Ask An Expert: Tommy, How Can I Get Rid Of My Muffin Top?
Q: Tommy, How can I get rid of my "muffin top"? I'm a 21 year old mother of one, and I just can't seem to get rid of my belly and love handles. I run or hike and do Pilates everyday, and I have reduced my caloric intake to about 1200 cal a day or less. Your expert advice would be greatly appreciated! Thank you so much! ~ Meagan.
A: Hi Meagan! Thank you for your question about being finally be rid of the slouchy part of the body known as the “muffin top”.
At 21 and the mother of one, it most likely means that you are a pretty busy person, so let’s get you started. The first red flag that I see with your question is your calorie count. Yes, If you want to lose weight, it is calories in vs. calories out, BUT, 1200 calories a day (or less) seems extremely low considering how active you are. I would bump your calories up, especially if you are breast feeding your child.
If your body doesn’t have enough of the good fats, it will hold on to whatever it has, in your case enter the muffin top!
To really attack the oblique area (muffin top), you should add some rotational core exercises to your regime. Woodchoppers, side planks, side crunches, high knee running, etc are some exercises that will address that issue.
You are very young and your body has gone through extreme changes with the birth of your child, so take it day by day, if you are consistent, you will force positive, lasting change. With that said, running, hiking and Pilates are great, but you will have to do some resistance training to round out your routine.
Play safe and have fun,
Tommy Europe
Written by: Tommy Europe, host of The Last 10 Pounds Bootcamp and Bulging Brides
For more information, check out http://www.tommyeurope.tv/
Check out previous health related Ask An Expert blogs written by Tommy Europe!
Do you have a quesiton for our experts? Email askanexpert@slice.ca now!
Slice is now on Twitter. Follow us to find out the latest on your favourite shows!
Become a fan of slice.ca on Facebook!