Lose that beer belly and flaunt those abs!

A beer gut is so-called because it was first noticed in those who indulged in regular and high-level beer drinking. Most alcohol is high in calories and all alcohol is empty calories. If you’re actually on a diet, alcohol should be only a minimal part of it. 

One of the best ways to avoid getting a beer gut is to stick to a clean diet that consists natural, whole foods that haven’t been overly processed. An example would be one serving of steel cut oatmeal for breakfast, baby carrots for a snack, a spinach salad with vinegar and oil dressing for lunch and a piece of grilled fish with steamed vegetables for dinner. Switch to clean fats like EVOO (extra virgin olive oil), lean meats, seafood, nuts, seeds and avocados. Deep fried foods, margarine, trans-fats, processed food, pastries, doughnuts (sorry!) add to your beer gut.

Sauces often contain a lot of sugar, sodium and additives your body does not need. If you purchase high quality (and even organic) produce and meats, you may find that the food has great flavour even by using only a few spices. Good cooking methods such as broiling, steaming and light sautéing can help you to wean yourself off such extras. 

Losing your gut basically means that you need to shed fat and kicking up the cardio workout will help you reach your goal faster. Remember, the best way to get the most from your workout is to push yourself as hard as you can in small intervals. You won’t get a great workout by strolling on the treadmill. Instead try to include two to three weightlifting days or combine cardio and weights for a fat-blasting workout. 

Even the most disciplined person needs a cheat day or meal every once in a while. Choose smart cheat items. For example, if you crave popcorn, air pop the corn and add non-stick butter spray and light salt.