We all dream of a flat and firm stomach. That’s why we expend a lot of time and energy to achieve it. But the tragedy is that for most of us the tummy is the first place that fat goes to, and the last place that it leaves. The basic requirements are a healthy and balanced diet, regular and all-round exercise and a stress-free life.
Medical terminology for belly fat is visceral fat – fat which grows around the liver and other vital organs in the abdomen. Even if your weight is normal as a whole, you may be at a risk from various health issues if you do not get rid of your belly fat. Here are the 5 causes of belly fat:
The Alcohol Belly
Alcohol in moderation might be all right, maybe even good for your health. But consuming high quantities of alcohol can lead to a host of health problems. It is difficult to quantify ‘high’ but there are specific quantities as listed by health experts depending on the alcohol content of the drink.
Belly fat may develop even for moderate but regular drinkers. It has high-calorie content with negligible nutrients, which is all converted to fat,targeting mainly the midsection. Alcohol also increases appetite which over a long period contributes to belly fat. The best way to get rid is to drastically reduce your alcohol intake over the long term.
Post Pregnancy Belly
Most mothers would love to lose that paunch after the birth of a baby but it is easier said than done. Fat associated with pregnancy is hard to lose and easy to gain when we are lax in our diet. The first step post pregnancy to lose belly fat is to drastically cut down on the intake of sugar and opt for natural foods that are protein-rich and will also satiate your hunger for a longer period.
High intensity exercises that workout the whole body will boost your metabolic rate and tone your muscles. Weight exercises also rapidly change your body composition and strengthen the core part of your body.It also alleviates post-pregnancy back pain and burns fat. However, consult a doctor before going for it.
Belly Caused By Stress And Lack Of Sleep
Chronic stress is one of the primary causes of an increase in belly fat. It increases food intake or, to be more correct, it encourages binge eating at all the wrong times. Also, people who are stressed out will overeat without being aware of it and the first destination of this fat is the abdomen. Stress also inhibits your choice of good food and makes you crave pleasurable foods.
Eat regularly and plan what you eat. Eat before you are famished to avoid junk food and plan ahead to consume only healthy foods. Decrease stress by deep breathing, exercise and meditation. Your sleeping hours should be regular and avoid any electronic instruments that might disrupt your sleep.
Hormones And Belly Fat
Hormonal imbalance is another key reason for weight gain. Hormones control almost all aspects of weight loss including your appetite, cravings, your metabolism, and also where you store your fat. So, any hormonal imbalance will affect your efforts to get rid of your belly fat.
Cut down on the sugar and increase your protein intake. Proteins that are low in fat are the best options like low-fat cheese, chicken and cottage cheese and foods rich in omega-3.
Bloated Belly
The immediate cause of bloating is consuming the wrong food. High quantities of sugar dumped into the small intestine from the stomach can cause bloating. A sudden increase in the intake of fiber may cause bloating if consumed in large quantities.If you are lactose intolerant, consuming whey or milk-protein concentrates causes bloating. Avoid eating foods which you are intolerant to. Also, plan your diet properly and add probiotics in it.
It is obvious that belly fat has a negative impact on your health. The solutions are a combination of regular exercises and eating the right food. So be aware and think healthy.
