How can you lose belly fat…. the 6 million dollar question! It really does depend on how determined you are and strictly you can stick to your healthy eating/exercise regime. However it isnt rocket science either.  I have put together my top tips for targeting the most annoying area for ladies, the belly. Firstly it is difficult to target a specific area on the body, however trying some of these or all of them really should help you see improvement in a relatively short space of time.

  • Increase protein and soluble fibre in your diet. Protein is extremely important to aid weight loss and leaves you feeling fuller for longer, and helps you retain muscle.  The more muscle you have, the better equipped you are to burn fat. Add more avocados, sprouts, berries and flaxseeds to your diet.  These absorb water and help with digestion and help with weight loss.
  • Avoid sugary drinks. Everyone knows that diet coke, fanta and sprite are bad for your teeth, but they could be giving you love handles too! Artificially sweetened drinks, and this includes alcohol, cause the body to store fat in the liver and gain fat around your middle. It is so important to drink enough water.  Make sure you are drinking at least 2/3 litres per day!
  • Avoid trans fats. I am always banging on about these fats because they are worse for you than saturated fats! They can be found in margarine and spreads and some processed foods. These fats have been linked to heart disease, and increase abdominal fat gain. Avoid them and always read your labels.
  • Are you getting enough exercise?. High intensity interval training and resistance training are particularly good if you are trying to lose weight in this area.  I use HIIT in my Saturday morning Bodyfit class, and is a great way to burn fat more quickly.  In our yoga class, we work against our own weight in some of the poses. We also add resistance bands from time to time, to increase the intensity. These bands are great for stretching toning and take up very little space and definitely worth purchasing one for home use.
  • Reduce your stress levels. Lastly but not least Did you know if you are stressed you are more likely to hold on to fat.  Cortisol referred to as the ‘stress hormone’ is known to increase belly fat and can give you a surge in your appetite.  Try some relaxation techniques or some yoga poses, such as the ones we use in my weekly Power yoga class.  Remember being healthy is just as much about your state of mind as it is your body.
  • Last but not least…. have you tried intermittent fasting?  Fasting can be done to suit your lifestyle, over 12, 18 hours or even 24 hours.  I try to fast 2 days each week now and have found it really leaves me less bloated and gives me more energy and can target the mid section. It can also help to balance hormones which are another reason for gaining weight around the mid section.  Make sure you drink plenty of water during your fasting period and if you need any advice on this feel free to send me a message.

Set some realistic goals and targets. However I am always on hand to clients if you would like some help or encouragement

Bev x