Shed off Those Holiday Fat

Did you just step into a weighing scale on the first day of 2014 and made a shocking discovery? Well, here are some tips on how to turn those flabs into abs so that you can start the year by being healthy.

According to the article: "Losing Weight The Healthy Way" by the Philippine Star (link:http://www.philstar.com/science-and-technology/2013/12/19/1269587/losing-weight-healthy-way), doing these common weight loss practices can help you be in shape in no time:

* "Exercise 2-3 times a week with at least 20 minute strength training." - In my opinion, people tend to neglect the strength training and focus more on cardio such as jogging, sprinting etc. Yes it will help you burn those calories but by combining it with push ups, sit ups, planking and such will not only burn those fats but also boost your metabolism throughout the day. There were some studies shown that people who do strength training are fitter and stronger than those who do cardio alone.

* "Switch to better alternatives" - In the article, it said that try to to pass on soft drinks to water, butter to peanut butter and mayonnaise to mustard. In short, watch your calorie intake because proper diet has a huge factor on being healthy and in shape.

* "Chewing sugarless chewing gum can suppress your appetite" - studies have shown that chewing sugarless gum can help control your cravings but until now it's still debatable if it's just a myth or a fact.

* "Eat fruits for snack" - instead of eating junk foods such as potato chips and candies for your snack, eat variety of fruits such as mangoes, apples, grapes etc. Healthy yet equally delicious.

* "Lessen your sugar content" - Sugar consumption has a huge contribution to your weight gain so if you can avoid chocolates, ice cream, or any food that has a high sugar content, avoid it but if you have a sweet tooth, try to lessen it.

* "Go Lean" - nuts such as peanuts, cashew nuts and almonds are considered as fat burning foods.

* "Avoid fast foods" - fast foods have high salt content. Avoid it or eat occasionally.

* "Keep track of your diet success and make a goal" - By doing this, it will help you to become motivated and inspired so that you can continue your goal.

These simple practices cannot only make you go back into shape, but also to become healthy. Let's go for a healthier inside and out this 2014!!

By: Ralph Reizon A. Santisteban