Belly fat is the result of the food you consume and your lifestyle. These excess fats are very unhealthy that sometimes may lead to death. It causes discomfort and no productivity. It is also the reason for the high risk of diseases such as heart disease, cancer, metabolic syndrome as well as diabetes (type 2).
Belly fat can become stubborn. If you have it, you will not enjoy life to the fullest. It feels like something is pulling you down from enjoying things, especially recreational activities. You can’t move well and every move is being restricted- very minimal.
Don’t get us wrong. A little bit of belly fat is actually good for every individual as it protects your stomach, your other delicate organs as well as your intestines. But too much of everything can kill you, and so too much fat is unhealthy.
As we have mentioned, the foods you consume is one of the main culprits why you have belly fat. Here are some foods that you want to avoid as it causes your stomach to bloat;
1. Alcohol
A little bit of alcohol is essential for your body. But excessive intake of alcohol is a different story. Based on the study, alcohol restricts your body to burn fat while some parts of the alcohol you drink may be stored in your body that later transform into fat- a belly part to be exact (it’s where the term beer belly originates)
2. Trans Fats
If we are talking about “unhealthy fats”, trans-fat will obviously be on top as it is the unhealthiest type of fats. Avoid too much-frozen pizza, microwave popcorn, fried foods non-dairy coffee creamer, and stick margarine as they are rich in trans-fats.
3. Sugary Foods and Beverages
Who doesn’t love sweets and cold sodas? I know no one. But apparently, these favorites may cause stubborn belly fat.
But how do you actually burn your stubborn belly fat? Of course, these ways which we will provide you won’t be easy. It’s a process that needs your dedication, commitment, and discipline so you can be successful.
1. Crunch Exercise
The first and most effective way of burning belly fat is by crunching- in fact, it ranks top as the best fat-burning exercise.
To do this, you have to;
• Lie down on your back; your feet should be planted on the floor, hip-width apart. You want to bend your knees and put your hands across your chest. To achieve ripped-abs, allow your abs to contract.
• Lift your upper body while exhaling and relax your neck and head.
• After that, you want to inhale then start again.
2. Lessen Sugar-Sweetened Drinks Intake
Added sugar is tasty, yes, but it’s not ideal when you want good health. Based on the study, sugar mainly targets your metabolic health, giving it specific harm. Minimize your sugar intake as much as possible and you should also eliminate your added sugar intake completely.
3. Consume Foods Rich in Protein
Protein helps you lose weight by reducing your appetite as well as your hunger level. The foods that are rich in protein are; eggs, dairy products (cheese, milk, and yogurt), lean meats, and poultry (chicken, turkey, etc.)
4. Add Soluble Fiber to Your Diet
Soluble fiber will dissolve and this process will help you improve and boost your digestion. It also reduces sugar as well as blood cholesterol. Apples, citrus fruits, peas, and beans are all rich in soluble fiber.
5. Lessen Trans-fat Intake
Again, trans-fats are the unhealthiest fats in the world so further explanation won’t be needed in order for you to avoid these types of foods.
6. Control Alcohol Intake
Alcohol can be an issue and if you must drink, the less the better, drink too much and you will gain belly fats (beer belly as they name it).
7. Decrease Stress Level
Stress will trigger adrenal glands. If this happens, your body will produce cortisol (a stress hormone) which causes you to gain belly fat.
8. Do Aerobic Exercise (Cardio)
Aerobic exercise has a lot of benefits- that includes the low risk of obesity. Not only that, but it also improves your cardiovascular condition, lowers your blood pressure, and helps you to control your blood sugar. A good 30-45 minutes of walking will do wonders.
The Bottom Line
The change will start in no one but you and yourself. These ways are only here to guide you and to inform you what to do and what not to do. The most important thing in this process is you. Start burning that belly fat now!