Abstract
Are you finding it difficult to reduce that stubborn belly fat of yours? Try these effective and simple lifestyle changes to burn your belly fat faster.
Belly fat or abdominal fat can be easily reduced with simple lifestyle modifications. Belly fat is linked to systemic diseases like diabetes, hypertension, heart diseases, etc. A few reasons for the accumulation of belly fat include:
Water is required for metabolism in the body. In general, according to your body weight, the ideal amount of water required in liters is body weight in kilograms divided by 20. It is advised to drink one to two glasses of lukewarm water with a teaspoon of honey and a few drops of lemon juice early morning after waking up. The water should be taken in slow gulps.
For weight and fat loss, it is very important to stay hydrated. Importance of lukewarm water in fat loss is as follows:
Avoid drinking water in the following circumstances:
Vegetables like cucumber, carrot, tomato, etc., should be included in your diet. Just add a pinch of black salt and lemon juice for taste enhancement. Eat at least a bowl of vegetable salad every day. Vegetable salads are rich in fibers. They lower blood cholesterol levels. They are rich in antioxidants (vitamin C and vitamin E). Vegetable salads lower the daily intake of calories. They are good for immunity.
Nuts are rich in healthy fats. Some studies have shown that eating nuts aids in weight loss. Nuts that aid in fat loss are almonds, cashew, walnuts, pistachios, and peanuts. Almonds and walnuts are a great source of healthy fat. Eating nuts on a regular basis improves heart health. They are rich in antioxidants.
Toned milk, double-toned milk, and skimmed milk have low-fat content. These varieties of milk can be used to make low-fat curd or cottage cheese. Calcium and Vitamin D have been shown to burn more calories. Full cream milk has more fat content (3 %) than toned milk (1.5 %). One glass of full cream contains double the amount of fat as compared to toned milk. The benefits of milk are as follows:
Junk foods are low in nutrients and mainly made of refined flour. Consumption of junk food on a regular basis can lead to:
Junk food includes burgers, pizza, french fries, chips, candies, cookies, cake, doughnuts, soft drinks, chocolates, etc. Junk food contains high levels of refined sugar and excessive amounts of salt. Sugar will increase the calorie count, whereas increased salt intake leads to water retention. Both will be a disadvantage in belly fat reduction.
Instead of refined sugar, you can use cane sugar, honey, maple syrup, stevia extracts, and coconut palm sugar. Salt is used to make meals tastier and to satisfy our taste buds. Some alternatives to salt are Himalayan black salt and potassium-based low-sodium alternatives.
Refined oils contain trans-fats, which are bad for health. Oil undergoes bleaching, hydrogenation, and other processes to make them edible and odorless. During this refining process, important nutrients are lost. Use unrefined mustard oil or clarified butter (ghee).
Mustard oil has the following benefits:
Clarified butter (Ghee) has the following benefits:
Olive oil, flaxseed oil, and zero-calorie cooking spray can be used as an alternative to refined vegetable oils.
Some clinical studies have shown that reduction in sound sleep has a negative impact on fat loss. An adequate amount of sleep is necessary for fat loss. If a person is not sleeping enough, they will lose the benefits of the diet they are following. Sleep is an integral part of the fat loss program. Insufficient sleep will lead to an increase in stress hormones. It is advised to sleep at least to get 6 to 7 hours of sound sleep daily.
High protein diets have been found to prevent or treat obesity. Protein and complex carbohydrates help you feel fuller for a longer time as compared to simple carbohydrates. Protein helps in muscle repair and growth. The protein content is high in egg whites, almonds, oats, chicken breast, cottage cheese, low-fat yogurt, broccoli, chickpeas, fish (tuna, salmon), lentils, peanuts, and soya chunks.
Start including complex carbohydrates in your diet rather than eating simple carbohydrates. Complex carbohydrates take more time to digest and keep you full longer. Include whole wheat, brown rice, oats, sweet potatoes, etc., in your diet.
In general, working out increases calorie expenditure and burns calories, reducing the duration of fat loss. Work out includes cardio and strength training exercises. Basic cardio exercises include jogging, running, swimming, cycling, etc. Basic strength training includes push-ups, squats, burpees, planks, and abdominal core strengthening exercises.
With this comprehensive plan, you will be able to burn that belly fat fast. Stay fit and be active!
Last reviewed at:
27 Aug 2020 - 4 min read
RATING
Physiotherapy
Query: Hi doctor, I started going to the gym a few days ago. Comparatively, I am taking good diet now. But, my belly fat is increasing. Currently, I am under the following diet, 7 AM:- Breakfast with two boiled eggs; 10:30 AM:- Two boiled eggs; 12:30 PM:- Lunch; 4 PM:- Two bananas and by 4:30 PM I go to th... Read Full »
Lifestyle Modifications in Hypertensive Patients
Article Overview: You can reduce the ill effects of hypertension like heart attack, stroke, and kidney disease by making changes to your lifestyle. Read the article to know more. Read Article
Hypertension is defined as any of the following: Systolic pressure or upper value of blood pressure more than 140 mmHg. Diastolic pressure or lower value of blood pressure more than 90 mmHg. There is no substitute to drugs/medications to keep blood pressure levels under control in a hyper... Read Article
Most Popular Articles
Do you have a question on Reduce Belly or Flat Belly?
Ask an expert Online