Fitness

How to Lose Body Fat in 9 Simple Steps

Diet tweaks, exercise ideas and everyday practices — here's how to lose body fat fast

by Jessica Amaris | COMMENT

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Snack After Your Workout While many are inclined to load up on carbs before they workout, Lovitt says this is ineffective for losing body fat. "Abstain from eating carbohydrates an hour before activity, especially high glycemic carbohydrates, as carbs release insulin," Lovitt says. "Once insulin is present in your body, your body can no longer utilize body fat as its primary energy source because the insulin suppresses the enzyme required to burn body fat." If you must eat something before a workout, Lovitt recommends picking a protein-based snack.

While you should skip the carbs before your workout, post-exercise is a different story. When you're trying to lose body fat, it is essential to have a snack with a blend of carbs and protein after your workout, advises Lovitt. "You want to snack within a 20- to 30-minute window post-workout," Lovitt says. "This helps bring your cortisol levels back to normal and keeps body fat away from your midsection." Reaching for snacks like rice cakes and peanut butter are great options.

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