When you set out to get in shape and live a healthier lifestyle, if you're like most people, you want to reduce your belly fat. However, for many people, flattening the tummy and losing belly fat seems to be the hardest thing to do no matter how hard they try.
While extra belly fat is frustrating, it also comes with an array of serious health risks, as well. From increased risk for cancer to heart disease to diabetes, unwanted belly bulge puts your life and your future at risk.
If you’ve been struggling to kiss your belly goodbye, these five reasons can be the key to finally win the battle of the bulge:
Reason #1: Exercise
As long as we can remember, experts have recommended we get at least 30 minutes of exercise a few days a week. And for good reason. Much of the modern world has cut movement out in many ways, making it necessary to exercise in order to stay fit. However, if you think 30 minutes of walking on the treadmill three days a week is going to get rid of pounds of belly fat, think again. To get results and keep them, you’ll want to add full body strength training to your routine. Doing this will add muscle to your frame, which will help decrease your body fat percentage. A safe, effective and appropriately challenging workout 3-6 times per week can literally change your body! (Just ask my clients how easy it is to get and stay in shape!)
Reason #2: Food
"You can't outrun your fork." 😱Getting rid of belly fat is done in the kitchen, not in the gym. It requires a lifestyle change that includes being very intentional of what you put in your mouth. That means cutting out the processed foods, empty calories and whatever else is likely to cause fat to cling to your midsection. That includes too much healthy food also. Remember: everything has calories, and if your body doesn’t use it, it’s got to go somewhere, and your waistline is a handy place to store excess fat. But your fork isn’t the only thing that matters. Not drinking enough water is a sure recipe for holding on to body fat.
Reason #3: Stress
When you feel stressed, it’s because something in your life is going on and you simply can’t let go of it until it’s resolved. Unfortunately, when you don’t let go of stress, fat doesn’t let go of you. It’s due to the hormone cortisol, which is released by your body when you’re feeling stressed. This hormone kicks your appetite into gear and may even make it harder for your body to shed fat. So, relax by cultivating some healthy ways to manage your feelings like: walking, taking a shower, talking to a friend, meditation, breathwork, therapy, music, exercise, massage, etc. and help your body let go of excess fat.
Reason #4: Sleep
Going to sleep might not be very exciting. Doing it feels like you’re doing nothing. But when you’re in the battle against the belly bulge, getting quality sleep every night is key. How important is it? When researchers concluded 16 years of studying the health of nearly 70,000 women, they saw that the women who slept five or fewer hours every night were at a 30-percent increased risk for gaining 30 pounds than those who got seven or more hours of shuteye on a nightly basis. I have clients who have worked with me to gradually increase the quality and quantity of their sleep, and their weight loss has been profound and permanent. Plus, they have more energy and feel SO MUCH BETTER!
Reason #5: Aging
When most people get older, their metabolism decreases (due to less activity and muscle mass), making it harder to burn off calories, but their appetite may not change. Making weight gain even easier is the drop in estrogen and progesterone in women and testosterone in men. But don’t think aging means you have to simply accept weight gain. By building lean muscle, staying active physically, working out regularly and eating for your goal weight, you can be in amazing shape into your 70's, 80 and 90's.
By sleeping well, eating healthily, working out right, and managing stress, you can finally lose the belly fat that has bothered you, no matter your age. And I’m here to help.
Call or email today to discuss a personalized program that will rid you of your belly fat once and for all. I’m ready when you are.
Rose
HealthyHabitsStudio@gmail.com
