It’s no secret that we tend to overeat in winter, and knowing that our bodies aren’t on display doesn’t help. But muffin tops are never sexy, so if you want to know how to lose belly fat, keep that motivation and drive as you try some of these simple steps.

No, this is not a crash diet, nor a weight loss shortcut – those are harmful to your body! Anyone can follow these steps, so no more excuses.


?Eat breakfast

?Yes, breakfast is the most important meal of the day, and skipping meals will do you more harm than good with regards to your metabolism. Try breakfast foods that are high in protein and fibre so that you feel fuller for longer; this includes eggs and fresh fruit and veggies. Keep away from the sugars though, so no pancakes, pastries or sugary cereal.

Interval training?

Exercise in short bursts?. This is always a favourite, as the idea of working out and running for hours on end may not be all that enticing. Sit-ups are great for strengthening the abdominal muscles, but if you still have that fat layer on top of the muscle, you are going to get very frustrated when you don’t see the results of your hard work.


Cardio exercises are great, as is simply walking or running for short periods; this is called interval training.


Cut out sugar and eat the good fats

If you are battling to shed the weight, then you simply have to cut sugar out, or at least reduce it as much as possible. Sugar makes you fat, whereas eating good fats can actually work in your favour. Trans fats (or unsaturated fats) should be avoided; they are found mostly in cookies, cakes, chips, frozen meals, and fried foods. Good fats (monounsaturated and polyunsaturated) can be found in:

* Olive oil (substitute this for butter)

* Fish such as salmon, trout, tuna, and sardines (substitute this for fatty red meat)

* Nuts such as almonds, peanuts, macadamias, and walnuts (substitute this for chips and other snacks)

Relax!

?No, this doesn’t mean vegging out on the couch – it means that you should get enough sleep at night, and that you should try to stay de-stressed. Studies have shown that a hormone called cortisol is produced when stressed, and this hormone is also linked to an increase of belly fat. So get at least seven hours of sleep every night, try to keep calm, and don’t let that nasty stress get the better of you.

What are your best tips on how to lose belly fat?