Spot Reducing
We all wish
spot reducing worked - pick a spot - stomach,
thighs, rear end - we all have a specific area that we think is too fat
- but is it possible to lose weight just where we want to?
This guest article answers this question for us, with an honest look
at spot reducing.
The Truth About Losing Fat On Your Stomach
by Melanie Mendelson
Do you know anybody who does not wish to get rid of the fat on one particular
area of their body? I have not met anybody like that!
"If I could only get rid of my big belly"! "Oh, I wish my thighs were
slimmer"! Does it sound familiar?
Even skinny people are often unhappy with the excess fat in some areas
of their body. We've all seen those skinny men with huge bellies!
This common problem is accompanied by a widespread belief that you can
lose the fat on a "problem area" by exercising that particular area. Some
people do hundreds of crunches in attempts to flatten their stomachs,
others buy the "miracle" ab gadgets and bulky "hip slimming" machines
from TV.
Were you about to call the 800 number to buy the "latest and greatest"
ab roller?
Hold on to your hard-earned money!
The belief that you can lose fat on a specific part of your body by exercising
that area is a myth! Targeting the "spots" of your body for fat loss is
called "spot reducing", and it simply does not work.
Exercising certain areas of your body will strengthen the muscles there,
but it will not remove the fat from them. Your newly developed muscles
will be hidden under the layer of fat.
What about those heavily pitched creams, wraps and rubber belts that
supposedly "melt the fat away"? Those are just plainly scams.
The creams and body wraps can temporarily give your skin smoother appearance,
but they will do absolutely nothing for fat loss. All kinds of weight
loss belts, pants and other clothing will make you sweat, thereby causing
some loss of water weight which is mistaken by most people for fat loss.
But they will not help you lose even one gram of the actual fat!
There is no way to tell your body where exactly it should lose its fat.
Each person's body has its own unique shape and fat distribution pattern.
The places where the fat goes first are, unfortunately, where it comes
off last. So the only way to lose that fat is by losing weight in general.
The only healthy permanent way to lose weight is by making lifestyle
changes to incorporate healthy eating and increased activity. When you
do that, the fat will come off everywhere on your body, including those
"trouble spots". And yes, you will then have that body that you always
dreamed of!
__________________________
Melanie Mendelson is the author of an incredible step-by-step guide
that will teach you how to lose fat and keep it off for good... even if
you love to eat! Visit her website at http://www.practical-weight-loss.com
Jonni Good is the author of most of
the original articles on this site. Jonni always looks for the easy
way to solve common health problems, by working with human
nature. Her books have helped hundreds of people lose weight, get
fit, and regain their health - with less struggle. Please take a moment
to visit her other sites:
Do
You Gain Weight... Even when you eat less than your thinner
friends? Learn why it happens, and how to use nutritious, satisfying
food to break the metabolic pattern that causes some people to gain
weight too easily.
Sugar
Cravings and Addiction – Describes a simple program
to help people break their addiction to sugar and fat. This book has
been popular ever since it came out in 2003, and has helped hundreds
of people lose their cravings for sugar and other simple carbs. Once
the cravings are under control, it's easier to stick with your diet
and regain your health.
Weight
Lifting for Absolute Beginners – A guide to lifting
weights for strong muscles and bones.
The
Easy-Does-It Diet – A guide to creating your own
delicious and healthy frozen diet meals. Eat healthy, low-fat meals
without paying extra for store-bought frozen diet food.
Disclaimer: This site and the articles contained here are for information
purposes only. The authors have made every effort to make sure the
information is accurate, but no health decisions should ever be made
based on this or any other website. Please contact your doctor before
starting any diet or exercise program.