Belly fat not only affects our self-esteem, it’s also a sign of unhealthy imbalances that can lead to serious medical issues. Your mid-section is the toughest area to lose fat and does require some changes in daily habits to achieve, but that doesn’t have to include exercise. The belly didn’t get there from not working out, it got there from what you’ve put into your body; exercise burns calories and strengthens muscles, but if you continue on the same path with food, nothing will ever change. Here are 6 ways to lose that belly fat without working out.
No more processed foods.
This is the biggest cause of belly fat! The food in bags, boxes and cans are jam-packed with tons of salt and everything unnatural. Instead, only eat whole foods; which are basically anything that isn’t already prepared. Eggs, chicken, fish and tons of vegetables should be the basis for every meal that you eat. Go organic whenever you can to ensure your produce hasn’t been chemically enhanced or genetically modified.
Drink lots of water.
Did you know that most of the time you feel hungry, you’re actually just thirsty? Instead of eating something every time you feel hungry, try drinking a glass of water and wait 20 minutes. You’ll be surprised at how satisfied you feel. Water will also flush out the toxins your body may be holding onto, improve the look of your skin and give you more energy.
Eat foods proven to fight belly fat.
The research has already been done for you, foods like nuts, eggs, blueberries, fish, whole grains and avocados; which are also considered to be super foods, will help to shed belly fat and make you feel and look better overall. Learn the 5 reasons avocados are the best food in the world.
Reduce stress.
I just saw a news story about this today. Stress causes cortisol to rise within your body causing it to hold onto fat, especially the belly. If you see a fatty midsection, that person is probably eating a ton of processed foods and is completely stressed out. But how do we control the stress in our lives? Reduce social media in your life, take a break just for yourself, even for a few minutes to breathe, do some yoga and meditate. Making the effort to de-stress will pay off, positively affect your overall health and you will see the belly fat reduce.
Reduce alcohol or completely stop drinking.
Alcohol is one of the top three causes of belly fat, so if you want to reduce it, you’ll have to reduce your intake or completely stop drinking it. Your body recognizes alcohol as a toxin, so as soon as you have a drink it starts to work on getting that toxin out and stop the food digestion process. This slowing of digestion is only going to cause more weight gain and belly fat. Instead, keep drinking that water or enjoy a refreshing naturally flavored seltzer.
Have you heard of intermittent fasting?
This is not about starving yourself, but instead is about eating all of your meals in a shorter period of time to give your body a chance to start burning stored fat; which is what is wrapped around your mid-section. The time span is up to you, but success has been found by people who eat all of their meals within an eight hour period, so that they can fast for the other 16 hours. You could eat everything between the hours of noon and 8pm a few days per week and see what happens. Just be sure it’s all of the foods we talked about above and not take out.
