Belly fat not only causes a problem with your self-image, it is also an obstacle to the proper maintenance of health. People who carry extra weight around their waist have the highest risk of all of heart attacks and other problems that arise from clogged arteries, according to the University of Michigan. Slim down your belly with the help of home remedies.
Fiber
High fiber foods help fill up your belly and keep it feeling full for a while afterward. When you include fiber-rich foods in your diet, you are less likely to overeat at your meals. Stock your cabinets and refrigerator with whole grains, beans, fruits, vegetables, nuts and seeds. Products made from whole grains are beneficial as well, such as cereal, pasta, bread and bagels.
Breakfast
Breakfast is an important part of your day. If you do not take the time to eat upon waking, you run the risk of becoming hungry later in the morning and reaching for a high-fat muffin, doughnut or candy bar to satisfy your appetite. This spells disaster for your belly. To prevent this from happening, whip up something healthy to tide you over. It doesn't have to be elaborate. Half of a whole grain bagel with almond butter spread across the top would suffice. This recipes contains fiber, complex carbs and protein to fill you up and give you energy.
Exercise
All forms of movement that you do at home burn calories and promote weight loss in your stomach. Your best bet is to add muscle to your body and dedicate time to cardiovascular exercise. Muscle will go to work for you when you are at rest due to its high metabolic effect on the body. Cardio will burn calories while you do it. At home, perform body weight exercises like push-ups, dips, squats, lunges and back extensions to build muscle. For cardio, walk briskly, run and do body weight exercises like jumping jacks, jump squats and bear crawls. Try to do at least 30 minutes of consecutive exercise a day. On the off hours of your workouts, walk in place, stand on one foot while talking on the phone and throw a stick in the yard with your dog.
Pilates
The abdominal area consists of the rectus abdominis and the obliques. Targeting these areas with exercises will create a tighter waistline as you lose weight. Pilates is an exercise form that targets the whole abdominal area. Invest in a DVD or check one out of your local library and practice in the comfort of your living room.
Stress Reduction
When you are feeling stressed, you might reach for a bag of caramel-coated popcorn and polish off the whole thing. This is a sign of emotional eating and it can set you back when you are trying to lose your belly fat. Emotional eating is a way to suppress or soothe negative emotions, such as anger, fear, boredom, sadness and loneliness, according to the Mayo Clinic's website. To keep your emotions under control, partake in some form of relaxation activity at home like reading, tai-chi, meditative breathing or going for a walk.
Sleep
Insufficient sleep is associated with a number of chronic diseases and conditions, such as diabetes, cardiovascular disease, obesity and depression, according to the Centers for Disease Control. If you do not get the recommended seven to nine hours of sleep a night, your hunger hormones will also get thrown off track. This in turn can cause you to become hungry in the day and overeat. Prevent this from happening by meeting sleep guidelines and sleeping in an area that is dark and quiet.
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