Stomach fat can seem very stubborn. It is possible to have a flatter, sexier stomach by making a few simple changes to your lifestyle. Making the right changes, and sticking to them, can burn the fat from your stomach and leave you feeling healthier and happier.
Step 1
Exercise to increase your metabolism. Engage in regular aerobic exercise, like walking, jogging, swimming or biking. Include strength-training exercises that focus on the stomach (like crunches, leg lifts, or even Pilates or yoga) as a part of your exercise routine. While spot-toning is not possible, these exercises will increase your metabolism and burn fat around the stomach more quickly than not.
Step 2
Eat foods that speed up the fat-burning process in the stomach area. Include more eggs in your diet, since they contain protein (to help you feel fuller longer) and vitamin B12 (which breaks fat down faster). Increase the amount of beans and lentils, especially soy, navy, white, kidney and lima beans. These have protein but are also high in fiber, which speeds the removal of fatty cells and toxins from the body. Eat more low-fat or nonfat dairy foods. Eating calcium-rich foods, including cheese, milk and yogurt, three to four times a daily increases the rate at which you burn off fat cells, according to studies at Purdue University and the University of Tennessee.
Step 3
Decrease stress in your life by taking time to relax regularly and sleeping enough at night. When the body feels stressed, it produces cortisol, a hormone that can cause the stomach area to hold on to fat cells. Take actions to de-stress your life in order to reduce cortisol production.
Tips and Warnings
- Talk with your doctor before beginning any new exercise or dieting regimens to determine what will be most safe and effective for your personal health.
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