The omentum, a strange-sounding body organ, is the cushion of fat that hangs from your stomach to your pelvis, according to the Cleveland Clinic. The omentum diet is essentially a healthy diet and exercise regime to lose weight -- which reduces the amount of fat in your omentum. Omentum fat is the fat that gives the "beer belly" its trademark bulge.
Omentum
The omentum, which stores fat and is draped over the top of the intestines, contains germ-fighting cells to help fight abdominal infections, according the Cleveland Clinic. A healthy omentum appears transparent and lace-like, whereas an unhealthy, fat-filled one looks thick and opaque. A flabby omentum can lead to unstable blood sugar levels, inflammation, unhealthy arteries and other health issues. The target measurement for a healthy omentum is 32 ½ in. for women and 35 in. for men, according to Dr. Mehmet Oz. You can measure your omentum by finding your belly button and sucking your stomach in as much as possible -- you can't suck in your omentum.
Dietary Effects
A healthy diet is believed to reduce the fat in your omentum to help you lose a big stomach. A diet rich in 100 percent whole grains, fruits, vegetables and omega-3 fatty acids, such as in fish, may inhibit omentum fat. The fiber in whole grains and fruits makes you feel full longer and helps reduce temptations to overeat, according to the Oprah website. In addition, reducing the amount of sugary, processed foods in your diet, as well as consuming smaller portion sizes of all foods, may help reduce omentum fat, and thus decrease the size of your belly.
Types of Excercise
Exercise to decrease omentum fat may be easier than you think, according to Dr. Oz. He recommends walking daily for 30 minutes -- aiming for 10,000 steps a day -- and lifting weights for 30 minutes per week, with a dumbbell or a gallon of milk. You also need to perform exercise that's intense enough to work up a sweat at least an hour per week, or broken up into three, 20-minute sessions, says Oz.
Preventing Cravings
Your mood may determine the quality of foods you choose -- and subsequently the size of your belly. Your gut and brain are closely related organs; therefore, the foods you choose to eat may be related to the way you are feeling, according to the Oprah website. For instance, if you are angry, you may eat meat; if depressed, you may crave sweets; and if you're feeling anxious or stressed, you might crave ice cream or salty snacks. Omega-3 fatty acids may help improve your mood and inhibit food cravings to reduce a fatty omentum. An article published in the June 2006 edition of "The American Journal of Psychiatry," by G. Parker and others, states that -- based on a review of studies -- deficits in omega-3 fatty acids have been identified as a contributing factor in mood disorders.
Breakfast Benefits
Starting your day with a healthy, nutritious breakfast may decrease omentum belly fat. A fiber-filled breakfast helps keep your blood sugar levels stabilized and reduce your urge to overeat later, reports the Oprah website. You can make a nutritious breakfast drink with only 136 calories per serving by blending 1/3 c. of soy protein, ½ tbsp. of flaxseed oil, ¼ c. of frozen blueberries, half of a banana peeled and broken into chunks, ½ tbsp. of apple juice concentrate or honey and 1 tsp. of psyillium seed husk. Blend ingredients with 12 oz. of water and ice until they are smooth.
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