Despite what infomercials may want you to believe, it's impossible to spot reduce. This means you can't lose weight only from a specific part of your body without losing weight in other areas as well. The stomach area, however, tends to accumulate weight as a response to a number of behaviors and diet choices, so by making certain changes, you can ensure that you reduce the size of your stomach.
Step 1
Cut down on the amount of carbohydrates you eat. Carbs cause water retention, which usually shows up in the ankles and stomach area before anywhere else. Eliminate all white flour and simple carbs, including white bread and white rice, pastries, sugary cereals and other sweets. When you eat carbs, choose whole grains and foods low in sugar, such as oatmeal and rye bread.
Step 2
Reduce the amount of sodium you eat. Salt, especially when combined with carbs, increases water retention. Sodium is present in a number of foods, including canned vegetables, sauces and dressings and fast foods. Use spices and herbs to flavor foods instead of large amounts of salt.
Step 3
Drink fewer carbonated liquids. They cause bloat and will make your stomach look bigger than it is. Switch to water or other non-calorie drinks instead. Avoid fruit juices, as they contain a high amount of sugar, even in the case of natural juices.
Step 4
Start a cardio workout program. Cardio burns overall body fat and will cause weight loss in all areas of the body, including the stomach. The type of cardio is less important than the intensity, so biking, walking or swimming are all good options. You need at least three workouts a week of 30 to 60 minutes a day.
Step 5
Exercise your abdominal muscles. While this alone won't reduce the amount of fat you have in the area, it will increase muscle tone and help you look more toned. Because muscle accelerates metabolism and helps you burn fat faster, a resistance-training program is essential to losing weight and reducing the size of your stomach. Aim for five to six days of abdominal training each week, as well as three to four days of weight training.
Step 6
Reduce stress in your life. When you're under stress, your adrenal glands release hormones to help your body deal with that stress. These hormones are then stored around the organs in the belly section, leading to weight gain. To fight stress, find a hobby that helps you relax, whether that means going hiking or taking pottery classes. You can also try yoga, meditation or deep-breathing exercises.
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