There are a lot of gimmicks and infommercials around about how to get rid of that pesky, unflattering belly fat. While there's no "magic bullet" that will target abdominal fat in particular, this article will explain what causes an expanding waistline, and how you can make the extra baggage go away.
In a recent poll, we asked our readers to tell us what their least favorite body parts were. The overwhelming answer? "My belly!" But the concern over a flabby belly is more serious than simply not looking good
in a bathing suit. Researchers are finding that abdominal fat leads to higher risks of heart disease, diabetes and even certain types of cancers.
We're all aware that lack of exercise and a diet of burgers and fries will cause our bellies to bloat and expand, but who knew that those late nights at the office, the stress of that big project or the hidden trans fats in our favorite vending machine snacks were adding dangerous inches to our midsections?
In a society where workaholics reign, Americans are more sleep-deprived, stress-ridden and crunched for time than ever before. We want the quickest solutions, the fastest foods (usually supersized), and, despite the caffeine running through our veins, we just can't seem to find the time to work out. Below we've got quick and easy solutions for you to learn how to lose the belly fat once and for all.
First things first Don't blame yourself. Maybe you could have changed things in the past, but nothing can be changed now. Blaming yourself will not help anything. Trust your health care team to know how to help you and do what they tell you to do. You are not alone.
Start slowly, you have a lot to assimilate and learn, if you try to do too much too fast you may feel overwhelmed. Take care of yourself. Things to do right away
Do something you enjoy. If you like it, it's more likely you'll keep at it. Not all workouts are at a gym: try biking, inline skating, rowing, skateboarding, swimming, hockey, or a rugby team; even dancing in your bedroom with an ipod. Enjoyment is the key to sticking with it.
Make a commitment. Don't just make a mental promise to yourself. Get a journal. Write down what you want to accomplish, and set a time frame for reaching your goals. Make a contract, and sign it. Include pictures of your dream dress, if it helps you define your goals.
The "Fight or Flight" response has been around for millions of years, but it could also be adding unwanted inches to your waistline. When faced with stress, our bodies release a hormonal cocktail of adrenaline, cortisol and insulin.
Not only have high cortisol levels been associated with increased appetite and fat production, but the fat has been shown to typically deposit itself in the belly area.
If you're constantly on edge, consider these solutions:
Just Say No: More than ever, employees are reporting that they are feeling overly stressed at work. This can usually be attributed to excessive demands and never-ending daily tasks and projects. If the overwhelming feeling is too much to handle, not only will your cortisol levels spike, but you'll be more likely to reach for that bag of chips. Consider speaking with your boss about prioritizing some projects. Remember, your health and waistline are at stake.
Walk It Off: If the meeting went horribly or your co-worker is driving you crazy, don't sit and stew. Get up from your desk and take a five- or 10-minute walk to clear your head and get some perspective. Being away from the computer screen will re-energize you and help you focus when you return.
Monitor Your Mocha: Carefully watch your intake of caffeine and sugar. They may give you a temporary boost but actually alter mood, anxiety levels and blood pressure. Try replacing that second cup of coffee with an herbal tea or caffeine-free diet soda.
Eat This and Lose Belly Fat!
Tired of belly bulge? Try these superfoods to help shrink your spare tire.
Oatmeal
Your morning snack attack is caused by a dip in blood sugar levels. Fiber-rich oatmeal stays in your stomach for hours, staving off a doughnut run.
Watch out: Steer clear of the sugary flavored varieties. Choose the plain stuff, and sweeten it with berries.
Lean Meats and Fish
Your body burns more calories digesting protein than carbs or fat. Want the leanest meat out there? Opt for turkey, but to cut down even more on saturated fat, choose fish. Go for tuna and salmon; they are full of omega-3s, which help prevent stress chemicals that promote fat abs.
Watch out: Cured meats and sausage have a lot of saturated fat.
Eggs
Eggs contain vitamin B12, which your body needs to metabolize fat. In fact, researchers at Louisiana State University found that people who ate eggs for breakfast every day lost more weight than those who ate bagels.
Watch out: Talk to your doc first if your cholesterol is high.