Did you know that if you lose fat around stomach, you could add more years to your life expectancy? Experts suggest maintaining a healthy lifestyle to keep your body fit and avoid diseases that could send you to the grave at an early age. Although sculpting pot bellies into washboard abs requires lots of work and days of sacrifice, the results could be gratifying.

While most people opt to spend their free time lazing around and doing nothing, they do not realize that inactivity is slowly killing them. Their body needs exercise for it to function well. According to studies, fat that has accumulated in the gut is the most dangerous since they surround vital organs in the abdomen. While health advocates have been encouraging people to lose fat around stomach nowadays, modern lifestyle is not much of a help since the development of electronic gadgets designed to "make life easier" somewhat encourages idleness.

Listed here are simple rules that would help you lose fat around stomach and help you enjoy more things that life has to offer.

• Rule No.1: Avoid junk foods.

Although eating processed or ready-to-eat foods as well as dining in fast food chains quickly eases your hunger especially if you do not have the time to cook because of your busy schedule, such foods are considered unhealthy and contribute to the development of those unsightly love handles. Instead, you should consume more fruits and vegetables. Substitute unhealthy snacks with something that can provide you "real" nourishment.

• Rule No. 2: Eat healthy.

Like what I have mentioned in Rule No. 1, eating the right kinds of food is one of the best ways to lose fat around stomach. Aside from fruits and vegetables, lean meat, nuts, fish, and poultry are helpful in building those six-pack abs. However, they should be grilled or steamed, not fried to prevent fast fat build up.

• Rule No. 3: Drink lots of water.

Drinking eight to ten glasses every day helps replace the body fluids that you lost while doing your daily activities. You should make it a habit to drink water, not those carbonated drinks, whenever you are thirsty. It also helps flush out harmful materials that have accumulated inside your body over time.

• Rule No. 4: Engage in physical activities.

Sweating it out and moving your muscles help burn fats in your body, especially those found in your midsection. Doing cardio exercises also strengthen the heart and boost your metabolism. Helping out with household chores, including mowing the lawn, also enables you to convert fat into energy and in return, makes your dwellings cleaner. Learning a new sport is also a good way to get rid of those pot bellies.

• Rule No. 5: Enjoy working out.

When at times you feel that you want to give up, always remember that there is no one else that could help you improve your health but yourself. Keep a smile on your face because once your efforts pay off, you will realize that all those weeks of slaving in the gym and avoiding your favorite food are all worth it.

Aside from its health benefits, getting rid of those unwanted fat in your gut would give you more self-confidence in meeting other people and making new friends. So what are you waiting for? Shed those additional pounds for a healthier and better you.