November 22, 2024 The Best Source of News, Culture, Lifestyle for Culver City, Mar Vista, Del Rey, Palms and West Los Angeles

Crunches Will Not Burn Belly Fat!

By Barbara Bishop

OK, so I’m three weeks into my “get rid of the belly fat resolution.” It’s going ok, I’ve know I’ve lost a little because my clothes are looser. But I have a long way to go. I needed to know the best way to get rid of it, once and for all.

Web MD to the rescue! The site was able to provide tips on how to effectively lose belly fat. And it’s not crunches or working out like a maniac for hours (thank god).

Get More Fiber

You don’t have to eat a bag of Grandma’s prunes. Web MD recommends that leafy greens, whole grains, nuts, and beans are all good for keeping away the fat that stays deep in your belly. That’s called visceral fat, and it’s the most dangerous kind because it can wrap around major organs, including your liver, pancreas, and kidneys. I now bring little packs of nuts to the office, and add beans to my salads for dinner. And I actually like my grandma’s prunes!

Smart Exercise

Still trying to “burn off” that belly fat by pounding the pavement for hour upon hour? Yes, I was. And I hated it. But research shows that a few quick bursts of high-intensity exercise – such as a 30-second sprint or intense pull-up set – may be more effective, and easier to fit into your schedule. You can add bursts of higher intensity to any workout. Just speed up or work harder for a brief time, then drop back to a more-mellow pace, and repeat. This I can do while I am walking my dog. I’m also going to an interval walking class.

Sleep: The Key to Weight Loss or Weight Gain

If you get less than 5 hours of sleep that may mean that you have more belly fat. But too much sleep – more than 8 hours – can do that, too. “Just right” seems to be around 6-8 hours. I don’t think have a problem here.

But I found out that If you tend to toss and turn, (check) try to go to bed a little earlier (check), relax before bedtime, (check) keep your bedroom cool (check). Try not to text and email right before you turn in – uh-oh, I fall asleep my my laptop and/or cellphone. Hard habit to break for me. I fall asleep e-mailing.

Forget a ‘Quick Fix’

Sorry, but cosmetic surgery isn’t the solution here. Liposuction doesn’t reach inside the abdominal wall. So it can’t get rid of visceral belly fat. Likewise, crash diets aren’t the solution, either. You’re too likely to go off them. The slower, steadier option – lifestyle changes that you can commit to for a long time – really is the best bet. I have not turned to surgery (yet) for my belly fat, but I have gone on crash diets. They have always worked for me; but then I ended up later gaining all the weight back – and then some – when I went off of the diet. Shit.

Control The Stress!

Are you stressed out? Uh yeah, I am! Web MD says that can make you eat more fat and sugar, and unleash the “stress hormone” cortisol, which can boost belly fat. Do lemon ice bars count?

Stress also can make you sleep less, exercise less, and drink more alcohol – which can add belly fat, too. It’s a great reason to take up meditation, work out, listen to music you love, or find other healthy ways to unwind and relax. How about meditation with a Grey Goose Martini?

Don’t Smoke

Smoking makes you more likely to store fat in your belly, rather than your hips and thighs. Oh, and it’s also a cause of diabetes. And cancer. And heart disease. And lung disease. Ok, who the wise guy that told me if you smoke, you can stay thinner? Thank god I didn’t listen…It’s a nasty habit.

Lift Weights

Think about hitting the gym instead of the trail. In one study, healthy middle-aged women who did 20 minutes of daily weight training gained less abdominal fat than women who spent the same time doing aerobic exercises, such as biking. In addition, once and for all, lifting weights will not make women bulky! Time to get a trainer. Again.

Crunches are good for you, but won’t melt that stubborn fat.
Photo: Thinkstock
Related Posts

Breakaway Café Opens New Venice Location with Beachside Grab-and-Go Window

November 20, 2024

November 20, 2024

Bayse Brothers Bring Their Signature Breakfast Dishes and Good Vibes to Venice Breakaway Café, a popular breakfast and lunch eatery...

Last Minute Additions to the Best Thanksgiving 2024 Feasts and Pies To Go

November 20, 2024

November 20, 2024

If Other Faves are Sold Out, Here’s All The Quality Places to Try Now Celebrity chefs Susan Feniger and Mary...

Everytable’s Holiday Meal Collaboration To Support LA’s Unhoused Youth

November 20, 2024

November 20, 2024

Chef Created Thanksgiving Meal Benefits My Friend’s Place. Everytable, the mission-driven company committed to making scratch-cooked, nutritious meals accessible to...

Los Angeles City Council Codifies Sanctuary Protections for Migrants with New Citywide Ordinance

November 19, 2024

November 19, 2024

Mayor Bass Prioritized the Ordinance after Trump’s Mass Deportation Threats The Los Angeles City Council voted unanimously Tuesday to officially...

The Palms Community Council’s Executive Committee Schedules Special Meeting for Nov. 20

November 19, 2024

November 19, 2024

Meeting to Address Open Board Positions and Committee Updates The Executive Committee will hold a special meeting on Wednesday, Nov....

Hammer Museum Presents 10th Edition of MoMA Contenders: Screenings, Conversations with Top Filmmakers

November 19, 2024

November 19, 2024

Lineup Features Films by Steve McQueen, Sean Baker, and Brady Corbett The Hammer Museum will host the 10th edition of...

Film Review: Wicked

November 19, 2024

November 19, 2024

By Dolores Quintana Director John Chu (Crazy Rich Asians, In The Heights) has crafted an effervescent take on the blockbuster...

Randy’s Donuts Arrives in Culver City with Free Donuts and a $250 Gift Card Giveaway

November 19, 2024

November 19, 2024

Grand Opening on November 19 Includes Sweet Giveaways Starting at 6:00 a.m. The time is finally here. Randy’s Donuts is...

Nicole Nagel’s Futuristic Eric Moss Designed Brentwood Home To Hit Auction Block

November 18, 2024

November 18, 2024

The Spaceship-Like Property Heads to Auction With No Reserve in December German actress Nicole Nagel, who was part of the...

LA Controller Kenneth Meija: City Left $513 Million of Homelessness Budget Unspent

November 18, 2024

November 18, 2024

Inefficiencies Blamed for Underspending Despite Record Allocation in FY2024  The City of Los Angeles hasn’t spent over half of its...

West LA College Expands Zero-Cost Textbook Programs with $600K Grant

November 18, 2024

November 18, 2024

College Aims for 50 Zero-Cost Textbook Programs by 2025  West Los Angeles College (West) is expanding its zero-cost textbook program...

(Video) At Vistamar School – Discover the way high school should be

November 18, 2024

November 18, 2024

Students achieve remarkable outcomes with our strong academics, small classes, andpersonalized approach. Our graduates don’t just attend college—they excel. Vistamar’sunique...

(Video) Celebrating 60 Years of Excellence in Education

November 18, 2024

November 18, 2024

Join our international community! Preschool through 12th grade, private school in West Los Angeles and Pacific Palisades, No French knowledge required...

Missing Person Alert: Authorities Seek Help to Find Michelle Lerner, 63, in Culver City

November 18, 2024

November 18, 2024

Woman Was Last Seen Near Prospect Avenue and Venice Boulevard  Authorities are asking for the public’s assistance in locating a...

Lodge Bread To Open New Beverly Hills Location on November 22

November 18, 2024

November 18, 2024

Popular Bakery Will Offer Its Signature Sourdoughs and Pastries  Lodge Bread, a highly regarded West Los Angeles bakery and café,...