Losing belly fat is a common fitness goal. However, you don’t have to focus fat loss on a specific body part. Overall weight management lifestyle and diet changes are better ways to lose fat.
Here are some natural ways to lose belly fat and live a healthier life:
One of the most effective ways to lose body fat is to eat fewer calories than the body burns. This leads to fat loss throughout the body, including the belly.
Eating fewer calories than the body uses up creates a caloric deficit. This will help burn both visceral fat and excess subcutaneous fat.
Taking in excess sugar is a driver of weight gain, especially in the belly area.
For many people, reducing the amount of sugar in hot drinks and eliminating soda can remove excess sugar from their diets.
Refined carbohydrates are low in nutritional value but high in calories. These carbohydrates are in white bread, refined grains, and sugary foods and drinks.
Try replacing refined carbohydrates with complex carbohydrates. These complex carbohydrates exist in fruits, vegetables, and whole grain foods.
Fruits and vegetables can provide complex carbohydrates, which are a healthful, low calorie alternative to refined carbohydrates.
Fruits and vegetables also add fiber to the diet.
Lean protein sources include nuts, legumes, and lean meats. Adding these to the diet encourages feelings of fullness after eating and reduce cravings for sugary snacks.
At the same time, it can help to reduce or eliminate the consumption of fatty meats, including beef and processed meats and this will in turn, eliminate belly fat.
6. Choose healthful fats
Some dietary fat is necessary in a healthful diet, but not all fat sources are equally beneficial.
Healthful high fat foods include:
- avocados
- chia seeds
- eggs
- fatty fish
- nuts and nut butters
- olives
Exercise can lead to weight loss throughout the body, including around the belly. Exercises strengthen and tone the abdominal muscles, making them appear more defined.
Making a point of increasing activity levels throughout the day helps burn calories. Moving more can also strengthen the muscles and elevate the mood.
Tips for increasing daily activity levels include:
- taking regular stretching breaks when sitting for long periods
- taking the stairs instead of the elevator
- walking or cycling instead of driving or taking public transit
- parking further from a destination
- using a standing desk
Cardiovascular exercise, or cardio, gets the heart pumping. It also burns calories, helping reduce body fat and tone muscles.
Some cardio exercises include:
- walking
- running
- using an exercise bike
- swimming
Strength training can reduce weight of the body because it focuses on building muscle mass, and muscle burns more calories than fat does.
Strength training can also improve bone and joint health. This is because stronger muscles are better able to support the body, which reduces strain on the bones and joints.
Read also: 9 Ways To Stay Healthy With Busy Schedules
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