Understanding how your body works and why you are out of shape is key when you are looking to understand how to lose belly fat. The most common belief is that it stems from a sedentary lifestyle and poor dietary habits. Those might be contributing factors, but other deeper reasons also exist.
Women who are postmenopausal will find that fat is stored up in the body. This fat loves to hide in the tummy.
The human body will gravitate towards two distinct shapes when it accumulates fat, either the shape of a pear or the shape of an apple. For those who have the situation where fat goes to the stomach we call them apple shaped. Others who find fat in the bottom half of the body especially around the buttocks, we call pear shaped. Genes determine these two shapes.
Stress causes the action of cortisol being released into the body. When this happens the liver starts to produce and release sugar into your body. This action makes you feel hungry and you start to eat food. The calories in this food head straight to your tummy area.
Stress can also cause improper digestion, which manifests in gas and bloating. This is the reason why many people that suffer from bloating and gas also have stubborn belly fat.
A slow metabolism is one of the biggest reasons reasons for people becoming overweight. As we age the metabolic rate in our bodies slows down dramatically. With a slow metabolism, it becomes harder for your body to burn calories. Apple shaped people will most often have sluggish metabolism.
Watch your posture. A slouching posture can give the impression of a potbelly. Stand in the mirror and check your posture. If you slouch, then straighten up, and see how you appear less fat than is actually the case. Posture is important in terms of your confidence and appearance.
Never go to bed on a full stomach. This is probably one of the unhealthiest things that you can do. The body needs at least three hours to digest food before retiring to bed. Fat will rapidly accumulate in the body and around the tummy region if you do this. If you find yourself hungry within 3 hours of going to sleep then have a glass of milk. The calcium will promote a good night’s rest. Other acceptable snacks would be nuts, raisins or a banana.
Do what you can to discover the reasons why fat is accumulating around your stomach. Many reasons for this exist, and you need to narrow these causes down so they can be dealt with. Science has shown that women who store fat in their tummy area are likely to suffer a coronary artery thrombosis.
It may take years of neglect before you realize that you need to lose stomach fat. Therefore, you cannot expect it to achieve fat loss the moment you strap on the latest miracle gadget. It may be a slow and frustrating process, but the benefits speak for it. Your health risks will be reduced and you will look and feel good.
By now, you should understand how to lose belly fat and why it’s there in the first place. To achieve quicker and more long lasting results, an exercise program will be of immense value. Consistency is key here. The health benefits alone should keep you motivated. While you may not experience fat burning immediately, the new younger and energetic you will be well worth it.