Foods to Avoid for Weight Loss Purpose

     Struggling with trying to lose belly fat is all too common these days. I went through it myself, after my pregnancies. Trust me, it does not feel good to look pregnant long after the last child has arrived (and going to school).

I struggled for quite a while to get the belly fat off and I still have to keep myself in check because the last place the fat comes off is the first place it goes back on when you gain weight. It's unfortunate but true. If you are struggling to lose your belly fat, then following these simple and easy guidelines will help you. You will lose fat within 30 days. With spring almost here, it might be a good idea to get started now.

1. Set a 30-Day Goal You cannot spot reduce. When you lose weight, you lose it from every part of your body, not just your belly. So start by setting a 30-day goal for yourself. For example: "I want to lose 7 lbs in the next 30 days". Remember to be realistic; it is just a 30-day goal. Once you reach your first goal, then set the next one.

2. Have a Support System Ask for help from a friend or family member. If you explain to them that you have a goal that you want to achieve they are likely to jump right in and help you, offer you support instead of that piece of cheesecake that they know you can't resist. They may even be tempted to set their own goals when they see your commitment to yours.

3. Drink Water Forget the sodas, and sugary drinks. They only pack on additional calories that you don't need and have no nutritional value. Make sure every calorie counts. Diet soda is a no-no too. You need to drink at least eight 8-oz glasses of water every single day at the very minimum. If you like herbal tea, you can drink that too, but no sugar or cream!

4. Your Diet What you eat is an important factor in reducing your overall fat, especially belly fat. Cut out the junk food and the processed foods for the next 30 days. Here are some Good food choices to help you reduce your waistline:

* Fruits and vegetables

* Whole wheat and grains (brown bread, not white)

* Lean meat and fish (try to avoid red meat)

* Nuts and legumes

Foods to avoid: Sugar and sugar substitutes, pasta, canned soup (anything high in sodium or salt), processed meat or cheese. Rule of thumb: try to live as close to the land as you can. Eating raw foods instead of prepared foods is much healthier for you and will help you reduce your fat.

5. Get Moving Whether you like it or not exercise is an important factor in burning fat. But it isn't all bad, because once you start to make changes in your diet you will feel better and experience more energy.If you seriously want to burn some belly fat in the next 30 days then I recommend the following exercise regime:

* At least 3 days a week perform 20 to 30 minutes of cardiovascular exercise. This includes walking, jogging, aerobics, kickboxing, cycling, anything that gets your heart rate up. Take advantage of the warmer weather and enjoy going outside for a brisk walk.

* At least 2 days a week perform some sort of weight training. This will boost your metabolism and tighten and tone your muscles. If you do not go to the gym, you can still do this at home. We offer some great weight training DVD's on our website, under resources.

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