Many people are always looking to improve their overall health and appearance. Whether it's their mental health by going to therapy, or their physical health by monitoring what goes in their bodies. Weight loss is a common goal for both men and women of all ages, and it mainly requires burning excess fat. The most common area that stores fat is the abdominal area, and it's known to be the hardest type of fat to get rid of. These tips can help you shed those extra rolls on your stomach in a healthy way so that you can lead a healthier life.

Bye Bye Sugar

The first step in saying goodbye to belly fat is to also say goodbye to various forms of sugar. Studies show that even healthy sugar like honey can have a negative effect on your body when consumed excessively. Sugary drinks, in particular, are worse than sugary food because they increase the fat percentage in your liver. The brain doesn't react the same way when it's given sugar in the form of liquid fructose as it would with food. It makes you consume more calories later on, not to mention that any sugar consumed is automatically stored as fat in your body.

Curb the Carbs

Some people think the key to losing belly fat is to stick to low-fat diets. Others think completely cutting carbs is the answer. However, while decreasing your fat intake can be beneficial, there are some healthy fats that can actually contribute to your fat burn. As for completely cutting carbs; that wouldn't be a smart move because our bodies need all three elements for nourishment; protein, carbs, and fats. To lose belly fat, the Australian-based nutrition specialists at https://fintys.com.au/ explain that you should approach carbs with caution, and limit your daily intake. You can also try carb-cycling, which not only reduces your carb consumption but also increases your metabolism.

Load Up on Protein

Protein is generally the most important part of a meal, but especially for those trying to lose belly fat. This is because proteins make you feel full by promoting the release of the PYY hormone, which restrains your appetite. Its benefits don't stop there; it also helps boost your metabolism while retaining muscle mass and keeping you from regaining the weight you lost. The high intake of protein along with a low carb diet forces the body to get its energy by burning fats. Try to start the day with a high-protein breakfast to curb your cravings for the rest of the day. Don't forget to also load up your lunch and dinner with fish, meat, and dairy.

Cardio is Your New Friend

Exercising is essential for losing body fat, especially aerobic exercises, also known as cardio. This kind of exercise is the fastest way to burn belly fat when done efficiently and regularly. Studies show that the best approach to exercising for fat loss is doing short, high-intensity workouts as opposed to just walking on the treadmill for an hour. The higher the intensity, the more energy is consumed, making your body turn to fat burning for fuel. To get the best out of those cardio sessions, add resistance training (weight lifting) in order for muscles to replace all the fat you burn and give you a toned look.

Avoid Stress

We all know how badly stress can affect general health, but it specifically affects weight management. When you are stressed, there is a surge in a hormone called cortisol, which doesn't only increase your appetite but directs fats to be stored in the abdominal area. Stress eating is one of the most common reasons for having belly fat. This is why you need to do whatever you can to manage your stress levels by doing relaxing practices. Meditation or yoga classes can help you get rid of any excess tension.

Keep Track

If you're adamant about losing belly fat, winging it as you go won't be enough. You have to always keep track of your food intake, calories, and exercise to measure success. This will help you learn what is working for you and what is not; which you can only measure by regularly weighing yourself and taking your measurements. Sometimes the scale may not be moving, but your measurements are significantly decreased, which is great because it means you're losing fat and replacing it with muscle mass. Make sure you use apps or online tools to keep track of your weight loss journey.

There you have it! These tips may look simple, but they can go a long way in helping you get rid of stubborn belly fat. The most important thing when it comes to this journey is doing the work and being patient. This is a long road; you don't want to lose the fat quickly only to gain it back even quicker. So, don't get into your own head by comparing yourself to others; focus on what instills encouragement in order to keep going. At the end of the day, everyone has their own body type and has to go at their own pace, so just focus on your journey.


WRITTEN BY

Daria Brown