On one hand, where diet is the root cause of developing belly fat, it may also be the only way to get rid of it – with some exercise. What’s more, some basic eating habits can help you lose belly fat as you age.
Not all fats are unhealthy – similarly, not all types of fats found in different parts of the body have the same effect on health. One of the most harmful is belly fat – also known as visceral or belly fat. As one gets older, a higher intake of saturated fats, refined sugars, preservatives, and simple carbohydrates found in processed foods can increase the risk of developing this form of fat that is stored inside the body around the abdomen. and can increase the risk of chronic conditions. Diabetes, heart disease, metabolic disorders, and obesity.
On one hand, where diet is the root cause of developing belly fat, it may also be the only way to get rid of it – with some exercise. What’s more, some basic eating habits that can help you lose belly fat as you age, are:
Switch to whole grains
Whole grains should be preferred over refined grains any day – whether it’s wheat, barley, quinoa, popcorn, or any other variety. They are rich in fiber and essential nutrients that help in keeping the digestive system clean by preventing constipation. Refined carbs, on the other hand, are stripped of their nutritional value, which can only result in calorie accumulation.
Try to consume all calories before evening
One of the main reasons for accumulating belly fat is consuming too many calories in the evening. In the early hours of the day, your body is more able to digest food – insulin is more effective during the early hours. Insulin is a hormone that helps break down food into glucose and be absorbed by cells as energy. As the day progresses, the effectiveness of insulin decreases. Therefore, when one consumes a lot of processed foods in the evening, it can hinder digestion and result in the accumulation of belly fat.
Avoid too much sugar
Limiting sugar intake is one of the best ways to lose weight and reduce belly fat. And when it comes to reducing sugar intake, avoiding carbonated sugary drinks is the first step as these have been repeatedly named as a major culprit for weight gain and obesity. A study published in the journal Nutrients showed that excessive consumption of these beverages can lead to the accumulation of abdominal fat in adults.
Track your calorie consumption
Although experts no longer recommend counting calories for weight loss or losing belly fat, doing so for up to a week can help set the standard over the long term. This will help one to find out what exactly the body needs and start following a balanced diet accordingly.
