How to Lose Inches from the Waistline

Not only is a slim waist attractive; there are also health benefits to trimming down your waistline. According to the United States Department of Health and Human Services, your waist size can determine your risk for health problems, including heart disease and diabetes. Women with a waist measuring larger than 35 inches and men who measure larger than 40 inches are at greater risk of developing these diseases. If your current waist size is less than ideal, it is time to take the steps to achieve the waist you desire.

Instructions

• 1

  Incorporate foods that help trim your waistline into your diet. Fruits, vegetables, whole grains, low fat dairy and proteins--such as eggs and nuts--are examples of foods to add to your diet. Avoid refined and processed foods--such as white bread--as these can cause your body to deposit fat.

• 2

  Reduce the number of sweet beverages you consume a day. The average American consumes approximately 3, 000 calories per week in sweetened beverages. This translates to almost a pound of fat. Eliminating sweetened drinks is a simple way to rid your diet of excess calories and sugar that can add inches to your waist. Limit yourself to no more than two alcoholic beverages per day, as the calories in alcohol also add inches to the waist.

• 3

  Engage in at least 60 minutes of moderate aerobic activity each day, to burn calories. In order to burn fat and trim your waist, you must burn more calories than you consume. In addition to reducing the calories you consume, make an effort incorporate exercise into you daily schedule. Walking, jogging, swimming, dance and biking are all acceptable forms of cardio exercise.

• 4

  Reduce the amount of stress in your life. Studies suggest that higher levels of stress can result in a larger waist line. This is because stress causes the body to produce more of the hormone Cortisol. One effect of this hormone is that is causes the body to store fat around the waist and abdomen. Additionally, many people resort to food and eating when stressed. Engage in activities that help you relax such as yoga, meditation, reading, listening to music or spending time with loved ones.