5 effective ways to get rid of love handles

Even after weeks of intense exercise, the excess fat that sits on the sides of the waist, often called the love handles, refuses to budge. Though it's not really a problematic fat deposit from a health perspective, for many, this muffin top fat is a cause of concern. This fat is often tough to get rid of. But with some small tweaks in the lifestyle, those who aim to lose the love handles can achieve it. Here are five effective ways to lose the love handles.

Cut back on added sugar

Yes, that's right. The sweeteners you might be adding to your coffee, or those cookies and cakes you munch on in between, are what's preventing you from losing that extra fat. Ditching added sugar can help get rid of extra weight. The sodas and sports drinks you drink can also lead to weight gain, as they are empty calories.

Add healthy fats

All fats are not bad for your health. Some fats are crucial for weight loss. Eating a well-balanced and nutritious diet is crucial for overall well-being. But if you add healthy fats to your diet, it will help you lose more weight. Incorporate healthy fats such as avocados, olive oil, nuts, and fatty fish into your diet. They can help you trim your waist.

Move more

Though spot reduction does not really work, adding more movement in your routine can help you lose excess fat. Other than your workouts, aim to move more. Simple steps such as taking the stairs, instead of the elevator, walking while answering calls, and getting short bouts of walks in regular intervals can help lose body fat. You can add about 7000 steps to your routine to burn more calories. This will help to lose excess weight, including the love handles.


Manage stress

Stress is the biggest enemy of weight loss. This is why it is important to manage stress levels. Chronic stress raises cortisol levels, which may promote fat storage in the abdominal and hip area. Practicing mindfulness can help manage stress. You can try yoga, meditation, deep breathing, or even short outdoor walks. This will not only help you to reduce stress, but also drastically improve the quality of your sleep.



Lift weights

Love handles develop when excess fat accumulates around the oblique muscles. Though spot reduction isn’t possible, weight training can help lose the excess fat. Try to alternate between core-training workouts such as side planks, Russian twists, and bicycle crunches strengthen along with different weight training exercises that target the obliques.