How to Get Rid of a Beer Belly
Readers and clients often ask me about how they can lose weight around their mid-section. For most people, that is a consistently problematic area that doesn't seem to go away despite efforts with diet and exercise. Oftentimes, this extra weight comes from what we all know as the "beer belly." That unsightly pudge that comes with age is worsened by drinking too much alcohol and eating a variety of unhealthy/fatty foods, such as processed white flour, sugar, and foods low in fiber.
The average can of beer contains 140 calories, and the average mixed-drink contains over 600 calories. These can accurately be called "empty-calories" since your body gets no vital nutrients, vitamins, or minerals from most alcoholic drinks. Regular intake of these empty calories can pave the way to weight gain, particularly around the midsection. Alcohol interferes with the body's ability to metabolize fats, causing it to store them much easier. This combined effect can lead to the beer belly.
4 Ways to Get Rid of a Beer Belly
There are a few ways you can work to eliminate a beer belly. Below are the top four ways that work.
The Obvious One: Stop Drinking Alcohol
Not consuming alcohol is the first step in eliminating your gut. Many people do imbibe occasionally and responsibly though. If you truly enjoy a cold beer, enjoy in moderation. Limit yourself to one or two alcoholic drinks per week. Reducing the amount of alcohol you consume can lead to a dramatic reduction in your total calorie intake. Not drinking alcohol, or sodas, you quickly notice a drop in weight. Some people have found that taking lithium orotate might provide support for alcohol cravings.
Take Action Against Alcohol: Exercise!
The more you move, the more you enhance your life and health! Burning fat and keeping your cardiovascular system in optimal shape will help rid your body of excess fat and toxins. Regular cardiovascular exercise will increase your heart rate, add strength, and tone your muscles. Don't focus on sit-ups and "belly-related" exercises, thinking that this will tone your flabby gut. The excess fat around your belly is the issue, and until you lose that fat, the weight will cover any of the muscles you are building. However, abdominal exercises can develop strength in your core or midsection, which helps hold the stomach in a little better, and gives you better posture, and these make the belly looks a bit smaller.
Eat Like You Love Your Body
Over-consumption of alcohol is often cited as causing the body to crave detrimental foods. Fried foods and snacks often accompany alcoholic drinks for a reason. Healthy foods such as fresh fruits, vegetables, whole grains, raw seeds, and raw nuts aid the body in detoxifying itself from the harmful residues left behind by the over-consumption of alcohol. They also boost energy levels, increasing overall well-being, and over time, help to reduce or eliminate alcohol cravings. You might also consider trying an enzyme supplement to help your body better break down systemic tissue in your body. I recommend VeganZyme®, a potent blend of enzymes that break down fats, carbohydrates, and proteins.
Drink Purified Water
Drinking enough water will help to make the process of eliminating extra fat from the body easier. Try to drink half your body weight in ounces per day. For example, if you weight 180 pounds, drink 90 ounces per day. If you weight 140 pounds, drink 70 ounces. I recommend distilled water as the most pure source. Spring water is second best.
Have you tried any of the above ideas to reduce your belly? Do you have any other tricks that work? Please share below!
†Results may vary. Information and statements made are for education purposes and are not intended to replace the advice of your doctor. If you have a severe medical condition or health concern, see your physician.
Dr. Edward Group, DC
FOUNDER | HEALER | ADVOCATEDr. Group, DC is a healer and alternative health advocate, and an industry leader and innovator in the field of natural health who is dedicated to helping others. He is a registered doctor of chiropractic (DC), a naturopathic practitioner (NP), and proud alum of Harvard Business School and MIT Sloan School of Management. Dr. Group, DC is the founder of Global Healing – a mission and vision he has shared through best-selling books and frequent media appearances. He aims to spread his message of positivity, hope, and wellness throughout the world.
