Question:
No matter how much running or cardio I do as well as restricting my calories, I can’t lose the fat on my lower stomach. I was told I would be stuck with it because it’s where I store my fat. Am I doomed? (Lisa Q, Oakdale)Answer
ANSWER:
That’s a myth. When you lose fat, you will lose your problem area! However, you may be going about it in the wrong way.
When you skimp on the calories and skip meals, you are throwing the fat-burning process in reverse. When you starve yourself, you are working against your body and it fights back by slowing down the metabolic rate, making it harder to lose fat. You will have more success by feeding your body every few hours (5 to 6 smaller, balanced nutrient dense meals).
You don’t mention weight training in your exercise program. Remember muscle is your metabolic furnace. Muscle uses energy even during sleep; however, fat is stored. The more muscle you have, the more fat you burn.
Simply put: Feed your body every 2-3 hours and incorporate 3 days of weight training (a trainer can help you design a program) and you will notice the felt melt away.
Listen to Frank Mikulka’s Weekly Fitness Tips every week on Debbie Mandel’s Turn On Your Inner Light Show every Tuesday evening from 7:00 to 7:30 pm on WGBB 1240AM. Also available on www.turnonyourinnerlight.com/page3.html
