Ugh! Belly fat is one of those topics we cringe about but care about when trying to lose weight because most of us would do anything to lose it. Not only do we feel often feel unattractive, but it’s also a health risk for us to be carrying around the extra pounds at our waistline. But it can be a tricky topic because of so much misleading information out there about what causes it and how to get rid of it. Our focus today will be on what cause it so you have a good knowledge base to start from when tackling your personal weight loss. Not to mention it’s common sense that to first get rid of it, we need to understand what causes it.
Stress and the Cortisol Connection
Stress is harmful for our health all the way around, but it is a culprit in exasperating the issue. When we’re stressed, our body releases a hormone called Cortisol which impacts the way the body distributes fat by moving it from other parts of the body and distributing it in the abdominal region. Cortisol also causes a spike in hunger, thus causing cravings, binge eating and overeating, so the negative impact of stress and Cortisol on belly fat and losing weight is two-fold.
Diet and Belly Fat
Diets high in refined and processed foods, especially refined grains like pastas and bleached breads, convert to sugar quickly and cause the body to respond with a spike in insulin. When the body has this excess sugar, it converts to fat. Also, diets high in bad fats, like saturated fats, should be avoided to help minimize the dreaded fat. Eating diets with a balance of whole grains, low-starch veggies and fruits, and lean protein is best to lose weight and fat.
Lack of Exercise
Possibly one of the easiest solutions to reducing belly fat is getting off your rump and doing some cardiovascular exercise. Hop on the bike, hit the treadmill at the gym, or take an aerobics class. Even if exercising is challenging for you, start somewhere. Walk up the stairs a few times, take a walk down the sidewalk, but whatever it is, get started now, and keep it up daily to target belly fat.
It’s also worth mentioning that exercises that target the abdominal muscles, like crunches, don’t get rid of belly fat. They simply strengthen muscles underneath the fat, but for the muscles to show, the fat needs to be reduced.
Menopause
Belly fat often accumulates around the waist in post-menopausal women due to the change in hormones that determine how our body distributes fat throughout. But it is possible to combat this with a healthy lifestyle and the proper diet and exercise described above.
In summary, the best way to lose the belly fat is through natural weight loss techniques, like a balanced diet, stress reduction and the right exercise program described here. By keeping in mind what causes belly fat, you are better equipped to target and lose it in addition to the unwanted weight in other areas of your body.
Health and fitness coach Linda Parker wants to help you create a New You – a slimmer, happier YOU! Click Here to make it happen. For more information on natural weight loss, visit Attract Natural Weight Loss.