Burning abdominal fat is not impossible!
At this time of year, everyone is determined to lose weight, especially those who have accumulated a large amount around the waist. Belly fat is the bane of many people’s existence, it’s stubborn and unsightly and it looks like it will take an act of Congress to eliminate it. The first step to take when you want to burn belly fat is to understand what it is and why it is there, thinking of it as a strategy to know your enemy.
What is belly fat?
The body can store fat in any area of the body, and for some people the first area seems to be the belly. Belly fat is the accumulation of visceral fat around the midsection. People with this problem are often said to be “apple” shaped.
The problem with belly fat compared to other types is that it accumulates around the vital organs of the torso. While other types are simply under the skin or interspersed between skeletal muscles.
In addition to being unattractive, unattractive abdominal fat has been associated with serious health risks, such as cardiovascular disease, diabetes, or insulin resistance. Therefore, it is imperative that a person takes belly fat seriously.
How does it get there?
There are many causes of abdominal fat accumulation. Take a look at the list below to see where you fall:
o Genetics: Look at the people in your family who are overweight. Where do they tend to store more fat? If it’s around your midsection, you could have a genetic predisposition to belly fat.
o Menopause: Women tend to go through many changes during this period of their lives. Weight gain is one of them, and sadly, the belly tends to be their favorite place to store.
o Habits: Poor eating habits are another common cause of abdominal fat.
o Stress: This is a big contributor to belly fat. When you are stressed, a hormone called cortisol is released. Cortisol increases your energy by increasing glucose production, which in turn stimulates your appetite by increasing your caloric intake and this is converted to stored fat. Usually around the midsection so that it is readily available for the body to burn.
It makes sense that junk food should go. High-calorie foods that have little or no nutritional value are prime suspects for weight gain. Some other foods you should avoid are:
o Anything that is high in carbohydrates, such as cakes, bread, potatoes and pasta. These are all rich in carbohydrates.
o Alcohol is also a big no-no if you’re trying to lose belly fat; it is high in sugar and works to slow down metabolism.
o Chocolate bars, brownies and soft drinks. They all have a high caloric value and little or no nutritional value.
Instead of all the sugar and carbs, you’ll want to focus on whole grains, fruits, vegetables, and protein. For example, instead of a bowl of sugary cereal for breakfast, you might consider this breakfast example:
or whole wheat toast
o Two poached eggs or bowl of oatmeal
or small glass of orange juice
or fruit of your choice
No discussion of weight loss would be complete without emphasizing the importance of regular exercise. Even 15 minutes a day of brisk walking will show dramatic results.
The worst thing you can do for your body is introduce weight loss pills and medications. Most don’t work, and the ones that do work rely on harsh chemicals that make your heart rate faster or worse. The best plan is a balanced diet and simple exercise.