When working to lose that fat that hangs on the obliques, commonly called love handles, we often resort to the latest fad diet. But, diet alone is not enough to remove those nasty love handles. Regular exercise is not only beneficial for fat loss but also for your overall health. Eating correctly and exercising regularly work hand in hand to burn the ab flab quickly and permanently.
When it comes to diet we should limit processed foods and empty calories. Substitute vegetables from the Brassicaceae family also known as cruciferous vegetables. They are broccoli, cauliflower, kale, brussel sprouts etc. Its also good to include citrus fruits like oranges, grapefruits, and pineapple. Raw nuts and seeds help your body function its best.
Exercise does not have to be extreme. What is important is that exercise must be regular and consistent. It is best to include exercises that work the major muscle groups. Three good exercises for the midsection, which do not require special equipment, are;
Leg Raises - excellent for the lower abdominal region. To perform the leg raise properly, lie on your back on an exercise mat. Raise one leg about a foot off the floor. Now slowly try to raise it further while contracting your abdomen. If you want to increase the intensity you can lift both legs together. Please save your back and do this slowly. Each set is between one to five repetitions. Increase the sets as your abs gets stronger.
Crunches with a twist - really targets the love handles. Again lie on the exercise mat. Put your feet flat on the floor a little separated. Cross your arms gently across your chest, this is so you do not pull your head up causing neck strain. Now exhale and slowly raise your upper body as far off the floor as you can. At the top twist to one side then slowly return to the floor. Repeat this twisting the other way on the next repetition. Do this five to ten times for a set.
Next is an interesting exercise I learned many years ago. My swimming coach taught it. It worked both the upper and lower abs. I can not remember what he called them. Exhale and then suck in your stomach as far as you can, making a crater look. Hold that for a few seconds then as you inhale push your stomach out as far as you can.
There you have just a couple of ways to answer how to lose love handles. These by no means are all the things you can or need to do to burn the fat but every little bit helps.
