10 natural ways to get rid of belly fat: Losing belly fat is a common fitness goal. However, a person cannot lose fat in only one particular area. Overall lifestyle and dietary changes are the best way to reduce belly fat.
Manufacturers of many special pills, drinks, and supplements claim that their products can help with rapid weight loss or eliminate belly fat. However, there is a lack of scientific evidence to prove that these products are safe or effective.
In addition, a person can lose weight and reduce fat using natural methods, including changing the diet plan and doing specific types of exercise.
What Makes Belly Fat Different?
Visceral fat — also called belly fat — is a potentially harmful type of fat that surrounds the organs in the abdomen. Reducing belly fat can bring significant health benefits for some people.
Visceral fat releases hormones that may cause type 2 diabetes and increase the risk of cardiovascular disease (CVD) and other health problems. It is sometimes called “active fat” because it plays an active role in producing various hormones.
This type of fat is less visible than subcutaneous fat, but an increase in waist circumference can indicate an increase in visceral fat. Visceral fat responds excessively to what a person eats. Making significant dietary changes and doing the right types of exercise can reduce levels of this type of fat.
Let’s take a look at specific ways to get rid of belly fat:
1. Focus on low-calorie foods
One of the most effective ways to lose body fat is to eat fewer calories than the body burns. This can lead to fat loss throughout the body, including the belly. Low-calorie foods are often more nutritious than high-calorie foods. Avoiding eating high-calorie and low-nutritional foods — such as processed foods, baked goods, and french fries — is a beneficial way to create a calorie deficit and improve health.
2. Eliminate sugary beverages
A 2020 review notes that excessive sugar intake is a leading cause of obesity in the United States. High sugar intake may increase levels of visceral fat by promoting insulin resistance and stimulating inflammation throughout the body. Many people may consume high levels of sugar in beverages without realizing it. Therefore, it is advisable to check the sugar content of beverages such as soda, sweetened tea, and coffee.
3. Reduce refined carbs
Refined carbohydrates have low nutritional value but are high in calories. These carbohydrates are found in white bread, refined grains, and sugary foods and beverages. Research has also linked refined carbs to the development of visceral fat.
4. Eat more fruits and vegetables
Fruits and vegetables can provide complex carbohydrates, which are a healthier, lower-calorie alternative to refined carbohydrates. Fruits and vegetables also add fiber to the diet. Research suggests that fiber may reduce the risk of type 2 diabetes — a condition associated with visceral fat accumulation and excess weight — and may help control blood sugar.
5. Eat lean proteins
Lean protein sources include nuts, pulses, and lean meats. Including these in the diet can lead to a feeling of fullness after eating and reduce cravings for sugary snacks.
6. Choose healthy fats
Some dietary fat is necessary in a healthy diet, but not all fat sources are equally beneficial. Saturated fats and trans fats can harm the heart, increasing the risk of heart disease and stroke. They can also cause weight gain and are closely linked to the development of visceral fat.
7. Develop a Workout
Exercise can lead to weight loss throughout the body, including around the belly. It’s not possible to spot-reduce fat in specific areas. However, these exercises can strengthen and tone the abdominal muscles, making them look more defined.
8. Boost overall activity
Increasing activity levels throughout the day helps burn calories. Moving more can also help strengthen muscles and elevate mood.
9. Do cardio
Cardiovascular exercise, or cardio, gets the heart beating. This burns calories, helping to reduce body fat and tone muscles. Some cardio exercises include:
- walking
- running
- using an exercise bike
- swimming.
10. Try high-intensity interval training
High-intensity interval training (HIIT) combines bouts of intense exercise with periods of lower-intensity activity to burn calories. For example, HIIT can involve 3 minutes of a cycle walk and then running for 30 seconds.
Hope this information will be helpful in your fitness journey and help you live a healthy and fit life.
FAQs On 10 natural ways to get rid of belly fat
Q. What are the best exercises to reduce belly fat naturally?
A. Cardio workouts like running, cycling, and swimming, combined with strength training, are effective for burning belly fat.
Q. Can diet alone help in losing belly fat?
A. Yes, a balanced diet rich in whole foods, lean proteins, healthy fats, and fewer processed carbs can significantly reduce belly fat.
Q. Are there specific foods that target belly fat?
A. Foods like avocados, green tea, nuts, and leafy greens may help boost metabolism and reduce fat storage.