A revolution of craft beer is truly underway. The popularity of independent breweries and craft beers is soaring, with the Guardian reporting that in 2017 the number of independent breweries rose above 2000 for the first time since the 1930s, meaning that over the past 5 years the industry has grown by 64%. Unfortunately for beer-lovers, it is pretty high in calories in comparison to other alcoholic drinks. That’s where the term ‘beer belly’ comes from: the tendency for those excess calories to cause you to pack on a few extra calories around the mid-section. Though this term is most commonly associated with older men, this kind of weight gain can also happen to women. Here’s how to get rid of a beer belly if you’re looking to lose that bit of extra padding around your middle and to prevent it from coming back, whilst still being able to enjoy that ice cold beer on the weekend.
Working out the muscles in your abdomen will make them stronger. Building stronger and more established muscles will definitely contribute to increased fat-burning, so giving some time and effort is an assured way of how to get rid of a beer belly!
Ab workouts often include exercises such as sit-ups, planks, bicycle crunches and sitting twists are great. Check out these ab workout plans from Darebee, including this one specifically for combating that beer belly, if you need some inspiration for your ab workout routine.
Don’t be tempted to starve yourself in attempt to have extra calories to binge at the weekend. Keep your meals portioned, whilst focusing on getting enough lean protein, complex carbs and vegetables. Avoiding high-calorie junk foods will help keep you trim and reduce your body fat percentage, which will naturally reduce the build-up of fat around your middle. Unfortunately, dieting to lose weight cannot spot-reduce fatty areas, but losing weight, in general, will definitely mean you are in better shape.
Going for a run or cycle is a great workout, but some experts suggest that you can get much better fat-burning results by following HIIT routines. HIIT, or High-Intensity Interval Training, works by increasing and decreasing your heart rate to get it working harder and, as a result, burning more calories. It’s also efficient, as you work harder in a shorter amount of time, meaning you don’t have to spend your life in the gym in order to see serious results.
There are lots of Youtube videos to help inspire your HIIT routines, such as this one designed to blitz belly fat by Fitnessblender.
As long as you keep a healthy diet and exercise routine, a beer belly shouldn’t be too much of a problem – it is normally developed over years of bad habits, so don’t let the thought of one put you off a cool beer in the summer!
Go vegan or go home! The trend for the vegan lifestyle is slowly entering the mainstream and its effect seems…
Smoothies are a great source of vitamins & nutrients. Whenever you have no time for breakfast, a smoothie will be…
Decorating your room can be so much fun! It’s your space and you can do literally whatever you want with…
Whenever I go to a coffee shop, I generally go for a good catch up with friends where I can…
As the end of another academic rapidly approaches, it will soon be time for many of you to finish University…
Ever ask a friend what they're wearing for a night out and they hit you with the 'jeans and a…