6 easy things you can do to blast stubborn belly fat
Annoyingly, belly fat is harder to lose than any other area of fat. This could explain why it’s also so hard to shift it.
It seems patience is a virtue as losing weight from your midsection takes time and effort and unfortunately doesn’t happen overnight. It’s down to the food you eat and the exercises you choose. But the good news is, we’re here to help you!
We’ve gathered all of our helpful belly-busting information for you. Here’s how to tone your tummy.
6 things you can do to blast stubborn belly fat
1. Adopt a healthier diet and exercise plan
The good news is that the foods that you choose to eat DO affect your stomach area, and you can choose to eat foods that will help reduce bloating and inflammation rather than hinder it.
Hopefully, you’ve taken the first step to getting rid of tummy fat by taking part in the 28 Day Weight Loss Challenge.
Our weight loss plans involve very little processed foods, lots of lean proteins, plenty of fruit and veggies, healthy snacks such as nuts and yogurt, and our vitamin and mineral packed Healthy Mommy Smoothies (coming soon to the US).
The plan also includes regular exercise done in short bursts throughout the day (this is the HIIT training on your 28 Day Weight Loss Challenge).
Just by focusing on the 28 Day Weight Loss Challenge, you will be well on your way to a leaner stomach. But if you are impatient (anyone?) and want to give your body the best chance to get better results, there are some other ideas that you can also try.
2. Reduce alcohol
Alcohol, especially sweet fizzy based drinks and beer make it nearly impossible to lose stomach fat and puts extra stress on your liver to clear out the toxins. This extra pressure on your liver can make it very hard to build muscle which is key to losing belly fat.
3. Take probiotics
You can try a probiotic as this is a supplement that will assist with digestion, especially if it is sluggish. A probiotic can help flatten your stomach and get rid of body fat.
4. Eat fiber
Increase the amount of fiber in your diet as this is a great way to improve digestion. Think fruit and veggies as your go to, plus nuts, legumes, and wholegrain bread.
5. Speed up your metabolism by taking fish oil
Taking fish oil tablets is another tool to speed up fat loss. Fish oil can positively influence metabolism, meaning that you’ll digest your food more quickly. It will activate enzymes in your body that are responsible for burning fat, which also means that your body burns fat more easily, and also helps to reduce insulin resistance.
Studies have shown that taking fish oil supplements in conjunction with doing regular aerobic exercise can help you to burn off up to 26% more calories per day and more body fat than if you didn’t take any fish oil supplements.
6. Making sure you have no food intolerances or allergies
Many people are living with food intolerances or allergies that negatively affect their digestion. As you are constantly exposed to the food that your body can’t handle well, it can cause inflammation and digestion issues. Result? Stomach bloating, fluid retention, nausea, and gas.
If you suspect an intolerance or allergy why not try cutting out that food for a couple of weeks and see if it makes a difference. You can also do blood tests or skin prick tests if you are unable to determine the source of the issue.
Meanwhile, here are 9 foods to ditch to get rid of tummy fat
1. Cut back on dairy
Lactose intolerance can range from mild to severe, but either way, gas is usually a symptom. If you are feeling bloated, try limiting the amount of milk, cheese, yogurt, and ice cream you eat, and see if that helps. If it does, you don’t have to ditch dairy altogether. Drink lactose-free milk, or take Lactaid pills to help your body digest milk products.
2. Ditch the potato chips
Your favorite snacks may be giving you belly fat! Most chip brands are cooked in hydrogenated oils. This type of oil is called a trans-fat. Trans-fat is known to increase cholesterol, contribute to heart disease and increase weight.
Chips that don’t contain hydrogenated oil may have high amounts of fat from other oils they’re fried in. There are baked and low-fat potato chips on the market that make better choices. However, be aware of the calorie count. High calories still contribute to belly fat.
3. Try not to drink soda
Soda is not only unhealthy for you, but it also increases belly fat. It has empty calories that add excess weight and also provides large amounts of sugars. This sugar comes in the form of fructose and other additives. Your body has a hard time burning this sugar off, especially in the mid-section.
You may think that diet soft drinks are better, but they also contain artificial sweeteners that contribute to bad health. It’s best to drink pure water to lose your belly fat.
