It is never too early or too late to start working on reducing that stubborn belly fat. Belly fat, also known as visceral fat, has a way of sticking to you like none other. Not only is it unsightly, but it is also a major risk factor for the development of type-2 diabetes, stroke, heart disease, and other related conditions. While it can be difficult to get rid of it, it is definitely possible to reduce it so long as you understand some general rules and guidelines.
Rules for Reducing Belly Fat
- Eat Lots of Soluble Fiber
Soluble fiber cannot be underestimated when it comes to fighting stubborn belly fat. It absorbs water and transforms it into a gel that slows down food that passes through the digestive system. It basically helps you feel satiated so that you eat less food and calories overall. - Avoid Trans Fats
Trans fats are what happens when hydrogen is pumped into unsaturated fats like soybean oil. These fats can cause heart disease, inflammation, insulin resistance, and of course, abdominal fat. - Adopt a High Protein Diet
Protein is one of the most valuable nutrients for weight management. Depending how you utilize protein in your diet, you can gain or lose weight. A high protein diet can help a person feel satiated, increase their metabolic rate, and replace fat with muscle. Be careful though, not all protein is made the same, choose your protein sources carefully. - Reduce Your Stress Levels – Relax
Stress can trigger the adrenal glands and cause them to produce cortisol, a powerful stress hormone. High cortisol levels can stimulate and increase the appetite and result in abdominal fat storage. Most people refer to this as stress eating.
Although difficult, it is still not impossible to get rid of that belly fat. Following the above-mentioned guidelines will help you plan a lifestyle that will enable you to get into shape.