For many people, it’s common to have their weight gain concentrated around their midsection. When this happens, people often call this accumulate of fat a “muffin top”.

Although you can get rid of this annoyance through things like plastic surgery or other more invasive procedures, there are some more natural ways that you can attempt to reduce or completely get rid of extra fat in this area of your body.

To help you get started on this journey toward better health, here are three tips for getting rid of your “muffin top”.

Focus On Getting More Sleep

One thing that many people don’t realize is just how big of an impact your sleep can have on your overall health and weight. According to Joe Dowell, a contributor to Shape.com, when you’re lacking sleep, your body will have much higher cortisol levels. And with higher cortisol levels comes more cravings for foods that are very unhealthy for you, like items containing lots of sugar and fat.

But when your body has had enough rest, these cortisol levels will be much more reasonable and will make it easier for you to eat foods that will fuel your body appropriately rather than foods that your body simply wants to make sure you don’t fall asleep in the next hour or so.

Eat The Right Foods In The Right Amounts

While many people don’t like to think about this, the food you put into your body has a much bigger impact on your health and your “muffin top” than the amount of exercise you do. To make the most of this, Kimberly Caines, a contributor to LiveStrong.com, recommends that you concern yourself more completely with what foods you’re eating and what quantities you’re consuming of these foods.

Ideally, you should be eating between 1200 and 1800 calories each day if you’re wanting to lose weight. Of these 1200 to 1800 calories, it’s ideal that you choose whole foods rather than processed foods. This means eating things like fruits, vegetables, and lean proteins.

Try Some Go-To Exercises

Now, if you’re really wanting to have a sleek, toned, and trim waistline, you’ll also have to do some basic exercises to work out that “muffin top”.

Some of the best exercises that target this specific area, according to Dana Meltzer Zepeda, a contributor to Self.com, are side bends, standing twists, and jack knives. By doing these specific exercises, in conjunction with eating right and treating your body well, you should be able to tone this particular area of your body.

If you’re ready to get rid of your “muffin top” once and for all, consider using the tips mentioned above to help you learn how you can do just that.