4. Avoid processed baked goods
So convenient, so tasty (if we’re being honest here), but so not worth it. Those pre-packaged mini muffins, doughnuts, and dessert cakes will add tons of calories and loads of unwanted sugar to your diet, plus they aren’t easy to digest.
These foods are bad on so many levels, because they are filled with high sugar content and preservatives for a longer shelf-life — they can literally sit there forever! Sugar increases inflammation, which is not only bad for you but can also make you look puffy and bloated. Skip the wrapped stuff and grab fresh fruit for a sweet fix instead.
5. Steer clear of fried foods
Deep fried chicken and french fries taste good, but they will not do your stomach any favor. Fast food, for example, is usually greasy and has very little vitamins and minerals or fiber. Instead, it is loaded with sodium and trans-fat which manifests itself in your stomach. If you must have fast food, choose more healthy options from the menu.
6. Limit margarine
Choose a small amount of regular butter or soft spread over margarine when topping foods or baking! Margarine is usually loaded with trans-fat and is found in plenty of pastries, crackers, snack foods, and even microwave popcorn, so limit intake to keep cholesterol levels in check.
7. White flour and rice
Try to cut back on the white carbs if you are truly determined to see your belly vanish. Trade your white bread, flour, rice, and pasta for whole grain products such as brown bread and rice. White carbs have already been processed and are therefore digested rapidly by the body to be stored as fat.
8. Cereals
Cereals are not necessarily bad for you, but some people usually double the serving size which means more is eaten than the box actually recommends. So if you find that your pants are getting a bit snug in the mornings, you might want to try weighing your cereal with a measuring cup before you start to gulp it down. Also choose a nut milk like almond-milk, and avoid the temptation to add sugar.
9. Refined sweeteners and sugar
Refined sugar helps to raise the insulin level in the body which promotes the storage of fat. It also affects the immune system and makes it harder to fight off germs and diseases.
Check out these results from moms on the 28 Day Weight Loss Challenge
We have helped thousands of moms lose weight, and lose stomach fat.
Rae Willingham
Mom of three children young children, Rae, has overcome negative self belief in the face of some very big obstacles. After losing 55 lbs* and maintaining her goal weight with The Healthy Mommy 28 Day Weight Loss Challenges she says:
“I am no longer the girl who suffered debilitating anxiety and regular panic attacks. The one full of excuses not to go out and enjoy life. I am now this amazing butterfly who loves her life and lives it with no worries (well far fewer, I am still a woman after all!)”.
Jo Hart
Jo Hart not only rocks her new bikini, she has lost 83lbs* with The Healthy Mommy 28 Day Weight Loss Challenges.
She says: “I am proud of the change I have made for not only me but for my family too”.
Elle Temple
Smashing her weight loss goal of 55 lbs* (from 184 lbs to 129 lbs), Elle now focuses on toning up. Elle says:
“Today I am thankful that I am no longer afraid of having photos taken of me. I love that I have photos to look back on and am proud of how far I have come. From being ‘obese’ and having no energy to tackle my day, to being a healthy weight and being able to spring around with my crazy toddler”.
Samara Syed
Mom of two Samara’s transformation is UNREAL! And for anyone who wants to know how she achieved those hot abs, Samara has shared her top three tips that helped her ditch the tummy fat and look and feel like a superstar!
Samara says, “The thought of exercising right after pregnancy can be a bit daunting! There’s a new baby to think of (and maybe previous kids too), possible muscle separation, and getting into a good routine.”
Get Body Confident With The 28 Day Weight Loss Challenge
Regain your body confidence with The Healthy Mommy’s 28 Day Weight Loss Challenge.
Our Challenge is designed by moms FOR MOMS – to help them reach their goal weight and tackle their health and fitness.
The Challenge is home to customizable meal plans, 24/7 social support and realistic exercises moms can do AT HOME.
To find out more on the 28 Day Weight Loss Challenge click here.
*Images and references to pounds lost are as supplied by the individual in the story. The Healthy Mommy assumes information and photographs supplied to be true in nature and is not responsible for any false misrepresentations or claims relating to their programs or products.
