Getting rid of excess belly fat, or abdominal fat is a common goal for many. While having a slim waist looks good on the outside, maintaining moderate body weight and body fat percentage is important for overall health.
Here are some factors that cause our bodies to keep excess weight around our mid-section:
Toxin Buildup
The quickly absorbed energy from highly processed foods, added sugar, and fast carbs trigger big surges of insulin. Because this hormone is produced in our pancreas (situated on the stomach), more fat gets deposited in this area. In addition, other toxins can accumulate in our fat cells – this is our body’s clever way of storing them safely away from our organs, however, they can cause inflammation and enlargement of the cells, leading to a bigger belly.
Poor Sleep
Poor sleep causes big disruptions to our metabolic hormones including insulin, and also appetite-controlling hormones. Aim to go to bed by 10 or 11 pm, and limit screentime at night or try blue light glasses in the evenings to reduce blue light from screens.
Stress
Stress hormones trigger a release of glucose into the bloodstream, but it does not get used up when you’re sitting at a desk fuming, rather than using the energy to run from danger. The sugars then get stored as excess weight, especially deep in your belly, which is your body’s way of protecting your vital organs. Here are some of our tips on how to manage stress!
Lack of Excercise/ Sedentary Lifestyle
Exercise is one of the best ways to keep off belly fat. Building muscle helps tone the body, and burn more calories even when sedentary. If you are getting less than 5,000 steps a day, you are living an inactive lifestyle and it can have negative health effects and lead to more belly fat.
The best way to target belly fat is to stick to a healthy diet, stay away from highly processed foods, make sure you're getting adequate sleep, manage stress, and exercise! By doing all the above and by toning your ab muscles specifically you can work on trimming your waistline! If you're looking for more tips or a plan designed specifically for your body, speak with one of our Certified Personal Trainers today!
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