Belly Fat Loss Solutions

Belly fat loss is important because belly fat has been linked to heart disease, type 2 diabetes, and recently to Alzheimer's disease. Belly fat loss is not about dieting or going to the gym. It is about lifestyle changes. So, stop looking for the latest pill or diet craze and read this article.

Ever wander why diet and exercise do not work when it comes to belly fat? Few people realize that the accumulation of belly fat is directly linked to the effects of chronic stress. Chronic stress is the key. This is why belly fat loss rule # 1 is:

Reduce your stress level



Stress (both acute and chronic stress) leads to release of cortisol. As a result of this, there is fat accumulation around the waist. The longer the period of stress lasts, the more fat accumulates in the abdomen, and the bigger the waistline becomes. As time passes, the fat hardens in this area and becomes very difficult to get rid of

To prevent this from happening you can start by identifying the sources of stress in your life. Take the free Stress Level Test and get your score back along with my personal suggestions.

When it is not possible to avoid stressful situations, find a stress reduction method that works for you such as meditation, prayer, yoga, or Thai Chi. Researchers from the Fred Hutchinson Cancer Research Center have found that just 30 minutes of yoga a week could prevent waistline expansion in normal weight people and that it could also help overweight people lose those extra pounds.

Here are some other proven ways to significantly reduce your stress level: massage therapy, owning a pet, traveling for fun, volunteering, and maintaining hobbies. Try my favorite do-it yourself quick stress relief techniques.

Belly fat loss rule # 2 : Improve your sleep habits

Sleep is usually the belly fat loss solution that most people leave out of their New Year's resolutions. Big mistake! Lack of sleep affects your waistline. No surprise here. People who get only 2 to 4 hours of sleep are 67% more likely to become obese, and people getting 6 hours of sleep per night are 27% more likely to become obese than those getting 7 to 9 hours. The reason behind this is that sleep deprivation decreased the level of leptin (hormone that suppresses the appetite). This in turn makes you eat more and store more fat. Sleep deprivation can also affect your sex drive. Therefore, the best and most inexpensive way to reduce belly fat is to consistently get a good night’s sleep. A relaxing bath can help release body tension and assure a sound night's sleep. Find out what foods can make you sleep like a baby. You can also get better sleep by using the ancient method of Feng Shui. Sleep is your body's way of repairing and regenerating itself so do not deprive yourself of sleep in order to go to the gym or run for miles before dawn. Listen to your body- if you feel constantly tired and run down, just slow down, get more sleep and think about talking to your physician.

Belly fat loss rule # 3 : Get a close look at your eating habits

I am sure you are going to love this: A study (conducted by UCSF), published in the Proceedings of the National Academy of Science, indicated that the urge to indulge while under stress might actually serve a biological purpose because "a high-calorie food may have the power to make us feel less stressed out".

Wow. So now what? We can eat all the fried chicken, honey BBQ ribs and double chocolate fudge, topped with ice-cream that we want, and forget all about those big waistline solutions? Woohoo!

Sorry guys, but this is not what the study recommended, and this is definitely NOT what you should do! While you can eat some of the comfort food you crave, you have to reduce the size of the portions to balance the caloric intake.

Just to make sure we are all on the same page here because this is very important. You don’t need to deny yourself the comfort food you are craving when you are under stress. Instead, you have to eat a smaller portion of it.

You can do that because you are not feeling like you are sneaking food, hoping that no one will notice that the cheese cake is missing. No. You know that the cheese cake is there for you, but you don’t need the WHOLE thing, right? Because one slice will taste just as good, especially when eaten slowly in order to savor it.

Don’t you just love that? You are in control now, not your stress! You can eat your favorite food and deal with your stress without adding additional stress by denying yourself the food. Now, that is a nice solution!

In addition, you can always try some belly fat burning foods. My personal favorite belly fat buster is cayenne pepper. I sprinkle cayenne pepper on sandwiches, salad dressing, meat, and BBQ sauce. Now, keep in mind that food can not only boost or slow down your metabolism, but it can also improve your libido.

You can even try hypnosis to lose weight.

Belly fat loss rule # 4 : Become more physically active

Start by incorporating into your daily routine some exercise and other activities, like walking, gardening, water aerobics, or even doing household chores. Some people hate going to the gym - does this mean they are doomed to never be fit and healthy?

No, of course not! It simply means that they need to explore other available options to stay physically active. I personally believe that anything that requires an extreme level of effort and sacrifice is not going to last long, and the benefits gained through this extreme effort will quickly be lost. Don’t push yourself beyond your limits. There is nothing to prove.

Exercise should not be strenuous or painful. Sports injuries and “weekend warriors“ are not wanted. Listen to your body. If it does not feel right- do not do it! The point is not to lose 10 lb in 2 weeks and gain it all back two weeks later. The point is to release stress and not to put additional pressure on yourself by setting unrealistic goals. Only after reducing your stress level will you be able to lose 2-3lb in 14 days.

Start by measuring your waistline.
Copyright Dr. Nelly Stoyanova

Author's bio: Dr. Nelly Stoyanova is a physician, medical researcher and health behavior expert. She studies the effects of stress on heart disease, type 2 diabetes and sleep. Her website: Belly Fat, Stress and Baby Boomers (http://www.stress-fat-heart-solutions-for-boomers.com) evaluates sources of stress for people over 50 and provides great tips to balance your day-to-day stress and stay healthy. Turn your life around and benefit from her expertise. For individual guidance sessions or to schedule a public speaking event use the Contact page or email at drnstoyanova@gmail.com

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