Excess fat around the belly is a common complaint for many, but it is also one of the most dangerous. Increased belly fat and liver fat can lead to insulin resistance and a host of metabolic problems, including diabetes.
Do you find yourself exercising but seeing no change to your belly fat? There is a reason the phrase “abs are made in the kitchen, not the gym” is so often repeated. Belly fat has most to do with what you put into your body on a daily basis and what you are giving it to fuel itself. Below, we’ve offered a few tips that will help you drop that stubborn belly fat (and only one is an exercise!)
4Eat more protein
I bet you never thought you’d be told to eat more to lose weight, right? Protein is the more important macronutrient in your diet when it comes to losing weight.
It’s been shown that an increase of clean protein in the diet can lessen cravings by 60%, boost metabolism and help you eat up to 400 calories fewer per day.
Studies have shown that the amount and quality of protein consumed was inversely related to fat in the belly. That is, people who ate better protein in higher amounts had much less belly fat.
Aim for clean protein to account for 25-30% of your caloric intake.
And remember what we said about drinkable calories? Unless you’re a bodybuilder, you can find all the protein you need from natural sources and won’t need sugar, or sugar-substitute, rich protein powders and drinks.
