Oh, the dreaded pooch. When it comes to getting in shape, some people swear their waistline takes the longest to trim. And they’re not wrong. Belly fat has proven to be the most stubborn area for most people on weight loss journeys. But it’s an obstacle that must be tackled since storing majority of your body’s fat in your belly may lead to serious health problems in the future.
There is good news though: after a few weeks of following a clean diet and revamped workout regimen, youwillnotice changes in your body. Remember to be patient and sign up for those boot camp and CrossFit classes! But first, consider the following reasons and see if you’re doing everything correctly (or not).
You're Doing Way Too Many Crunches
Don’t get us wrong – strengthening your core is important! But relying solely on crunches won’t help you achieve your dreams of having washboard abs. You can help to reduce the fat covering your well-worked abs by incorporating a mix of cardio and weightlifting to your workout routine. If you’re looking to feel more of a burn in your core, try planking, which helps activate your abdominal muscles.
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You're Enjoying One Too Many Drinks
After an exhausting day at work, ordering two or three drinks at happy hour is a given. But if losing belly fat is your goal, you may want to limit your alcoholic beverage intake. Beer, wine and cocktails contain more calories and sugar (your belly’s enemy and fat's BFF) than you’d expect.
You're Not Eating Clean Enough
Stay away from eating too many refined grains (goodbye, crackers and bread!) and refined sugars (it's been a fun ride, soda and cake!) – both of which can cause belly bloat. An easy way to combat this? Adding more antioxidant-rich foods – like vegetables, fruits and whole grains – to your diet.
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You're Stressed Out
When you’re stressed, you may be more likely to reach for high-calorie foods. But that’s not the only reason to be wary of stress levels. When we’re overwhelmed, the body produces the stress hormone cortisol, which is said to increase the amount of fat that is stored in the body, specifically in the belly.
You're Getting Older
This point is inevitable but still a good one to remember if you can’t seem to put your finger on why you’re unable to lose belly fat quickly enough. As we get older, our metabolism slows down, which may make it easier to gain fat as well as harder to lose it. But not all hope is lost. Stick to a clean diet and regular exercise routine for optimal health results.
