How to Get Rid of Love Handles in One Week

Love handles are located on the sides of your hips.

"Love handle" is a term used to describe the layer of fat surrounding a person's midsection. Love handles often cause an unsightly, lumpy profile and hang over tighter waistbands, detracting from physical appeal. According to Mackie Shilstone, author of "Lose your Love Handles," if you need to eliminate your love handles quickly, you can take steps to hide their appearance and melt away the fat. With a bit of dedication, you can reduce the appearance of your love handles in one week.

Things You'll Need

• Shapewear
• Water

Instructions

1. Reduce your caloric intake. According to Jane Kirby, author of "Dieting for Dummies," the absolute minimum intake is 1,200 calories for women and 1,800 calories for men. This is a temporary diet plan that will encourage as much as two pounds of weight loss in one week, Kirby states. As you lose weight, your body will drop mass from fatty reserves such as your love handles.

2. Drink eight to 10, 8-ounce glasses of water daily. According to the American Council on Exercise, if your body is dehydrated it can retain as much as 10 pounds of excess fluids. Once you properly hydrate your body regularly, it will release this water weight within seven days. Make this water consumption easier by drinking one glass upon waking, one before and after each meal and one before going to bed.

3. Perform 30 minutes of cardiovascular exercise every other day. According to the American Council on Exercise, cardiovascular exercise boosts your metabolism and encourages fat loss. A higher metabolism means that you will burn more calories, and therefore fat, during and after your workout. Examples of cardiovascular exercise to try include jogging, swimming, cycling and rollerblading. After seven days, continue this exercise pattern to continue losing weight.

4. Wear shapewear to hide the appearance of your love handles under clothing. Shapewear is an elastic undergarment that presses against your body and makes the appearance of fatty areas less noticeable. You can purchase shapewear from most clothing stores.

Tips & Warnings

• Always consult with your physician before beginning a new diet and exercise program.

References

• "100 Weight-Loss Tips that Really Work"; Fred A. Stutman; 2006
• "Ace Personal Trainer Manual"; American Council on Exercise; 2003
• "Dieting For Dummies"; Jane Kirby and The American Dietetic Association; 2003
• "Lose your Love Handles : A 3 Step Program to Streamline your Waist in 30 Days"; Mackie Shilstone; 2001