Five Ways to Banish the Belly Fat

Tonya Tittle 

One of the more stubborn areas of our bodies where we tend to accumulate fat is the belly. Listed below are what I consider the five most important ways to banish that belly fat for good!

1. 1. Avoid Refined Sugar: Most cereals and breads have high fructose corn syrup, corn syrup solids or just plain sugar. Ingredients are listed on the label in the order of the highest quantity first.
2. Drink plenty water: We need half our body weight in ounces of water per day. For example: A 180 lb person would need 90 ounces (apprx. 3/4 of a gallon) of water per day.) Keep a stash of bottled water at your desk and in your car so you won't go thirsty.
3. Eat more fiber: Consume 20 to 30 grams of fiber per day. Read labels. Go for cereals, crackers and protein bars that contain at least 4 to 7 grams/serving.
4. Cut back on Dining Out: While it's hard to beat dining at your favorite restaurant, these are not 'free' calories, and eating fast food is a great way to really pile on those lbs around the middle!  Always keep healthy snacks in your car, at work and in your purse or briefcase to help keep your blood- sugar stable and prevent over-eating or pulling into your favorite burger restaurant.
5. Eliminate or drastically cut-back your alcohol consumption. Ouch! I know many of you hate this one but alcohol is metabolized as sugar. One 4 oz. glass of wine is equal to 100 calories and would be the same as eating a small bowl of ice-cream.