Everyone wants a flat, firm belly but sometimes diet and exercise isn't enough. Of course you have to eat balanced meals and stick to a reduced-calorie diet. Crunches, Pilates, yoga, dance and other core-strengthening exercises really do help. Still, what do you do if that isn't enough?
Cut the Stress
Belly fat is linked strongly to the stress hormone cortisol. The more stress you are under the more cortisol you produce and the more weight you store around the middle, in case of emergency. This means to decrease your belly fat you have to also manage your stress. Try relaxation techniques like yoga, meditation or deep breathing.
Eliminate Caffeine, Nicotine and Alcohol
Caffeine, alcohol and nicotine all trigger your cortisol, just like stress. Essentially they are physical stresses for your body. If eliminating them completely is too scary for you then start by cutting way back. If you decrease cortisol's hormonal signal to store belly fat, then you can start to lose those stubborn belly inches.
Avoid Sugar and Artificial Sweetners
Sugar and artificial sweeteners also raise cortisol and pack on belly pounds. They raise insulin as well, which also contributes to belly weight. Adopting a moderate-calorie, relatively low-carbohydrate diet will fast track the belly weight loss.
Take Melatonin for a Good Night's Sleep and a Flat Belly
Sleep loss raises cortisol, which increases your belly fat. Melatonin acts to help your body control cortisol levels and also helps to drop you into a deeper sleep that helps repair and restore your tissues. Melatonin supplementation can help you sleep better, lower your cortisol and battle the belly fat.
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