1 lb)
2 tsp chili powder
Dash oregano and basil
Salt and pepper to taste
3 Tbsp nutritional yeast or your favorite cheese; 1-2 pre-cooking, 1 for garnish.
5 red (or other color) bell peppers, tops removed, seeds removed and cut into 3-4 pieces
Directions:
- Preheat the oven to 400 degrees and line 1-2 baking sheets with parchment paper.
- Heat oil in a skillet over medium heat and add onion, saute for 2-3 minutes or slightly browned and soft.
- Add chicken to the pan and cook for 5-7 minutes before adding all of the herbs, spices, salt and pepper- then continue to cook until cooked through (another 5 minutes or so).
- While the chicken is cooking, remove top and seeds from each pepper and cut each into 3-4 sections.
- When the chicken is finished cooking, divide into each pepper boat and garnish with additional cheese or nutritional yeast.
- Cook for 10-15 minutes or until peppers are soft.
- Remove from oven and serve with your favorite side dish and enjoy!
“Chili is an easy option for a lunch or dinner and can also used as leftovers. It's rich in both protein and fiber and therefore makes for a good, belly-fat-fighting option,” says Smith.
Prep time: 5-10 minutes
Total time: 30-40 minutes
Makes: 4-6 servings
Ingredients:
1 tsp olive oil
1 onion, chopped
1-lb grass-fed beef
2 bell peppers, chopped
4 carrots, peeled and chopped
1 can black beans, drained and rinsed
1-16 oz jar of low-sodium, organic tomato sauce
Dash salt and pepper
1-2 tsp chili powder
1 tsp each: basil, oregano
Directions:
- Wash and prepare ingredients.
- Heat a large stock pot over medium heat and add oil.
- After 1-2 minutes, add onion and sauté for 3-4 minutes or until lightly browned.
- Add beef and cook, stirring occasionally, for about 5 minutes or until mostly cooked.
- Add remaining ingredients and bring to a boil (about 5-7 minutes), then lower heat and simmer for 15-20 minutes. Stir occasionally.
- Remove from heat, then serve and enjoy!
“Kale salad is an easy and delicious option for a lunch or dinner—both as a side and as the main course as well,” says Smith.
Prep time: 5 minutes
Total time: 5-10 minutes
Makes: 3-4 servings
Ingredients:
Salad-
2 heads of kale, cut off the stem, washed and dried
½ sweet potato, cubed and roasted
½ cup pomegranate seeds
Dressing:
2 Tbsp olive oil
2 Tbsp lemon or lime juice
Dash salt and pepper
Directions:
- Wash and dry kale and cut off stem, and prepare the sweet potato and pomegranate seeds.
- In a salad bowl combine the kale, sweet potato and pomegranate seeds.
- In a separate bowl mix together the salad dressing and pour over the salad
- Mix the salad dressing into the salad using hands to massage the dressing into the kale- note that kale salad is much more palatable after the kale has been sufficiently massaged.
- Serve the salad and enjoy!
DAILY HABITS FOR FAT LOSS
No belly-busting diet is complete without a super-charged arsenal of healthy, satiating snacks. By planning ahead for those times you get stuck—think traffic jams and long days at the office—you’ll be equipped to fight against any unhealthy temptations or poor food choicess. “I would definitely have snacks planned throughout the day. It's very important to eat throughout the day to make sure you’re not famished at some of the bigger meals. I would definitely have snack jars with things like granola bars, protein bars, almonds, dehydrated fruits, turkey jerky and a lot of high protein snacks stashed at work, in the car or at home,” says White.
Putting aside time on Sundays to prep for the week ahead will not only save you countless dollars in last minute takeout meals, but it will also save you a tremendous amount of excess calories in the long run. When we make decisions based on emotions and convenience we often find ourselves tied to less-healthy fare. White suggests getting in the kitchen, throwing on some good music and preparing your meals for the days ahead. This way you can control ingredients, portions, and also free up time during the week to tend to your usual obligations. If you stick with it in the long term, this will translate to less overall body fat as a result.
If you haven't picked up on the importance of preparation, then we haven't done our job. It's all too easy to get wrapped up in your busy schedule and forget to put a priority on health and what actions contribute to it. “People don’t plan for the week as far as writing their workout times in the calendar. If you write them down you’re 30% more likely to stay adherent to your workout. Write them down as you would any doctor's appointment and try to shoot for sticking with it,” says White. The more workouts you check off, the faster you're going to see results. Do yourself a favor and book that bike ahead of time—you’ll eliminate the opportunity for lame excuses by making a real commitment to your sweat sessions.
Meditate For most, the thought of sitting down for 10 minutes without any kind of stimulation is embarrassingly scary. However, if you're able to muster up the willpower to do so, meditating for a small period of time each day will boost your fat burn efforts by reducing stress. By reducing stress, you reduce the stress hormone cortisol, which has been linked to higher amounts of fat in the body. “Definitely find some time to meditate. When we are stressed it can cause an increase in cortisol which can negatively affect body fat. There are a lot of great apps out there like Headspace which takes you through a short meditation to try to decrease stress,” says White. Or, look in to Transcendental Meditiation. Four of our cover guys practice this research-backed type of meditation! Don't knock it until you try it.
Sleep takes all that hard work you're doing in the kitchen and the gym and fast tracks those results. A good night's sleep helps your body recover from activity and also regulates hormones responsible for hunger cues. “Sleep is essential [for fat loss and overall health]. It’s recommended that adults get 7-8 hours per night. There are a lot of studies on [sleep and fat loss], showing that good sleep can help us eat better and help us to lose weight,” says White. The two specific hormones sleep has an influence over are leptin and ghrelin. Leptin works to keep your energy steady and appetite low. Alternatively, ghrelin increases feelings of hunger. When you fail to get adequate sleep, ghrelin is increased and leptin is decreased, which messes with your hunger signals and can cause you to eat more. By getting your 7-8 hours a night you'll avoid any wacky cravings and emotional eating, which will make your fat-loss goals that much easier to achieve.
The zero calorie tag is particularly tempting when you're desperate to drop fat, but honestly you'll see better results if you avoid any artificial sweeteners in your diet. According to the Harvard School of Public Health, when your brain registers something as sweet but fails to get those calories associated with it, it causes your body to seek them elsewhere, leading to excess calorie intake. In addition, popular sweeteners like Splenda are 300 to 600 times sweeter than real sugar on average, and consuming them may send your sweet cravings through the roof, potentially leading to poor food choices. Steer clear of the fake stuff and reach for the real stuff in moderation if you absolutely need something sweet. However, if you're really serious about getting rid of your excess fat it would serve you best to avoid added sugar at all costs.
by Tiffany Gagnon 
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