How to get rid of muffin tops

Excess fat on your shoulder blades and top of the hips is caused by your body’s inability to effectively break down complex carbs and sugars

MUFFIN TOP & BRA STRAP BULGE

“They aren’t called muffin tops for nothing,” says Calabro. “Usually the culprit is neo carbs or man-made carbs and the client needs to focus on Paleo carbs.” That’s a big NO to bread but a great tick for berries. If your body’s insulin function isn’t efficient, a minute on your lips really can turn into a lifetime on your hips.

HOW TO FIX 

• DIET: This area responds quickly to changes in diet. Insulin is the easiest hormone to control because it responds almost instantly to anything you eat. Eating a high protein, low carbohydrate diet that includes regular meals with additional fibre will help by stabilising your blood sugar levels. The Journal of the American Medical Association reported that a low GI diet helps to reduce insulin and triglycerides as well as aid weight loss.

• SUPPLEMENTS: “Help insulin sensitivity with magnesium, the herb fenugreek, corosolic acid, gymnema and alpha lipoic acid,” suggests Calabro. A review from Thames Valley University also found cinnamon improves insulin function and lowers blood sugar.
  
  
• EXERCISE: “Contrary to popular belief, cardio is not optimal; however, two sessions per week of HIIT (high intensity interval training) is superior; increase your insulin sensitivity while reducing your love handles! Lactic acid weight training is a great idea, too: use moderate repetition ranges (8–12) with short rest intervals (30–45 secs) for 45 minutes, four times a week,” says Calabro. And make sure you don't use increased levels of exercise as an excuse to indulge in desserts or sugary energy bars!

Get more health and beauty advice by connecting with us on Twitter and Facebook!

Photo credit: Thinkstock

1. Prev:What causes belly fat?
2. Next:Blast belly fat in 30 minutes