Ditch Your Belly for Good

Ditch Your Belly for Good

 Question: I have been working out 5 to 6 times per week, (Thank You DeltaFit!!) and changed to a healthy diet, but I still have a layer of fat around my stomach. (Belly button area.) What do I have to do to get rid of this? 

(from reader Mark J. Poznan)

Answer: Sounds like your beer belly—even if you cut out the brew—is still shielding your six-pack. If you're already performing three whole-body resistance workouts per week plus some additional interval training and active recovery work that’s prescribed by Men's Health DeltaFit SpeedShred, then it's time to take a closer look at what you’re eating and drinking.

“The fastest way to burn belly fat is to eliminate any added sugar in your diet, especially in the form of empty liquid calories,” says BJ Gaddour, C.S.C.S., CEO of Men’s HealthStreamFit. Then emphasize protein and produce at each meal and limit your non-veggie carb intake—think bread and whole grains—to within a few hours after intense exercise when your metabolism is still humming, he adds. Replace sweet treats like cookies or ice cream with fruit as a nightly dessert so you don't fall off the wagon. Gaddour’s favorite p.m. options are a small bowl of organic mixed berries with a little full-fat organic heavy cream or a frozen banana with a spoonful of natural peanut butter.

View other weight loss questions submitted by Men's Health readers.