How to Lose Fat from Your Midsection

When targeting a part of your body to shape up, such as your abdomen, be ready to work for results. There is no such thing as "spot-reduction" or losing weight in one part of the body. Building muscle and burning fat are two separate functions. In order to lose weight in one area, you will need to follow an overall weight reduction regime, including cardiovascular exercise and proper diet. If you want toned abs, you will have to follow a muscle-strengthening regime. Losing weight in your midsection requires knowledge and commitment to a healthier lifestyle.

Things You'll Need

• Water
• Fruits
• Vegetables
• Running shoes
• Fitness trainer
• Elliptical machine

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Instructions

Proper Nutrition

• 1

  Drink plenty of water. Staying well hydrated facilitates helps your body shed excess weight and also encourages you to eat less. Sometimes the human mind mistakes the feeling of thirst for hunger, which can lead to excess eating.

• 2

  Eat less food more frequently. By eating 4-6 smaller meals per day, you can boost your metabolic rate.. When you limit the body to one or two large meals, this often leads to overeating and a sluggish metabolism. When the body does not receive food frequently enough, it goes into starvation mode and stores more of the food you eat, which can be counter-productive to your weight-loss goals.

• 3

  Limit the amount of fried foods, dairy products, red meat and processed sugars that you consume. These foods are high in calories and offer limited nutritional value compared to the harm they can cause in the body, including high cholesterol and heart risks. Eat 4-5 servings per day of fruits and vegetables, which are generally low in calories and high in water content and carbohydrates that provide your body with energy, vitamins and minerals.

Exercise

• 4

  Get cardiovascular exercise for 20-30 minutes per day. This can apply to jogging, running, brisk walking, swimming or using popular machines such as an elliptical to burn calories. Aerobics classes and high-energy games such as basketball can also be beneficial.

• 5

  Work on toning your midsection. Either hire a trainer or work on a variety of crunches. When performing crunches it's important not to rest during a set. Start and end your sets of crunches with your body at a 45-degree angle. Yoga and pilates classes or videos can also help with toning.

• 6

  Practice good posture throughout your day. Try to keep your stomach sucked in by drawing your belly button toward your spine. This builds stomach muscles with minimal effort and can be practiced at work or in your car.