Belly fat is one of the signs of obesity and there is a need to get rid of it, otherwise, you will be setting yourself up for lots of disadvantages and possible health risks. You could be putting yourself at risk of heart-related conditions like hypertension and type 2 diabetes. This article discusses the best ways to get rid of belly fat.
- Working Out
The best way to lose belly fat and weight, in general, is through working out. This, however, does not mean that other ways do not work. They do work very well, but not as effective as engaging in physical exercise. You should be advised that working out to lose belly fat does not mean exercising the core and abs only, but the whole body. This is because abs workouts will only compress the fat into the body but it will not disappear since it has nowhere to go. Cardiovascular exercises are the most appropriate since they help burn fat. After you have lost the fat, abs workouts are good because they will prevent regaining of the belly fat.
- Keep Off Added Sugars
Most added sugars are made of fructose, sucrose, and glucose. These elements are hard to be digested by the normal digestive system and can only be digested by the liver. They are thus deposited at the liver and since this cannot digest them, it is forced to turn them into fat, which is deposited to the belly. Research findings show that drinks with added sugars such as sodas have a higher percentage of fructose and sucrose than solid foods added with sugar. It further explains that taking a soft drink means the sugars are not registered in the brain and the satiety has not gone away. You then tend to crave for more drinks.
- Cut Off Carbs
Carbohydrates are the largest contributing factor to belly fat than any other food since they are digested into fats. Since these fats cannot be deposited into any other part of the body, they end up at the base of the belly, making it sag further down, depending on the amount of fat present. It is believed that by taking lots of carbohydrates, the body starts getting used to relying on carbohydrates as the main source of energy, increasing satiety for carbohydrates. The result is that you crave more carbohydrates, such as junks, leading to a buildup of more belly fat.
- Manage Stress
Research findings show a close relationship between stress and weight gain. This is because, during stressful moments, the common digestive system is impacted hence fats are most affected since they take a lot of time to digest. Some people’s appetite also increases during stressful moments due to increased satiety as the body looks to replace the energy used to overthink. They thus tend to eat more and as a result, belly fat forms.
- Eat More Protein
Studies have shown that an intake of more protein, especially plant protein affects the reduction of the amount of belly fat. Protein has less fat content so upon eating, the amount of belly fat is reduced. Furthermore, protein takes long to be digested and thus makes your stomach feel fuller and the desire to eat junk reduces. Reduced junk intake means a reduction in belly fat.
- Include More Fiber In Your Diet
Fiber-rich foods such as vegetables and fruits help in getting rid of belly fat in two ways; one is by helping with digestion. By consuming more fiber, problems of indigestion and upset stomach will be a thing of the past. Enhanced digestion means less belly fat. The other way through which fiber reduces belly fat is the fact it makes your stomach feel fuller, reducing the desire to eat more junk. Less junk intake leads to a reduction in belly fat.
If you are looking for an effective way to lose belly fat, consider exercising regularly, managing stress, and eating a healthy diet. One thing you need to note, however, is that if you want effective and faster results, choosing one of these practices is not enough. You have to combine all of them since they complete each other. The secret to getting rid of belly fat is to not give up and maintain consistency, not forgetting that belly fat loss is not an event but a process. Also, do not look at yourself in the mirror every day because this might discourage you when you fail to register any significant change during the first days of the process.
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