People who have had children, eat too many highly salty and sugary food or tend to drink too many high calorie drinks tend to have too much belly fat. Also known as visceral fat, this type of fat is very bad for the heart. Therefore, it is important to do exercises and eat foods that burn belly fat.
Exercises to Get a Flat Stomach
Cardiovascular exercises burn calories and incinerates fat on the body. Belly fat usually disappears first when a person loses weight. In addition, muscles under the fat become visible. Starting a walking or running program is an excellent way to burn belly fat and lose weight.
Abdominal exercises such as crunches and sit ups help get a flat stomach. Pilates and yoga poses can also firm up the tummy. Abdominal exercises should be done three times a week in addition to cardiovascular exercises. Do not do these exercises daily since the abdominal muscles can get overworked.
Strength training adds muscle tone to the body. Muscles boosts metabolism which will burn body fat even while resting. A strength training routine should be followed at least two days a week. Beginners can use body weight, dumb bells or resistance bands to work out arms. Squats and lunges are exercises that work out legs, thighs and butt.
Foods That Burn Belly Fat
There are foods that can actually burn belly fat. These foods contain monounsaturated fats, vitamin B12, calcium, fiber and protein which are natural fat burners.
- According to the Prevention article The Skinny on That Stubborn Belly Fat consuming foods containing monounsaturated fats burn belly fat. Also known as MUFAs these healthy fats are filling and provide an excellent source of omega-3s and omega-6s. Monounsaturated fats are found in cooking oils, peanuts, walnuts, almonds, cashews, olives, avocados and dark chocolate.
- Eggs are a great source of vitamin B12 which has been shown to be an effective fat burner. In fact, individuals that start their day with eggs for breakfast are thinner than those that eat carbohydrates such as bagels and donuts. Those with high cholesterol can use egg substitutes.
- Parmigiana cheese is a good source of calcium which burns body fat. It also contains less calories than any other type of cheese. Parmigiana cheese can be a great topping on vegetables or low calorie popcorn.
- Oatmeal is rich in fiber which keeps a person full for several hours after consumption. It is important to eat the right kind of oatmeal though. The sugary type can actually increase hunger. Look for unsweetened versions and add fruit or a little peanut butter for flavor.
- Beans are low in calories and are packed with vitamins and nutrients. They also contain fiber and protein which burns body fat. Beans are also versatile and can be added to several dishes.
Losing belly fat is achievable. Doing cardiovascular activities, abdominal exercises and strength training will tone the abdominal muscles. In addition, eating foods that are associated with weight loss will shrink the waist.
Source:
Prevention.com*"The Skinny on That Stubborn Belly Fat” (accessed March 1, 2010)
Jennifer Fidalgo - I am a wife and mother currently living in Northern, NJ. I am a full time mother with an interest in freelance writing. I have been ...
