10 Apr Average guys guide to losing belly fat: part I moderation

I have hit age 40 and noticed it’s become tougher and tougher to win the battle of the bulge, even when I’m exercising fairly regularly.
For guys over 40, and even younger, there are some common-sense ways to keep your midsection trim without becoming a total vegetarian, yoga mat disciple (not that there’s anything wrong with being a vegetarian, but I like to eat meat).
Keeping your midsection toned basically comes down to three words: moderation, exercise and discipline.
Today, we’ll look at ways moderation can help allow you to have your cake and eat it too (eat foods you like, but also stay trim).
Eat more smaller portions during the day.
Your stomach gets used to eating big meals, such as always wolfing down a footlong sub at Subway.
Try to get used to eating a 6-inch sub. Over time, you’ll be able to do it.
It’s recommended to eat every four hours starting with breakfast. A protein snack such as a glass of chocolate milk, peanut butter and jelly on wheat bread, unsalted almonds, string-cheese or fat-free yogurt. That will help you eat less at dinner.
Consume lean proteins throughout the day instead of foods high in carbs which pack on the weight.
Good sources of lean proteins are egg white omelets, whey protein shakes, lean poultry, grass fed beef, fish, legumes, nuts and low fat.
Mix in vegetables, fruit and whole-wheat bread.
Finally, cut out trips to the drive thru for burgers and fries, stop drinking soda and limit alcohol consumption. This last one can be very hard to do, but if you seriously want to tone down your belly cut back the amount of alcohol you drink. There’s a reason why it’s called a “beer gut.”
If you’re a guy who’s drinking every day, cut it back to just a drink or two on the weekend and you’ll quickly cut 5-10 pounds for sure. Or eliminate drinking altogether.

At Home Fitness consultant Aaron Dorksen’s blog deals with a variety of fitness topics, ranging from workout tips, motivational ideas and feature stories on how exercise impacts people’s lives. E-mail him with comments, questions or ideas for future blogs at aaron@athomefitness.com