You are working SO hard, eating “clean” and working out but you aren’t seeing the results you want. Putting in all the hard work and feeling like you aren’t getting anything out of your efforts can be very frustrating. You may ask yourself, what’s the point!?! Before you throw in the towel, let me shed some light on a few things that may be keeping you from shedding belly fat. Hope this helps!
1. Stress
Stress = increased cortisol = slowed metabolism = belly fat!
Cortisol is known as “the stress hormone” and in today’s world, stress levels are at an all time high. Keeping your cortisol levels at bay and learning how to manage them can help shed belly fat. It is definitely easier said than done but it is something that needs daily attention. Here are 3 things you can do to help cope and decrease stress levels.
• Surround yourself with people who pick you up and make you laugh.
• Take a few minutes each day to focus on your breathing and nothing more… Put down the phone and give yourself the power of the breath.
• Two positive affirmations a day. One when you wake up and one when you go to bed. Focusing on one positive thought first thing upon waking and before you go to sleep will start and end your day with positive energy.
2. Sleep
Sleep helps recharge your batteries and reduces cortisol levels, believe it or not, lack of sleep can also lead to excess eating. Just like how dehydration can be misconstrued as feeling hungry, being sleepy can do the same thing. Aim to get 7-8 hours of sleep each night.
3. Water
This is a big one! One that is so simple and gets so easily forgotten! If you aren’t consuming enough water, not only are you not flushing your body of toxins but your liver has to work in overdrive. Your liver regulates your fat metabolism and if it is working overtime flushing toxins it won’t be able to focus on your metabolism. Aim for ¾ of a gallon a day. Having a hard time getting in plain water? Add fresh fruit, lemon or cucumbers to your water to add guilt free flavor!
4. Proper Digestion
Your gut often doesn’t get as much attention and love as it should. If your gut doesn’t have the right bacteria/flora, you can experience horrible digestion, gas, bloating and a wide array of sicknesses. Proper digestion will lead to better assimilation of nutrients and therefore helping shed belly fat. A few things you can do to help with digestion are eating smaller more frequent meals, eating slower, and adding in a good probiotic to improve overall gut health.
5. Fiber
Fiber should be your BEST friend! Fiber not only helps with your digestive health but it keeps you feeling full. Feeling full will help keep you from straying off your diet and consuming unnecessary calories. Eat tons of veggies. Vegetables of all types and colors. The more you can load your plate with “greens” the faster you will shed belly fat. Sneak fiber in your smoothies or baked goods. Adding a handful of kale or spinach to your smoothie or is a simple way to add fiber to your diet. Promise, you won’t even know it is there!
6. Sugar
Sugar, no matter how “organic” or “raw” it is, it is still sugar. While sugar gives you an initial rush of energy, it will then give you a huge dip in your energy levels. It is also a non-nutrient that many diseases feed off of. If you can remove sugar from your diet, you will not only feel better but shed belly fat faster! Removing sugar from your diet doesn’t mean you have to eat a bland, boring and flavorless diet, it means getting creative and finding ways to satisfy your cravings with alternatives. Use simple seasonings such as nutmeg and cinnamon or sugar free substitutes such as Stevia or Flex Flavors. Flex Flavors are flavored Stevia packs so you can add guilt free flavor without the sugar!!
I hope this helps shed some light on areas that may need a little more attention and in turn help you finally shed belly fat!
