Like other mammals, humans store fat for times of cold, famine and stress. Although biological, some individuals are more prone to packing on pounds around their midsections than others -- and your habits have a lot to do with it. Poor diet, lack of exercise, age and stress levels are all contributing factors to the amount of fat you carry in your belly. Methods for burning belly fat include diet, exercise and longterm lifestyle changes.
Eat Well
Proper diet is one of the most important aspects of losing excess belly fat. Eating foods high in fat, calories, processed corn, grains and refined sugars may cause weight gain, especially around the midsection where so many people tend to bear the bulge. Instead, try eating a diet based around whole foods like fresh fruits and vegetables, whole grains, fish and lean, grass-fed meats and poultry, which contain less fat than their industrial counterparts. Limit your intake of dairy such as milk, cheese and yogurt, as it can be high in saturated fat and sugar.
Exercise with Intensity
You need to exercise to lose belly fat. If you exercise consistently and you're still expanding around the midsection, you may need to get more serious about your exercise regimen. Walking on the treadmill a few times a week is not enough for most people to burn belly fat and keep it off longterm. Results come from intense workouts that make you sweat and expend lots of energy in the form of excess calories. Try stepping up your current program a notch or two. For example, if you currently walk on the treadmill at a flat or low incline, try increasing the incline to simulate walking uphill. This will be a tougher workout but it will give you results in the abdomen. In addition, if you are only exercising three days a week, try adding on an extra day or two. Exercising five days a week is an effective goal if you want a flatter tummy.
Strength Train
Muscle burns more calories than fat while the body is at rest. This means that if you have a lower body fat percentage, you're going to burn more calories while sleeping than if you have a high body fat count. But before you start burning belly fat at night, you have to build muscle. Get to the gym or take a yoga class -- or do body weight exercises such as push ups, pull ups and squats at home. If you're new to strength training, seek help from a personal trainer or yoga teacher. These experts offer knowledge, guidance and inspiration for not only burning belly fat, but embracing a healthier lifestyle.
Avoid Stress
If belly fat is our body's response to stressful situations, then focus on making changes in your life that reduce your stress levels. For instance, you might work less, meditate, resolve personal relationship issues, take regular hot baths, get plenty of rest -- or whatever else will give you a more harmonious life experience.
Abstain from Alcohol
Beer, wine and spirits contain high levels of sugar, which add fat to your body. Limit your alcohol intake to one or two drinks per day -- or the consequences could mean a bigger belly.
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