Belly Busting (tips + thoughts)

Per request of a few readers and questions about belly fat, I decided to make a post about it.  Keep in mind, every body is different.  What contributes to your belly fat may differ from another person.  Generally speaking, there are a few important things to keep in mind if you are looking to tone that area.  Here are a few tips:

• Cut down your sugar intake.  Even if you don't think you eat many sweets, you are getting a lot of sugar in processed foods, drinks, alcohol, and refined carbs.  Aim for keeping everything you eat under 6 grams of sugar, unless it is fruit or dark chocolate (in moderation of course).
• Breathe & relax!  Everyone carries stress differently, so look into to your stress levels if you are eating healthy and not losing weight.  High levels of stress cause your cortisol levels to spike, adding that fat right to your mid section. 
• Watch your fat intake.  Yes, healthy fats are great for you, but that doesn't mean you can splurge.  Be mindful of this!  For instance, if you love adding avocado to your food (which I sure do), strive for eating 1/8 of an avocado vs. half of one.  Or if you love snacking on almonds, eat a handful, not a whole bag.
• Eat more fruit.  The more fiber you consume the more regular you will be.  Fruit is my favorite because not only does it contain high amounts of fiber, but it also curbs a sweet tooth. 
• Change up your exercise.  Don't keep doing the same workouts over and over again.  Switch up your routine for maximum calorie burn. 
• Avoid the nighttime drinking and eating splurge.  This gets a lot of us!  Typically drinking late at night leads to poor choices in eating later.  Remember it all turns into sugar, which leads to belly fat, so make good decisions when out late at night.  Eat a healthy meal if you know you will be consuming alcohol.  At the end of the night, chose a lean protein if you are hungry to help your blood sugar levels.

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