Most men react to the bulge by going on diet. Brisk walking, running, cycling, and cross-country skiing are four of the top ways to reduce that pot. After 20 to 30 minutes of continuous moderate exercise, your body can begin to access fat directly for energy, and men's bodies look first to the abdomen. Endurance exercise also boosts your metabolism for some time after your finish, resulting in even more calories burned. Weight lifting is also an important part of spare-tire deflation.
Muscle requires far more energy to keep alive than fat.
So as you add muscle, your metabolism goes up. It doesn't take many pounds of muscle to equal a sandwich a day. While you're at it, don't ignore those abdominal muscles. With a good exercise program, there's no need to starve yourself. Finally, don't expect to lose a potbelly if you're a smoker.