Excess fat on your shoulder blades and top of the hips is caused by your body’s inability to effectively break down complex carbs and sugars
MUFFIN TOP & BRA STRAP BULGE
“They aren’t called muffin tops for nothing,” says Calabro. “Usually the culprit is neo carbs or man-made carbs and the client needs to focus on Paleo carbs.” That’s a big NO to bread but a great tick for berries. If your body’s insulin function isn’t efficient, a minute on your lips really can turn into a lifetime on your hips.
HOW TO FIX
- DIET: This area responds quickly to changes in diet. Insulin is the easiest hormone to control because it responds almost instantly to anything you eat. Eating a high protein, low carbohydrate diet that includes regular meals with additional fibre will help by stabilising your blood sugar levels. The Journal of the American Medical Association reported that a low GI diet helps to reduce insulin and triglycerides as well as aid weight loss.
- SUPPLEMENTS: “Help insulin sensitivity with magnesium, the herb fenugreek, corosolic acid, gymnema and alpha lipoic acid,” suggests Calabro. A review from Thames Valley University also found cinnamon improves insulin function and lowers blood sugar.
- EXERCISE: “Contrary to popular belief, cardio is not optimal; however, two sessions per week of HIIT (high intensity interval training) is superior; increase your insulin sensitivity while reducing your love handles! Lactic acid weight training is a great idea, too: use moderate repetition ranges (8–12) with short rest intervals (30–45 secs) for 45 minutes, four times a week,” says Calabro. And make sure you don’t use increased levels of exercise as an excuse to indulge in desserts or sugary energy bars!
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