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How to whittle your middle
By Dr. Narinder Saini M.D.
Difficulty whittling one’s middle is a common complaint
because the abdomen is one of the key areas where our
bodies store fat.
This is especially true for men because the belly is their
main fat storage space. For women, fat is first deposited
in the hips and thighs, but the waist is also a prime
target, particularly after menopause.
For either sex, one thing is clear: Excess abdominal fat
isn’t just a cosmetic issue; it’s also linked to a greater
risk of heart disease, some cancers and early death.
Yet, our bodies are programmed to pack on the pounds for
hard times. Any unused calories are squirreled away as
fat, which can quickly be converted to energy should food
become scarce.
Of course, most Americans are in no danger of starving.
But our bodies don’t know that. So when we take in more
energy than we use, our bodies stockpile it.
To lose fat — wherever it’s located — you must prompt
the body to tap into that stored fuel source. How? Not
by starving yourself, of course, but by reducing your
caloric intake with a healthful diet and burning calories
with exercise. “It’s a matter of calories in versus calories
out,”
If you’re already trying to follow a healthy lifestyle,
as the reader indicates, take a closer look at your diet
and exercise routine. Do you really know how many calories
are in that super-sized bran muffin? Or how much fat is
lurking in that mocha cappuccino? Is exercise truly a
regular part of your life or something you squeeze in
on the weekends? |
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