The rugby’s over and the Christmas festivities are upon us. It’s time to focus on losing that extra bit of flab that hides your toes from your view and make you look like you are about to give birth to twins. The beer belly fat has to go! I know that you have a solid six-pack under there (somewhere) and I’m here to help you find it!

First of all, good for you for taking the first step towards a healthier “YOU”. By ridding yourself of belly fat, you will soon feel reenergise and your confidence will be up there in the clouds – life will suddenly seem brighter!

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To help you with your journey towards a reduced waistline, I would like to share 8 handy tips (or pieces of advice) with you. But before I begin, when embarking on a weight loss journey, you should always seek professional advice from a doctor first! You should never enforce any new extreme changes to your body without seeing a doctor for their diagnosis.

1. Stop Drinking Beer

Not beating around the bush with this one! Did you know that a single beer has about 150 calories? And did you know that when you drink alcohol, your body automatically burns alcohol before it burns these calories? This is why people pick up the weight so quickly when the indulge in beer daily.

So, to make a dent in that podgy stomach, you need to start by ditching the beer. I’ll allow you to indulge in one or two beers during the next big game and you can say cheers at your mate's wedding – but for the most part, stick to water!

2. Sleep is Good!

I think you will welcome this advice with open arms. You probably think lying still and sleeping is something you need to do less of but studies show that if you sleep at least 8 hours a night, this will help to reduce the craving of high-carb foods and drinks. The fewer carbs, the better! Also, the more you sleep, the less time there will be for downing beers!

3. Cardio Is Essential

While sleep sounds fantastic, it needs to be balanced with a good amount of exercise. If you want to burn calories then you are going to have to do more than just get up in the mornings. I am going to suggest a daily grueling cardio regimen that will burn fat faster than you’re putting it on. Run around the block, take up dancing with your spouse or challenge yourself to join CrossFit!

4. Do Some Weight Lifting

If you think cardio is hard, then wait until you have to put some muscle in and lift weights! Weight lifting will help to strengthen and tone your muscles and boost your metabolism. Lifting weights is an excellent way to encourage your body to burn fat before it has an opportunity to find a snug part of your body to settle into.

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5. Protein Is Your Friend

Protein is a powerful nutrient that can do amazing things for your body. Meat, eggs, Greek yogurt, and lentils are foods that are high in protein. If you can increase your protein intake, then you will naturally reduce bad cravings whilst still feeling full and satisfied. Protein also helps to speed up metabolic processes so that you can burn more calories faster.

6. Eat Less Junk Food

We know how much you love McDs but along with waving goodbye to your beer, you will also have to excuse yourself from your favourite fast-food joints too. No more crisps, chocolates, and milkshakes either – sorry! But this is such a good thing! Bad foods cause terrible inflammation of the gut. Healthier foods that are high in vitamins, minerals, and fibre, on the other hand, help to reduce inflammation and bloating. Replace sugary or refined foods with fruits, vegetables, and whole grains.

7. Reduce Stress

Yes, grueling cardio workouts are important but you need to balance your hard work with some good rest and relaxation. Relax and destress as much as you can. Read a novel, take a brisk walk through the park or try to meditate. When you feel stressed out, your cortisol levels increase and these raised levels are responsible for making you sugary and high-calorie foods. When you relax, your metabolism also works better and faster.

8. Down A Good Amount of Water

Replace all that beer with water and you’ll have no regrets! A good old glass of water is one of the best ways to detox and rid yourself of fats. Drink at least 6-8 glasses of water a day and you will not only stay hydrated and healthy but you will trick your body into thinking it is full - thus reducing those hunger (and beer) pangs.

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Losing that belly flab is not always easy but it’s not impossible! But with just a little dedication and a whole lot of determination, the results will be apparent in just a few months. That rock-hard iron-board stomach is eager to be unleashed!

Much Love @sweetpea