Can You Lose Weight by Doing Crunches?

Burning fat rarely proves easy. However, we often search for the most simple routes, not wanting to put in the hard work that losing weight requires. Companies make millions off of the newest gimmicks promising easy ways to lose weight while barely lifting a finger. While they are all too good to be true, so is the idea that one muscle-toning exercise, such as crunches, will solve all your problems.

Misconceptions

• Crunches and sit-ups do not cause weight loss. While they tone the abdominal muscles, they burn little fat and may even result in weight gain due to adding muscle. Performed alone, crunches may even make your belly look fatter, thanks to expanding muscle beneath the layers of fat.

Food Choices

• The first step you need to take to lose weight is changing the way you eat. Don't join the hottest dieting fad. Instead, make healthy eating a lifestyle. The best place to start is by not eating out and exchanging soda for water.

Meal Size

• Our habit of eating lavish dinners and skipping breakfast contributes to weight gain. Try eating an average breakfast, larger lunch and small dinner. You can also consider switching to a plan of eating six small meals a day, which also keeps your belly full and your metabolism working.

Accountability Partner

• Consider finding a friend to serve as your accountability partner. Weight loss comes easier when you have someone to share the adventure with you.

Join a Class

• Joining an exercise class often motivates you more than trying to exercise on your own. Spin, step and yoga classes offer movements that will stretch your muscles and sweat off your weight.

Considerations

• While crunches don't result in weight loss, you shouldn't stop doing them. As you burn fat through healthy eating and cardiovascular exercises, perform crunches to increase the tone of your abs. Just be sure you don't rely on the crunches to lose the jiggle.