We’ve all had it, have it, or seen it. A nice looking person, confidently striding through the mall, down the street or heading out for a night on the town. We think they look fine – until we glance around their mid-section and whoa! A big circle of flesh exploding out from just over the pants/skirt area.
Known affectionately (not really) as ye olde muffin top – this unfortunate layer of flesh resembles that of a muffin – and it may be caused by an indulgence in them too. Puffing up and out like a real muffin--it’s the dread of many women, although interestingly, many others seem completely unaware of their muffin tops protruding from their torsos. I'll get to you ladies in a moment.
But let’s forget the fashion faux pas for a minute. Belly fat – also known as visceral fat – can be deadly when it comes to heart health. Studies show that the more visceral fat we have, the more likely we are to have heart health problems.
So how do we deal with muffin tops?
From a physical point of view, muffin tops are made of fat. Cardio exercises (including martial arts and kickboxing) are one the best ways to lose this kind of fat. Treadmills, elliptical machines and plain old walking really work. If walking, running and cardio machine are too difficult, then swimming is also an excellent way to burn off fat. Look into water aerobics for a low-impact, effective and fun activity.
Not only are these exercises good for weight loss, they are great for our hearts.
More exercise for our bellies can be found here, from professional certified trainer Mark Dilworth: https://www.empowher.com/healthy-eating/content/melt-away-your-belly-fat
For those of us over 40, it is a little harder. Our bodies are different, so are our hormones and metabolisms. For more information on what works well over 40 and beyond toward menopause, click here: https://www.empowher.com/menopause/content/how-get-rid-menopause-belly-fat?page=0%2C1
As for what foods to eat, keep foods fresh, wholesome and unprocessed. Treats, by definition, mean foods not often taken - so don't indulge often. Remember that blueberries and other fruits and veggies high in anti-oxidants really help with belly fat loss. Here’s more information on the goodness that blueberries provide: https://www.empowher.com/wellness/content/could-eating-blueberries-reduce-belly-fat
Now back to the ladies who are not aware of their muffins. The instant way to get rid of muffin top is to stop wearing clothes that are too small for us! Nothing like seeing ourselves at a size 14, squeezing into size 10 jeans! This is not good, women! And doesn't it hurt? As much as we want to exercise our way to a fitter torso, as well as eat healthy foods, anyone (even a small woman) will have belly fat if they insist on being a “6” while their bodies are screaming “Girlfriend, please! We’re a 12 now!”.
Torso firmers like Spanx and other similar products keep the tummy intact and while working on losing that belly fat – know your body! Don’t put on a belly top with spandex leggings and think you’re ready to take on the mall! It’s okay if you can’t fit into the jeans you wore on that vacation before you had your two kids – bodies change and give yourself time to get your body back, and if you need to go up a size, then do so.
The last thing we women need to do is beat ourselves up because we don’t have our 17-year-old figures anymore. There’s enough of that in the media already. It may take time some time and some real life changes, but slimming down muffin tops can be done. A good diet and exercise regime, and supportive families and friends to help you get in shape – shape that may help your heart and your life.
Tell Us:
Muffin top happens! How do (or did) you deal with it?