Have you ever tried to lose your belly fat and nothing seemed to work?
You were doing it wrong all along.
It’s impossible to target and shed belly fat alone. But losing weight overall will help shrink your waistline and reduce the dangerous layers of visceral fat. Kerry Stewart, Ed.D. director of clinical and research physiology at John Hopkins says visceral fat is a type of fat within the abdominal cavity that you can’t see but heightens health risks.
What is Belly Fat?
Belly fat is a type of body fat that accumulates around the waistline. It is caused by consuming more calories than the body needs, leading to the excess calories being stored as fat in the abdominal area. Belly fat can be harmful to health, as it is associated with an increased risk of heart disease, type 2 diabetes, and some types of cancer.
To reduce belly fat, it is important to engage in regular physical activity and eat a healthy diet. Exercises that target the abdominal muscles, such as crunches and planks, can help to tone the muscles and reduce belly fat. Eating a diet that is high in fruits, vegetables, whole grains, and lean protein can also help to reduce belly fat.
In addition to exercise and diet, reducing stress levels can also help to reduce belly fat. Stress can cause the body to release cortisol, a hormone that is associated with increased belly fat. Engaging in stress-reducing activities such as meditation, yoga, or deep breathing can help to reduce cortisol levels and promote a healthier body.
Reducing belly fat requires a combination of healthy eating, regular exercise, and stress reduction. By making small changes to your lifestyle, such as taking the stairs instead of the elevator or choosing a salad instead of a burger, you can take steps towards a healthier, happier you.
Types of Belly Fat.
There are two main types of belly fat:
- Subcutaneous.
- Visceral.
- Subcutaneous fat is the fat that lies just beneath the skin and is the pinchable, jiggly fat that you can see and feel. It’s not considered as dangerous as visceral fat.
- Visceral fat, on the other hand, is the fat that surrounds your organs and is located deep within your abdominal cavity. It is not visible from the outside and can lead to serious health problems such as diabetes, heart disease, and high blood pressure.
So in summary, subcutaneous fat is the fat you can see and visceral fat is the fat you can’t see but can be harmful to your health.
8 Scientifically verified ways to lose belly fat.
1: Think about: eating plan NOT diet.
You need to pick a healthy eating plan you can stick to. Keep away from foods high in carbs and sugar and with much less fiber like bread, sodas and bagels and lean toward high-fiber or high-protein choices such as vegetables, healthy meats, fruits and beans.
2: Hangout with health-focused friends.
You’re more apt to eat better and live healthier if your friends and family are doing the same. So stick with health-focused people.
3: Banish midnight snacking.
You know how you found a bowl of cereal to taste better in the wee hours of the night rather than after the sun comes up?
This is bad for you. It might be better to close your eating window as early as is feasible for you.
4: Prioritize getting good sleep.
Just as a bad night’s sleep can ruin your whole day, it can also mess with a lot of other aspects of your life and one of them is belly fat.
5: Eliminate sugary foods and drinks.
Taking in excess sugar can be a main driver of weight gain, especially in the abdominal region.
It is very easy to consume high levels of sugar in drinks without realizing it. Always check the sugar content levels of a product before consuming them.
6: Become a label reader.
Some yogurts, for example boast that they’re low in fat but they’re higher in carbs and added sugar than the others. Always compare and contrast brands before settling for one.
7: Eat more fruits and vegetables.
They can provide complex carbohydrates, which are a healthful, low calorie alternative to refined carbohydrates. You might want to go hard on them.
8: Exercise.
Vigorous exercise trims all your fat, including visceral fat.
Get at least 30 minutes of moderate exercise at least 5 times a week. Walking also counts, as long as you work up a sweat, breathe harder and your heart rate is faster than the usual.
The Key Takeaway.
Exercise can lead to weight loss throughout the body including around the belly. It is not possible to reduce fat in certain areas alone. This means that targeted exercises such as sit-ups and crunches will not necessarily burn abdominal fat better than other exercises.
You should develop a workout routine for you and try to be consistent enough to get results.
What are some exercises to lose belly fat?
Exercises that can help lose belly fat include cardio exercises such as running, cycling, or swimming, as well as strength training exercises like crunches, planks, and leg raises.
What are some foods that can help lose belly fat?
Foods that can help lose belly fat include high-fiber foods like fruits, vegetables, and whole grains, as well as lean proteins like chicken, fish, and beans. Avoid processed foods, high-sugar drinks, and saturated fats.
How much sleep do I need to lose belly fat?
Getting enough sleep is important for weight loss, including losing belly fat. Aim for 7-9 hours of sleep per night.
How can stress affect belly fat?
Stress can cause the body to produce more cortisol, a hormone that can lead to weight gain, particularly in the abdominal area. Finding ways to manage stress, such as through meditation or yoga, can help reduce belly fat.
Are there any supplements or pills that can help lose belly fat?
While there are many supplements and pills marketed as “fat burners” or “belly fat reducers,” there is limited scientific evidence to support their effectiveness. The best way to lose belly fat is through a healthy diet and regular exercise.
