Banish Belly Fat By: RA Lauren Wackerman University of Toledo- Parks Tower

Stomach fat is the hardest fat to remove from your body. It is also one of the most dangerous kinds of fats that you can carry on your body!

TIP #1 Dieting without exercising and proper nutrition may burn muscle mass and not fat which is NOT what you want! Instead, build muscle mass and decrease abdominal fat through proper exercise and nutrition.

TIP #2 Sit-ups and crunches do not help much when it comes to burning belly fat. The burning sensation you feel during these exercises are your abdominal muscles strengthening, not the fat burning off.

TIP #3 In order to melt away tummy fat, you must focus on the overall weight loss reduction of your entire body. Instead of focusing on your stomach only, you should workout your entire body including your stomach.

TIP #4 Eat food that contain monounsaturated fats in them, such as olives, avocados, walnuts, pistachios, and peanuts. These items help banish belly fat while lowering your cholesterol.

TIP #5 When it comes to exercising, it is not only important that you workout 3-4 times a week, but that you keep consistent in your workouts! You should be doing something active everyday to aid in the permanent removal of your excess chub.

TIP #6 Add circuit training to your workout schedule if you want to reduce belly fat. Circuit training combines intense aerobic exercises with strength or resistance training. Check out our great classes at the Rec Center for help!

TIP #7 Replace sugary foods and drinks with servings of fresh fruit, vegetables, and whole grains. You can speed your metabolism by eating 4-6 small portions of food a day instead of 1-3 large meals.

TIP #8 A serving of protein before and after working out helps you build lean muscle that burns fat. Protein helps protect your muscles prior to a work out, and assists in recovery after. Use protein powder to shake up a quick shake prior to and after your workout.