Transform Belly Fat into a Toned Core
Take it from me. You’re definitely not the only person out there who’s concerned about losing belly fat. And while belly fat can seem extra stubborn, just like all fat in the body, it will come off with some tweaks to your nutrition and exercise.
While you can’t target fat loss in one area of your body, creating a calorie deficit, prioritizing healthier foods and building a balanced exercise routine are all measures that will bring you closer to the physique you want. Fat loss doesn’t happen overnight, so above all, stay persistent in your efforts and patient with your body.
The Science Behind Belly Fat
Carrying a little extra fat around the abdomen is common with age, especially for women after menopause, according to the Mayo Clinic. As you get older, it’s normal for the metabolism to slow a bit, causing a decrease in muscle mass and increase in fat mass. Changing hormones also play a role in this process.
The extra fat you may see around your belly — the type you can pinch — is called subcutaneous fat and it makes up about 90 percent of your body fat, according to Harvard Health Publishing. But you may also be carrying visceral fat, which is located behind your abdominal wall and surrounds the organs.
Although visceral fat is generally not visible (but can begin to push against your abdominal wall over time, lending a “beer belly” look), it can pose some significant health risks, according to Harvard Health Publishing. Having higher levels of visceral fat has been connected with chronic health problems like heart disease, type 2 diabetes, high blood pressure and high cholesterol.
Tweak Your Nutrition to Burn Belly Fat
While visceral fat may sound scary (and it can be), you’ll be happy to learn that it can be shed just like any other type body fat, according to the Mayo Clinic. Making some changes to your overall nutrition is the most important place to start.
So let’s get rid of that stubborn belly fat this year. Make it a great day!!!
