Belly Fat: Five Ways to Lose the Pooch

These days belly fat is indeed one of the most widely targeted areas of the body among men and women alike. Walk into any gym and you’ll find countless people spending a large majority of their workout time engaging in ‘belly fat boot-camp’ on “ab” prefixed machines while simultaneously downing placebo meal replacement shakes that promise to ‘melt away’ the fat.

Belly fat (visceral and subcutaneous fat) is a multifaceted problem that’s linked to a variety of uncontrollable factors (genetics, gender, and hormones). However, by incorporating a focused exercise regimen with the right combination of foods, you can effectively overcome many of the uncontrollable factors and successfully lose the pooch for good. Here are five ways that you can do this.

Get Adequate Amounts of Protein

Adequate protein intake is extremely important for ridding your body of unsightly belly fat, as it’s critical for preserving muscle and maintaining a healthy metabolic rate. Protein also burns stored belly fat by increasing the rate at which it is mobilized and used for energy. To ensure sufficient intake for losing the pooch, it’s best to consume about 0.55-0.82 grams of protein per pound of your body weight. The more active you are the more protein you’ll need.

When it comes to choosing protein-rich foods, low-fat dairy products or dairy substitutes, fish, poultry, and/or lean meats are best as they are low in saturated fat and high in essential vitamins and minerals. You can also get an adequate supply of protein from whole soy products (tofu and tempeh) or a combination of other food sources like nuts and seeds, beans, and dried peas.

Eat Sizeable Amounts of Healthy Fats

Healthy monounsaturated and polyunsaturated fats (omega-3 fatty acids) have been shown to prevent excess accumulation of visceral fat while greatly promoting weight loss. Visceral fat is closely linked to elevated blood glucose (sugar) and insulin levels. Insulin is the hormone responsible... Read the rest here: http://www.ninacheriephd.com/you-your-body-and-your-health/belly-fat-five-ways-to-lose-the-pooch

For more of the latest and greatest in health, fitness, and nutrition, “Like” me on Facebook at Nina Cherie, PhD of Complete Health Solutions and follow me on Twitter at @NinaCheriePhD.

Read more about the author here

Disclaimer: The information provided is for educational and informational purposes only and is not intended to diagnose, treat, cure or prevent any disease. Any reader who is concerned about his or her health should contact a physician for advice.

Before starting an exercise training program you should first make sure that exercise is safe for you. If you are under the age of 55 years and generally in good health, it is probably safe for you to exercise. However, if you are over 55 years of age and/or have any health problems, be sure to consult with your physician before starting an exercise training program.