How to Eliminate Belly Fat
by Chris Chenoweth
If a woman�s waistline is larger than 35 inches (40 inches for men), the risk for a variety of health conditions such as heart disease, cancer and diabetes, can greatly increase. Studies show that fat stored around our waist poses a greater health risk than the fat we store in other parts of our bodies. This is just another reason for both men and women to take the necessary steps to reduce unhealthy belly fat.
CAUSES OF BELLY FAT
Gender and age are the largest determining factors for where we store fat on our bodies. Men tend to store their fat around their waistline when they put on weight. Women, before menopause, store their fat around their hips, thighs, and butt. After menopause, however, the fat becomes thicker around their waistline.
Most people eat a diet high in refined sugar and other simple carbohydrates. These foods raise blood sugar levels, leading to high insulin levels. The high insulin levels cause fat to be deposited into the belly area rather than other regions of the body. Put simply, belly fat is largely due to an unhealthy diet.
LINK BETWEEN STRESS AND BELLY FAT
You exercise faithfully, doing crunches until you�re exhausted, diet until you can�t stand it anymore and still you hold onto your belly fat. What�s the problem? The problem is that excess abdominal fat can also develop from high stress levels. How can stress cause a fat belly?
Fat in the body�s abdominal area acts in a different manner from the fat elsewhere in the body. It has a larger blood supply as well as more receptors for a stress hormone called cortisol. The levels of cortisol fluctuate throughout the day but a higher amount of the hormone is released during periods of stress and remains elevated.
The cortisol hones in on the abdominal area because of the large blood supply there, thus encouraging fat to be stored there. Consequently, if you are experiencing stress on a regular basis, your body will continue to deposit fat around your middle.
Belly fat is not the only cost of a stressful lifestyle caused by work problems, health problems, family problems, etc. High cortisol levels interfere with dopamine and serotonin, leading to depression and feelings of more stress.
To reduce your stress level, try to incorporate stress relievers into your daily life like reading, taking walks, soaking in the tub, listening to relaxing music, etc. Even if you think you do not have the time, you must make the time in order to be healthier physically and mentally.
WAYS TO REDUCE BELLY FAT
EAT A HEALTHY DIET full of fruits and vegetables and foods that are loaded with omega-3 fats like olive oil, fatty fish, nuts and seeds. The omega-3 fats reduce inflammation in the body and the production of adrenaline, another stress hormone, ultimately resulting in less belly fat.
EXERCISE at least 20 minutes a day, preferably using aerobic movements. To help work your ab area, incorporate activities like cross-country skiing or kickboxing into your exercise routine.
Be patient. Whittling down that belly fat will take time especially if you have significant fat in that area. Stick to your program, the fat will disappear.
In summary, if you have a fat belly, your best solution is to follow a healthy diet program, combined with an aerobic and stomach-toning regimen to tighten your abdominal muscles. Make sure you include stress relievers in your daily life, as well, to help keep the belly fat at bay.
Chris Chenoweth, author of the DO-IT-YOURSELF HOME, HEALTH & MONEY GUIDE, writes articles pertaining to diet, exercise, health, and business.
Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Chris_Chenoweth
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