What Shrinks Belly Fat?

Deep belly fat is more concerning than other types of body fat because it is most closely linked with various health problems, ranging from type 2 diabetes to cardiovascular disease, according to Harvard Health Publications. Fortunately, belly fat tends to shrink easily with an improved diet and a well-balanced exercise routine.

Regular Cardio

Stomach exercises such as situps help tone and boost the endurance of your muscles, but they will not shrink belly fat, according to the American Council on Exercise. However, exercises that increase your heart rate -- such as biking, rapid dancing and hiking -- can help you burn off fat throughout your body. Get in at least 60 minutes of cardiovascular exercise most days for weight control in the long-term, but keep in mind that even 30 minutes a day split into mini-workouts also helps. Spice up your weekly routine by trying various types of cardio, including rollerblading, kickboxing and water sports.

Muscle Building

Strength-training exercises increase the amount of lean muscle you have, which increases your metabolism and helps you burn off more fat throughout your body. Your muscle conditioning exercise options are vast and include: body-weight exercises such as crunches and lunges, resistance-band exercises and exercises with free weights and weight machines, according to MayoClinic.com. Your doctor can offer you strength-training recommendations based on your wants and needs, but most people should shoot for at least two or three 20- to 30-minute sessions every week.

Belly Strengthening

Exercises that strengthen the belly muscles also tone and tighten the belly, which will improve your midsection's appearance as long as you're doing cardio to burn off the fat layer. Belly exercises that demand body rotation as well as constant abdominal stabilization tend to offer the best results in the abdominal muscles, says research at San Diego State's Biomechanics Lab. One example of such an exercise is a crunch on an exercise ball. To begin, sit on the exercise ball with both feet on the floor and slowly lean back to let the ball roll to your back. In this position, your torso and thighs should be parallel to the ground. Cross your arms across your chest or rest one hand by each ear, and gently tuck your chin toward your chest as you tighten your stomach and lift your torso up to 45 degrees. Return to lying flat and do one to three sets of 10 to 12 repetitions.

Low-calorie Diet

Your dietary choices can complement or detract from your workout routine. You will likely have trouble shedding belly fat if you regularly drink soda instead of water, consume only whole-fat dairy products, regularly eat fatty cuts of red meat and indulge in junk-food treats. To lose 2 lbs. each week through diet alone, you would need to eat 1,000 fewer daily calories, according to Medline Plus. Rather than eating less food, eat fewer empty calories and fill up on nutrient-filled lower-calorie alternatives such as fruit salads, brown rice and baked zucchini. Emphasize leaner sources of protein such as nut butters on toast, three-bean salads, tofu stir-fry and baked salmon.