Belly bulge. Muffin top. Love handles. There are a lot of names for that extra jiggle in the middle. Instead of nicknaming belly fat, let’s get rid of it! And while having a flat, toned stomach may seem like a quest for the Holy Grail, it’s not. First you need to understand why you have belly fat . After that, follow these three basic tips to banish it for good. Eat the right foods . Having a healthy diet is an easy first step to banishing the bulge. Practice portion control , eat whole foods , and make sure your diet is a healthy balance of carbs, protein, and (good) fat . There are also foods, like whole grains , which help people lose belly fat

. Cardio, baby ! If you want to slim down your midsection, it’s time to step up your cardio in a major way. High-intensity activities like spinning , interval training , and running are all good ways to get a handle on your love handles. Tone up . Listen closely: limiting yourself to ab exercises does not make a flat belly. It’s a healthy diet and a solid routine of cardio that is going to help you drop the pounds. But toning your midsection and back area will sculpt your body, which helps you look slimmer. And by the time you drop all your belly fat, you’ll be left with a drool-worthy six-pack. Zing!

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Banish That Belly in 3 Easy Steps