It's difficult to lose fat. But belly fat is the most difficult type of fat to shed, according to MayoClinic.com. Having a belly fat strategy in place that incorporates eating the right foods and exercising will burn fat quicker. Stomach toning exercises are also important for adding muscle definition once you've burned off top layers of tummy fat.
Physical Activity
Losing belly fat requires burning calories through working out. For weight loss, you need to schedule 30 minute activity sessions daily, according to MayoClinic.com. Select activities that burn high amounts of calories. For example, jumping rope burns more calories than running and rollerblading burns more calories than playing tennis.
Tighten Core Muscles
Strengthening your core muscles flattens your stomach and helps your body burn calories more efficiently. A pelvic tilt is an effective exercise for targeting the deep abdominal muscles. Lie on the floor with both knees bent. Lift your back side toward the ceiling and hold the movement for 10 seconds. Repeat this movement 10 to 20 times, recommends MayoClinic.com.
Another option for tightening core muscles is the use of an exercise ball. Using this ball tones your abs and improves your balance. Sit on the ball, keeping your feet flat on the floor. Slowly bend back until you feel your abdominal muscles working. Stop in this position and count to three. Return to your starting position and repeat eight to 12 times.
Reduced Calorie Diet
Reducing calorie intake forces your body to burn fat reserves, resulting in tummy weight loss. A healthy diet should include fruits, vegetables, lean protein, low-fat dairy and whole-grain carbohydrates. Eat healthy fats daily, too. Calculate your calorie and serving size needs for each food group using MayoClinic.com's Healthy Weight Pyramid Tool. You will enter your weight, height and age to receive custom eating information.
Belly Fat Foods
Some foods promote midsection weight loss, says Matt Bean, senior editor for "Men's Health" magazine. Fill your fat servings with vegetable-based oils rich in monounsaturated fats, such as olive oil or canola oil. When eating vegetables, select avocados, which are also rich in monounsaturated fats. Eating soy protein, such as soy milk or tofu, is also linked to midsection weight loss. A diet rich in protein, about 20 to 35 percent of daily calories, is also connected to fat loss.
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