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The Smart – and Fast - Way to Get a Flat Stomach
by Mia LIefso Bradford Skin Clinic & Med SpaIf the thought of baring your midriff makes you cringe, it's time to take steps to shrink your waistline once and for all. Not only is belly fat embarrassing at the beach, but it may even contribute to serious health concerns.
As Harvard Medical School reports, the visceral fat beneath your abdominal muscles is more active than the subcutaneous fat you can pinch. Excess visceral fat is linked to heart disease, dementia, breast cancer, and host of other unpleasant illnesses.
The good news is, belly fat responds well to certain lifestyle changes, such as dieting and regular exercise. And if you've successfully slimmed down but just have a bit of a pooch left, body contouring can pick up where traditional methods leave off.
Cardio, Cardio, Cardio
When it comes to losing belly fat, cardiovascular exercise may be your best friend. This type of activity is one of the most effective tools for fighting visceral fat and, according to a recent article published in U.S. News & World Report, cardio could even have more impact on your waistline than diet.
To reap the fat-fighting rewards of cardio, engage in exercises such as jogging, brisk walking, cycling, step aerobics, or even dancing. Of course, you need to exercise regularly to see results; fit cardio into your schedule as often as you can, in order to melt the fat fast. For moderate cardio, such as walking, five weekly sessions of 30 to 60 minutes each should do the trick. If you sweat it out with vigorous cardio like running, you can get the same results in five weekly sessions of just 15 to 30 minutes each.
As you lose the fat, also tone your stomach with strength training exercises such as sit-ups and crunches. Although these moves don’t target belly fat, they do sculpt the muscles to help you achieve flattering six-pack abs. Do these two to three times each week for best results, performing 2 to 3 sets of 10 to 15 reps per exercise.
The Flat Belly Diet
You probably already knew that changes in your diet can make a big difference in your weight. And yes, to lose belly fat for good you will probably have to change your eating habits drastically. This does not mean, however, that you need to start counting calories or forgo all of your favorite foods. It just means that most of the time you should choose whole, natural foods such as fresh fruits and vegetables and lean proteins like egg whites, tofu, and beans.
You can also make a big difference by switching to whole-grain foods over refined varieties. Research shows an inverse relationship between whole-grain consumption and belly fat. That is, people who choose whole grains tend to have less abdominal fat than those who eat white breads and pasta. To get your fill of whole grains, turn to whole wheat-bread, whole-rye bread, whole-wheat noodles, brown rice, quinoa, and oatmeal. And while it may sound too good to be true, popcorn is also a whole grain and it can aid in shedding fat – be sure to choose the air-popped variety, which has less fat and fewer calories than oil-popped popcorn.
Supplement Your Efforts with Body Contouring
Supplement Your Efforts with Body Contouring
While diet and exercise are indispensable for helping you lose weight, they have their limitations. Some people are slim and healthy, but still have some stubborn belly fat that refuses to vanish. That's where your local med spa or dermatology office can help: using the latest body contouring devices, they can finally remove those unwanted inches of subcutaneous fat from your waist.
Lipolissage, in particular, is a safe and effective treatment for trimming excess fat. During treatments, an acoustic shockwave goes through the skin to break down fat cells. Your body then flushes the fat through the lymphatic system, never to return. The procedure is painless, and there are no side effects.
No matter what shape you're in now, know that a flat belly is within reach if you really want it. Start making changes today with a new exercise routine and a healthier diet plan. Then, if you have a bit left to lose, count on body contouring to take you all the way.Sound simple? It is, but it works.
About The Author :
Mia Liefso is a professional medical skin therapist and the owner of Bradford Skin Clinic & Med Spa in Bradford, Ontario. She has certifications in IPL, VPL, LHE, laser and ultrasound technologies, as well as body contouring and medical facial peels. Her professional interests include difficult skin conditions—psoriasis, eczema, and acne—premature aging, skin care for the elderly, endocrinology, and helping people love the skin they’re in. Her diverse personal interests include history, animals, roller derby, travelling and gourmet cooking.
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About Mia LIefso 
Bradford Skin Clinic & Med Spa
1 connections, 0 recommendations, 12 honor points.Joined APSense since, February 3rd, 2014, From Bradford Ontatioa, Canada.
Created on Dec 31st 1969 18:00. Viewed 0 times.
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