No it does not contain a magic pill, or a get a six pack in 6 days program. Sorry, I am the worst, I know.
Truth is, Belly fat isn’t eradicated quickly, nor is being “totally shredded” always the most productive health goal.
Some types of belly fat can be associated with health risks however.
Visceral fat—that’s belly fat found deep in your abdomen, surrounding your internal
organs—is linked to chronic inflammation, type 2 diabetes, cardiovascular disease,
and other metabolic disorders.
Subcutaneous fat—the padding just under the surface of the skin—is relatively
benign
Healthy behaviours that can help lose belly fat can also improve health and reduce risk of disease. Always meet with your medical professional to get an accurate reading of where your health stands.
Things to help with your health, and in turn can help with belly fat include:
- Consume a diet centered around minimally-processed food. Something I need to work on however in doing so that will help with reducing overeating and actually feeling satisfied after eating.
- Do movement that you like and will actually do regularly. Consistency trumps just about everything else so don’t do something you hate or struggle to maintain.
- Eat slowly and mindfully. Set time aside to eat and actually enjoy what you are eating. Take time to taste all the flavours of your food.
- Practice self compassion. Sometimes easier said than done, but doing so is linked to choosing healthier foods, consistent movement and lower rates of anxiety, stress etc.
Not really a quick and easy answer to belly fat questions I know, but think about how many people actually do these things day in and day out. 3% of Americans to be exact meet the basic qualifications of a “healthy lifestyle”. Point being, if so few people can do just the basics, how likely is it that they’ll be able to do something even harder. A important reminder to start off easy and stay consistent.
The reality is that fat loss tactics don’t need to be complicated. They shouldn’t cause stress and they shouldn’t be mainly for aesthetic purposes. Many people each day need to change their current lifestyle due to a health scare or change in health. It’s important to know there isn’t a quick fix but any small change is huge.
The “boring” fat loss stuff (sorry not the new fancy up and coming pill or shot) but the “watch what you eat” and “move your body”, is more doable, certainly more sustainable and will have the longest success.
Writing this is also a reminder why I need to continue to move and why I need to start making some better food choices. I need to put more effort to ensure that there are more veggies on my plate and more water being consumed.
Be kind to yourself.
The Love Yourself Diary 