Perform this 5-minute workout to lose those saddle bags

Although it can be nice to cuddle up to someone with a bit of cushioning, despite their name, love handles aren't exactly attractive. Most people think love handles form on your stomach, but actually they form on your back. The main cause of love handles is excess fat, which is the result of a lack of exercise or an unhealthy diet. Apart from the regular crunches and reverse crunches you should look at working on your oblique muscles i.e. ones along the side of your abdomen for a defined waist. If you want to downsize and trim your fat then check out this video for exercises that will help trim your love handles in no time. This workout is simple and can be done anywhere. The best part is, you don't require any equipment for it. A word of caution: If you suffer from lower back pain or a back injury please consult your doctor before you start this workout. Also, avoid eating just before this workout. The twisting exercises tend to squeeze the stomach and may lead to discomfort. You can also try these 5 easy moves to burn your love handles. Diet tips to help you trim your handles However, only exercise is not sufficient to chisel your body. Dedicate some time in working out a proper diet to complement your workout routine. You can sit with your nutritionist and dietician to do so. Swap sugary drinks for water with lemon juice, white bread for soda bread and try to eat protein with your breakfast and lunch. Foods like lean meat, cottage cheese and eggs are all excellent sources of protein and these foods will keep you feeling full throughout the day. This means you won't be so tempted to reach for those snacks. Also, keep away from saturated fat, deep-fried foods, and excessive sugar, and artificial sweeteners for slimming down quickly. Here are a few kettlebell moves to get rid of love handles. Image source: Getty Images Video source: POPSUGAR Fitness/YouTube