Lose those love handles

Lose those love handles
Getty Images

No matter your nickname for the curves around the waistline and lower back, a spare tire or (the more pleasant-sounding) love handles are the top trouble spot for many women and men. Here are ways to reduce the appearance of belly fat and get rid of love handles without a single crunch or sit-up.

Advertisement

Take the high road

Take the high road
Getty Images

When choosing pants and skirts, opt for a high-waist style that will hide any excess fat around the middle. Mid-rise styles can also do the trick, but just make sure the waistline isn’t so low that it cuts into – and therefore, highlights – any unflattering bulges.

Follow these tips on how to look smart, stylish and hip at any age.

Talk to your doc

Talk to your doc
Getty Images

If you eat relatively healthy and move your body on a regular basis, the scale shouldn’t shift too much. If you notice your waistband getting inexplicably tighter or you’re gaining weight without lifestyle changes, schedule a visit with your doctor to rule out hormonal imbalances (like for instance, these health problems can be blamed on a thyroid problem), other health concerns, or to evaluate whether a change in medication could help you lose your love handles.

Here are 14 things you should never lie to your doctor about.

Find a flattering fit

Find a flattering fit
Getty Images

When you don’t feel your best, sometimes you want to hide behind baggy clothing but ill-fitting tops and bottoms will just make the problem worse. Go too small, and every lump and bump will be on display; go too large and the fabric will hang on the largest feature and lead to a frumpy and boxy appearance. Take the time to find your size and avoid clothing that’s too small or too large to look your best.

Been trying to lose weight without success? Here are 20 reasons why your diet’s not working.

Trust a tailor

Trust a tailor
Getty Images

Mass-produced clothing can’t possibly flatter every figure so ask around for recommendations for a tailor in your area. You don’t have to bring them every single item in your wardrobe but make an investment for your key closet staples and ask for their direction before your next shopping trip. This might not be the trick in how to get rid of love handles, but it can certainly help hide them in the meantime.

Squeeze into some Spanx

Squeeze into some Spanx
Getty Images

The fact that Spanx creator, Sara Blakely, became the first female billionaire means women everywhere are hiding their love handles. Now, several brands offer similar products (for a variety of trouble spots) and even men are getting in on the trend! To smooth your figure for an event, choose from several shapewear styles.

Try these 12 weight loss hacks you can do right now.

Set a “stand up” calendar reminder

Set a “stand up” calendar reminder
Getty Images

Simply moving more during the day can mean a tighter figure, without any traditional exercise whatsoever, so set a calendar reminder on your phone or work computer to simply stand up once an hour. You might start by standing up and sitting right back down but it will likely turn into a quick stretch or a quick walk to refill your water for a win-win.

Here are 19 things you can do in under 10 minutes to help you live longer.

Drink more water

Drink more water
Getty Images

Sometimes the easiest diet changes include adding instead of removing foods and drinks, since banning foods always makes them that much more desirable. You could eat more of these 12 foods that help you burn calories, or just grab a water bottle. A 2016 study found that when men and women increased water intake, their sugar and fat consumption went down.

There’s a reason drinking water is one of the secrets of slim people. Find out the others here.

Eat for heat

Eat for heat
Getty Images

Diets are notoriously short-lived, so skip the strict nature of most of them and, just like your water intake, add instead of restrict. Add foods with fat-burning nutrients like calcium and fibre to your plate to help reduce body fat without exercise.

Try a procedure

Try a procedure
Getty Images

Maybe you’ve tried diets, and even exercise isn’t doing the trick since you can’t really “spot train” specific areas of your body. Turn to your dermatologists for a variety of options that might work for your waistline. “Getting rid of love handles without exercise used to be impossible but the innovation in fat reduction treatments these days has definitely made this a reality,” says Dendy Engelman, MD, board-certified dermatologist at Manhattan Dermatology and Cosmetic Surgery.

Sign up here to get Reader’s Digest’s favourite stories straight to your inbox!

Source: RD.com

Never miss a deal again - sign up now!

Connect with us: