5 Weight Loss Tips for Women Over 40

5 Weight Loss Tips for Women Over 40

When you reach the age of 65, and reflect back on the years gone by, the most precious decade of your life will likely be your 40s. You will not be alone in feeling this way. According to conclusive studies, if given the ability to return to any period in their life, most people would choose their 40s.

Weight loss tips, Orlando weight loss tips, how to lose weight, weight loss advice, dieting tipsThe reasons for this wish are aplenty. You are past your doubtful years of youth when you reach 40, you are doing well in your career, you become more mature in your relationships, and above all, you have the requisite wisdom to differentiate the right from the wrong.

The problem….

But, one thing that really comes as a challenge once you hit 40, is your body shape, especially if you are a woman (not to say that men are immune from this either). Losing weight at 40 plus can be challenging especially if you didn’t take very good care of yourself during your 20s and 30s. Once you cross 40, just maintaining your current weight becomes an uphill task, let alone shedding those extra pounds Even if you eat the same and work out like when you were younger. If a 20 year old woman needs less than four weeks of workout to lose weight, a 40 year old would probably require five weeks to lose the same amount.

However, it is not as if you can’t lose weight after you cross 40. All you have to do is lead a more disciplined life, and make some lifestyle changes to keep your body in shape. If you are in your 40s, and are looking forward to shedding those extra pounds, read on.

The causes….

One of the primary reasons why it becomes difficult for you to maintain and lose weight after 40 is that hormone levels, namely estrogen in women, and testosterone in men, start a downward spiral. In women this is the perimenopause stage, and by menopause, estrogen levels are at rock bottom levels, which is the main reason why 30% of women in the age bracket of 50 – 59 are obese.

There seems to be a link between regulating body weight and estrogen. In a study conducted on the animals in the lab, it was found that when their estrogen levels were low, the test subjects had a tendency to eat more, and they were less physically active.

Moreover, very high, or too low estrogen levels can lead to storage of fat. When the estrogen levels are low, the metabolic rate can also slowdown, which means your body is not able to quickly convert the energy stored in your body to working energy.

Another reason why it is difficult to lose weight after 40s is the fact that we become less active as we age; we slow down and our level of exercise also takes a hit.

As we grow older, our muscle mass starts decreasing, though at a very slow pace. This process starts much earlier than 40, it in fact begins at 30. When you have less muscles in your body, your metabolic rate falls, and then it is not all that difficult to gain weight.

Furthermore, as we age our aerobic capacity also takes a hit, which makes it difficult for us to properly utilize the energy during exercises, and hence we are not able to burn enough calories during exercises.

This is also the time when many women are not able to get a good night’s sleep. And, when you don’t get proper sleep, you tend to eat more, which is directly related to weight gain.

Last but not the least, as you cross 40 and reach the perimenopause (which sets in the early 40s) and menopause, the dipping estrogen levels can lead to insulin sensitivity. It can therefore become difficult for your body to maintain correct levels of sugar in your blood. And, this sudden rise and fall in blood sugar levels increases your craving to eat higher carb junk foods.

The solutions….

As mentioned earlier, it is difficult, but not impossible to lose weight when you cross the age of 40. You need to change your lifestyle a bit, avoid certain foods, eat as per your age requirements (which of course means you need to eat less), and exercise regularly to get into what you were in your 20s and 30s.

 

5 Things Women Should do to Lose Weight After 40

 

1- Keep a check on the intake of your calories

Again, as mentioned earlier, since it is difficult to burn calories, it is better to keep a check on what, and how much you eat. This does not in any way mean that you starve yourself, skip your meals, or stop enjoying yourself altogether.

Stop taking sugar in your drinks completely, be it in tea or coffee, morning or in the evening. If you can’t have tea or coffee without sugar, then shift to sweeteners, and start reducing it as soon as you can, because it is always better to kick the habit of taking sugar in all forms.

Also, get rid of dairy milk and shift to almond and soy milk. Even milk that is skimmed has 120 calories in one cup, while almond and soy milk contain only 60 or 80 calories in each cup. And, if you shift to almond milk which is unsweetened, all you would consume is 30 calories in each cup.Diet Tips for Women, Dieting over 40, weight loss tips. Orlando weight loss clinic, Orlando diet doctor, Orlando diet dr

Though fruits are good for your health, try avoiding those that have high caloric values. After all, your target is to cut down as much calories as possible.

You can also make salad your regular diet to avoid a lot of calories.

Shift to whole grain foods, instead of refined grains such as white bread, white rice, bagels, etc.

Moreover, stay away from processed and packaged food, as they contain lots of sugar. What you should do once you cross 40 is start shopping smart, read what is written on the label, how it will affect your weight loss regimen, and finally on your health.

2- Exercise is now not optional, you need to do it on a regular basis

Diet alone is not sufficient to lose weight after you hit 40. When you are young your metabolism rate is fast, but once you cross the age of 40, it starts slowing down, and you now have no other option, but to exercise on a regular basis.

It is recommended that after the age of 40, you should at least exercise five times a week without skipping a single day in between. Go to the gym, or buy the equipment, and do your workout at home, but ensure that you exercise five times a week. By now you know that as you grow older, you lose your muscle mass, and the best method to get it back is to do as much exercise as possible.

Moreover, put a lot of emphasis on aerobic exercises because this strengthens your heart and lungs. The stronger they are, the more is the amount of energy you have, and the more you would be able to exercise. And, the more you exercise, the greater would be the weight loss you can expect when you enter your 40s.

3- Say no to junk foods and stop treating yourself too often

You cannot think of having pizza, chocolate shakes and burgers every day, or most days of the week, and then worry about not losing weight. This does not mean that you can’t treat yourself once in a while, you don’t have to stop eating what you love the most. What you have to be careful about is eating less junk food. You cannot make munching chips a habit whenever you are in front of the television. Or, every time you are feeling a bit low, you should not grab a bar of chocolate.

Your body talks to you, so it is not all that difficult to conclude how much calories you can consume each day. All you need to be careful about is that it should not affect your weight loss goal. Every person is different, and so are your caloric requirements. Follow what your body demands.

Also, do keep in mind that alcohol consumption beyond a point can hit you hard in your weight loss strategy. If you are serious about losing weight at 40, then you should have only 2 – 4 glasses of wine in a week. And, if you want to increase your alcohol intake to slightly higher limits, then cut down on other treats.

At the end of it all, it is about how many calories you have in a day, and are you able to burn that properly.

4- Increase your protein intake once you cross 40

As mentioned earlier, when you reach 40 your body loses muscle mass. Hence, you need protein in adequate amount to keep your muscles healthy. But, lean protein is what you need to have, and you can add supplements and shakes to your diet if is not providing you sufficient amount of protein.

You can have fish, chicken, cottage cheese, eggs, etc. to get adequate quantity of lean protein. And, if you are a vegetarian, then add beans, mushroom, peanuts, and almond milk and soy products to get sufficient amounts of lean protein to your diet.

5- Make sure that you get adequate sleep, and try to maintain your stress levels

You need sufficient sleep not just to lose weight, but you also require it to remain healthy. There are several ways that you can try out to get adequate sleep, from a hot tub bath, massage, and meditation to yoga. Each, or a combination of a few of them can help you get sufficient sleep.

Also, you need to control your stress levels in order to get adequate sleep.. Stress doesn’t only affect your weight loss regimen, it can also have adverse effects on your health. In fact, it can wreak havoc on your body, and may affect your health permanently.

If you are a woman who is about to reach 40, or if you are already in your 40s, you should follow these tips to tone up your body. But, as we said earlier, every woman has a specific need, and you have to first understand yourself if you want to keep your body in shape.

Solutions Weight Loss is a weight loss and wellness facility located in Orlando, Florida. Find out what and how much you need to eat, the exercises which would be effective for you, and the supplements your body requires to aid your weight loss program.

7 Foods To Avoid In Case You Are Planning To Lose Weight

7 Foods To Avoid In Case You Are Planning To Lose Weight

Weight Loss Tips

According to Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, over 37.5%, or one third of the American adults are obese, an astounding number, which is a cause to worry.

It is not just about looks that you need to keep your body in shape. Gaining weight and becoming obese is a threat not just for your appearance, but it is also bad for your overall health. Hence, it is imperative that you keep your weight in check.

It’s certainly not healthy to put on extra pounds, in fact, as you gain weight you are more likely to have conditions like heart disease, type 2 diabetes, some forms of cancer, and stroke. But, losing weight is by no means an easy task, it is a struggle for some, to say the least. As it is, lifestyle changes are not all that easy to make.

But, if you are serious about shedding those extra pounds, and want to get into shape, then exercising on a regular basis and eating a healthy diet is a start worth considering. And, one thing that you should immediately do in case you are planning to lose weight is to start shopping smartly. Several packaged foods that you buy at your departmental store might have hidden calories. Labels outside don’t give you the exact picture. Do some research on your own, and speak to your weight loss consultant to find out what is good and bad for you in terms of diet.

What you eat has a direct bearing on your weight, the more your calorie intake, the more difficult it will be for you to control your weight, and keep your body in shape. Controlling foods that have high carb content, consuming sugary beverages, and living on processed foods are a dangerous combination, which can only lead to weight gain. Hence, you need to select foods that are not just good for your health, but a diet that also keeps your weight in check.

Here are seven categories of food, which you need to avoid in case you are on a diet, or even otherwise, if you want your body to remain in shape, you have to say no to these foods.

7 foods to avoid if you are planning to lose weight

  1. Say no to sugary beverages

    – These are by far the unhealthiest foods that you can have, which are not just bad for your health, but it is also a leading cause when it comes to weight gain. People who have a tendency to put on weight cannot do worse for themselves if they have sugary beverages.

An ordinary 12 oz. soda can contains 38 grams of carbohydrate, which is not just bad for your health, it can also make you obese. Also, these are not solid foods, and hence they don’t make you feel full, you tend to eat other food items with them, which can lead to over eating. They also have very high calorific values, hence they increase your weight much faster.

Moreover, from Desserts, sweets, and soda to candies, cookies and cake, all of these have practically no nutritional value, and are considered carbohydrates of low quality. Further, these beverages have high content of fructose, and its greater consumption increases your belly fat.

Therefore, if you are planning to lose weight, you should stay away from these sugary beverages at all cost.

  1. Keep fruit juices at arm’s length

    – Fruit juice is not for you if you are planning to lose weight. You should never take it as a replacement for the whole fruits. Sugary Fruit Juice_Diabetic DietsWhile, whole fruits are good for you if you are on a diet, fruit juices are in equal measure bad for your health, and weight loss program. Fruit juices are processed food, which contain a lot of sugar and it can only increase your weight instead of helping you in your weight loss regimen. Fruit juices are considered to be a bit better than sodas, but certainly not good enough if you have to lose weight.

Also, fruit juices do not have fiber content like whole fruits, hence you don’t feel full even after having a glass or two of these juices. Again, you end up eating more food, over and above these juices, which increases your weight.

  1. Also keep yourself away from fried foods

    – Everyone loves to have fried food, be it potato chips, French fries or fried chicken. But, you cannot lose weight if you don’t altogether stop having fried stuffs. All these fried items contain too much of oil, and hence calories, which is not good for people who are on a diet. Potato chips and French fries have very high calorie content, and it increases your weight more than most other foods. You can have whole potatoes instead because it makes you feel full. Also, you tend to eat fried stuff like potato chips more than anything else because it is easy to consume. Hence, if you want to keep your weight in check, you have to avoid these fried foods at all cost.

 

  1. Control your carbohydrate intake, especially those that contain only carbs

    – If you only eat dry cereal, rice cakes, or bread, then your body changes these carbohydrates to sugar, which is directly absorbed in to your blood. In order to absorb the sugar, your body has to produce extra insulin, which temporarily reduces your blood sugar levels making you feel hungry and weak. To get instant energy you then tend to eat foods that have high sugar content, but have no, or very low nutritional value. This again would increase your weight and hamper your efforts in losing weight. It is therefore necessary to eat snacks that have a combination of proteins, carbohydrates and fat. This takes longer to digest, and makes you feel full for a long time, helping you to avoid eating more than what you need during the weight loss program.

 

  1. Don’t indulge in pizzas

    – An extremely popular fast food, you should not have pizzas if you have plans to lose weight. In fact you need to strictly keep away from food like pizzas in case you have to lose weight. Pizzas are not just high in calories, it also contain processed meat and unhealthy refined flour, which is not just bad for your health, but is also not helpful for your weight loss program. Also, the sauce you get with pizzas contain lots of sugar, which can only increase your weight and deteriorate your health. Hence, avoid eating pizzas if you seriously want to lose weight.

 

  1. Be careful while consuming alcohol, mainly beer

    – Calorie content in alcohol is higher than carbohydrates and proteins, approximately 7 calories/ gram. Though it is conclusively not proven that alcohol causes weight gain, but it has been noted that drinking it in excess leads to weight gain. Drinking alcohol in moderate quantity helps you in your weight loss endeavors, but the problem with alcohol is that very few people are able to drink it within limits. Moreover, the type of alcohol you drink also makes a difference. If you are fond of beer, then it is an issue, because it increases your weight substantially. On the other hand, wine is said to act differently than beer, it helps you in your weight loss efforts. So, if it is a beer that you like, then you need to stop drinking it because it will increase your weight.

 

  1. Say no to foods and drinks that contain added sugar

    – if you want to lose weight, then stop taking foods and drinks that contain added sugar. One of the worst type of dietary habits, consuming added sugar in excess not just spoils your weight loss plan, it is also known to cause some of the most serious ailments of today’s times. All it contains is empty calories, which are not even filling. Sweetened breakfast cereals, flavored yogurt, and granola bars are some of the foods that might contain huge quantities of added sugar. Beware of fat free and/ or low fat foods, as they are manufactured with lots of added sugar to compensate for the flavor, which is lost during the process of fat removal.

 

These are some of the main foods, drinks, and beverages that you need to avoid in case you want to lose weight. But, this is by no means an exhaustive list of items, which you should avoid for your weight loss plan. In order to know all about the foods that you should avoid during your weight loss program, contact Solutions Weight Loss today.

 

PRESS RELEASE: ORLANDO WEIGHT LOSS CLINIC OFFERS AFFORDABLE CONSULTATION FOR FALL

Get in shape just in time for the holidays!

For Immediate Release

ORLANDO FL—October 10, 2017, Orlando weight loss clinic Solutions Weight Loss is offering an affordable consultation and lifetime membership for new patients. For $165 dollars, patients get the opportunity to discuss their body analysis, discuss weight-loss goals, and receive a real-food diet plan. The body analysis measures weight, BMI, fat percentage, and waist circumference. The consultation also includes an EKG, for those interested in taking supplements, lab work in the form of liver functions, thyroid and kidney function, electrolytes, and glucose levels.

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Dr. Newsome, medical director at Solutions Weight Loss will also provide new patients with a week’s supply of natural weight loss supplements, such as HCG and Phentermine. This is in addition to the lifetime membership all patients receive at the clinic.

“At Solutions Weight Loss,” Dr. Newsome says, “Once a member, always a member! There is no restart fee for our patients here.”

Dr. Newsome continually researches the latest safe and effective medications to suppress appetite, cravings and late night hunger. One of the goals of the consultation is to determine if a patient is medically qualified to use Phentermine as part of their weight loss treatment.

About Solutions Weight Loss

Solutions Weight Loss is a well-established Orlando weight loss clinic, serving the Dr.Phillips area, as well as all of Central Florida. With our Orlando medical weight loss plans, we provide you with the tools which you need to help lose excess weight quickly and safely and keep it off. Our rapid weight loss plans can deliver between 2 to 4 pounds of weight loss each week.

Contact Information                                                                                            

You can visit them online at https://solutionsweightloss.net/ or by phone at (407) 413-5503

Improve Your Mood: Healthy Meal Ideas to Give You the Good Feels

Improve Your Mood: Healthy Meal Ideas to Give You the Good Feels

Say goodbye to stress, fatigue, and getting “hangry”

They say you are what you eat. While none of us are over here literally turning into avocados or smoothies, the sentiment is not too far off the mark. Ever noticed yourself feeling sluggish or bloated after a fast food meal? Crashing hard after a sugar-laden snack? What about an unshakable down-in-the-dumps mood? As it turns out, the connection between what you eat and how you feel emotionally is stronger than you probably think. If you’ve felt a little off lately, may be it has something to do what you are eating on a regular basis. If this sounds familiar, perhaps some healthy meal ideas will help put some pep back in your step.

Low mood is associated with decreased motivation, unhealthy eating habits, and low activity levels. It is a vicious cycle that leads to weight gain and makes it harder to burn off fat. It is important to note, however, that it is not scientifically proven that you can eat your way out of a mental illness or disorder. This stands only for brief periods of less than ideal mood. If your lack of motivation, or feelings of sadness increase, consult your physician as these are signs of depression, rather than just an occasional bad mood.

Eating well does more than boost your mood. It boosts your general brain function, increases energy, and loads other parts of your body with necessary nutrients to thrive throughout the day. Not sure where to get started? Ready to give your weekly meal prep routine a facelift?  Try these delicious dishes, packed full of the good stuff needed to keep you smiling like its Friday, all week long!

15498943326_c1cf25b2a5_b1.  For Complex Carbs- Try Quinoa Tabbouleh

Despite the media demonization of carbs, complex carbs are super beneficial for your mood. Consuming too little carbs, like the ones found in grains, leafy produce, and legumes can lead to fatigue. By choosing complex carbs, over the over-synthesized ones found in white bread or bleached flour, you help tryptophan travel through the body. Tryptophan, when absorbed from food, becomes 5- hydroxytryptophan (5-HTP) which is then converted into serotonin. Serotonin, you may know, is the brain chemical tasked with regulating anxiety, happiness, and general mood. A lack of tryptophan may be responsible for your less than happy days.

This Quinoa recipe takes a favorite of Mediterranean and Middle-Eastern cultures and gives it a complex -carb packed twist. Replacing bulgur wheat with quinoa, this vegetarian salad is hearty, yet refreshing.

2.  For More Omega-3s try a Salmon Poke Bowl

Poke, once a regional favorite, and now a global phenomenon. Poke is a raw fish salad, originating in Hawaii. Think of a deconstructed sushi roll, in a heaping bowl. Poke consists of raw fish, marinated soy sauce, sesame oil and onions. From there, you can find everything from rice, seaweed, cucumber, avocado, to sesame seeds and sriracha topping these colorful concoctions.

But, we’re here for the Omega-3s. Many studies have linked Omega-3s to brain health, including the neurotransmitters that help move tryptophan along.

This version of poke combines wild frozen salmon, avocado, yellow onion, scallions, cilantro, brown rice and arugula for a zesty, flavorful meal packed with omega-3 rich foods.

improve your mood3.  For a Balanced Breakfast: Peanut Butter Banana Oat Breakfast Cookies

Cookies?! For breakfast?! Well, this post is about lifting your mood via food, but what about the healthy part? While cookie-like in shape and texture, the contents of these nutrient-packed disks of joy are much closer to a homemade snack bar. Here you have the potassium of bananas; vanilla protein powder and peanut butter for an energy boost, applesauce, nuts and oats for a balanced breakfast.

So many of us skip out on breakfast, due to busy lifestyles, lack of healthy options and in some cases, a misguided attempt to lose weight. A lack of breakfast can lead to a lower mood, overeating during future meals, and low concentration. A nutritious breakfast, as opposed to one packed with processed sugar and carbs, is a mood-booster, an energy boost, and a pretty easy way to lose weight.

For those on the go, make these cookies in batches and keep them in an airtight container for up to one week. Grab 2 on your way out the door, or while you chug your morning cup of coffee. A balanced breakfast does not need to be an hour-long affair.

4.  For more Vitamin D & Folate Try a Greek Omelet

Mediterranean diets are often hailed as one of the healthiest and most conducive to weight loss. A Greek omelet is a great way to get your essential Vitamin D, which many people are deficient in. Feta cheese, while on the fattier side of dairy, is great in moderation. Feta is a fantastic choice for increasing your calcium and vitamin D intake.

There’s a reason therapists often recommend more time in the sun for greater moods. Vitamin D helps in elevating mood and moderating emotions.

Mix eggs, spinach, feta, scallions, dill and pepper and cook in a 10-inch skillet for a nutritious entrée suitable for any meal.

improve your mood5.  For B12, Iron, Vitamin K and Antioxidants, Try Nacho Cheese Kale Chips

You may want to sit down for this one. What if I told you that there was a way to curb that craving for half a bag of nacho cheese chips that you crave oh-so-badly on a bad day? Loaded with preservatives processed carbs, saturated fats, and a lot of unnecessary chemical nonsense, you’re better off skipping bagged chips. But with a little prep work, you can make a nutritionally satisfying alternative, that will also help your brain health.

A common issue for people who take up plant-based diets is the development of a B12 deficiency.  B12 is mostly found in meat and dairy. B12 is essential for healthy blood cells and a functioning nervous system. Yet, 4 out of 100 women over age 40 show signs of a deficiency. A deficiency is usually characterized by fatigue, breathlessness, numbness, poor balance and memory trouble. Not to mention the poor mood you will probably be in. A great, not-so-well known way to get your B12 levels up? Nutritional Yeast!

Nutritional yeast is a deactivated yeast that comes in a dry, flaky powdered form. It’s nutty, cheesy flavor makes it a great substitute for powdered or grated cheeses, especially if you are avoiding dairy.

Kale, a well-known nutritional powerhouse, adds a punch of iron, vitamin K, and antioxidants to your snack time treat.

Other Food-Related Problems that May be Disrupting Your Mood

  • You’re Still Eating Cold Cuts

While cold-cuts, especially those that come in the plastic container, seem like a great way to get a solid serving of protein- stop! These preservative, sodium-laden mystery meats are a HCG Diet Plan disaster. Not to mention, a lot of the junk in the meat slices could be contributing to your lack of energy.

Look to have fresh, preservative free meats whenever possible. Or, look to get your protein from alternative, plant-based sources.

  • You’re Not Eating Often Enough

Too many people assume that their weight gain is entirely attributed to eating too much. Even more often do we critique this line of thinking, stating only that it forces the body to retain fat and over eat later on. This method can also be causing your poor mood.

Some of us call this “hangry”, the short-fused, irritable behavior only quelled after a meal. This is NOT just a personality trait, it is a biological response to inadequate food intake. While sugar is generally frowned upon in a healthy diet, allowing your blood sugar to drop (also known as hypoglycemia) affects your brain function. Self-control, and actions like regulating emotions, dealing with stress, and avoiding impulses diminish.

Eat when you are hungry, and make sure it is nutritious. This can help you avoid a major, unnecessary breakdown.

  • You Have a Negative Association With Food

Perhaps you have struggled with your weight for most of your life? Maybe a health-scare made you conscientious about what you eat to the point of near paranoia? No matter the source, for some, eating alone is a point of stress and anxiety.

A negative association with food can lead to feelings of guilt or sadness after meals. In some cases, binging follows a “slip”, when you eat something that is out-of-line with your ideal diet. This is unhealthy and can lead to dietary and mental health issues. If your meals are come prepared with a side of shame, talk to your physician about ways, such as Adipex P, that can be utilized to reduce this negative association.

  • Your Caffeine Intake is Too High

Caffeine, in moderation in the form of coffee or tea, can be great for you. But if you are overdoing it, you can quickly find yourself feeling nervous, short-tempered and unwell. A high caffeine intake can lead to caffeine addiction. If you find yourself suffering from headaches, irritability, depression, or sleepiness without your sixth cup of coffee, it is probably time to wean yourself off.

If you’re ready to make the commitment to a healthier mind and body, Solutions Weight Loss can help. Our medically supervised weight-loss systems assist you in making the right dietary choices for your specific needs and goals.

How to Lose Belly Fat: What you Need to Know

How to Lose Belly Fat: What you Need to Know

A tried-and-true method for reducing your risk of severe health issues.

Everyone wants to look good and feel good. Getting fit ranks high among most people’s personal goals, especially as we grow older. Who doesn’t want to know how to lose belly fat?  When we are young, health and fitness take a back seat to fast food runs and binge-watching our favorite TV shows. But as middle age approaches, you begin to notice the direct relationship between what you eat and how you feel.  You may even start to experience health problems, like high blood pressure, insomnia and most commonly: weight gain.

Few things disrupt your confidence like struggling to put on your favorite pair of jeans. You take a deep breath and stretch the waistband to no avail. You find yourself more tired than you used to be. You look in the mirror and just don’t feel right. However, weight gain can affect more than your self-esteem. In some cases, it can be very bad for your long-term health.

Belly fat, also known as visceral fat, is stored in the abdominal cavity and surrounds organs such as your pancreas, liver, and intestines. It hides beneath the visible surface fat, potentially increasing your chance of heart disease and type 2 diabetes. Some studies link visceral fat to stroke, high cholesterol levels, and inflammation.

How much belly fat is too much?

how to lose belly fatWhile not an exact metric, you can get an idea of where you stand by measuring your stomach. Take a measuring tape, and measure your waist around the widest part of your hips. On average, your waistline should be below 40 inches for men and less than 35 inches for women.

Keep in mind, that even thin people can have visceral fat. Fat, visible or not, can accumulate due to genetics and lifestyle. Typically, the more active you are, the less belly fat you will accumulate.

Even healthy-weighted individuals who keep a healthy diet, but fail to exercise are likely to have visceral fat.

Reducing belly fat is a challenge, but it is far from impossible. With dedication, determination and a desire to get in shape, anyone can reduce their belly fat. Doing so requires a balance of wellness in multiple aspects of your life. These factors work in tandem to allow your body to work to its fullest potential.

Follow a healthy diet

Whether you are aiming to lose belly fat or just tone up a bit, there is no alternative to a healthy diet. There is no one-size-fits-all miracle solution for weight loss. Nutritional guidelines give a decent framework for building a healthy diet. That said, every body is different. Consulting a nutritionist or doctor before starting your diet can provide insight into your body’s specific nutrient needs.

To burn belly fat, add these things to your diet.

Add soluble fiber to your diet – Fiber helps burn belly fat. A study conducted by Hairston reveals that adding 10 grams of soluble fiber to your daily diet can reduce your visceral fat by as much as 3.7% over a five year period. One cup of green peas, ½ cup of pinto beans, or two mid-sized apples all contain 10 grams of soluble fiber.

Avoid large quantities of alcohol – Modest servings of alcohol, such as a glass of wine, can have a positive effect on your health. Excessive consumption does the exact opposite. Mixed drinks and beer have high-calorie counts, sugar, and excessive carbs. It is easy to drink your way to an increase in belly fat. If you do drink, choose wines and low-calorie cocktails, avoiding mixers like soda and fruit juice.

Reduce your sugar intake – Studies show that high intake of sugar increases abdominal fat. Be aware of other names for sugar, like fructose and sucrose. To much sugar in your diet may lead to chronic diseases like fatty liver, heart problems, obesity and type 2 diabetes.

how to lose belly fatIncrease the Protein in your Diet – It is difficult to build a proper weight loss plan without a high protein diet. Protein helps to make you feel full, decreasing your appetite over a longer period of time; similar to the effects of Adipex P. This decreased appetite leads to less binge eating or empty snacking, thus reducing your weight.

Cut down on carbohydrates – If you are serious about losing weight, then you should cut down your intake of simple carbohydrates. If you restrict your carbohydrate intake to less than 50 grams per meal, aiming for no more than 150 grams per day, you will burn belly fat. It is most important that you replace refined carbs with unprocessed, complex carbs. Think brown rice or quinoa instead of white rice. Your metabolic health should see a boost as well.

Say no to sugar sweetened beverages – Sweetened beverages have no place in a healthy HCG diet plan. Despite conscious efforts to lower your sugar intake, drinks are often filled with empty calories. These can increase fat in the liver and add extra pounds around the stomach. Soda, juices and sweet tea are notorious for high sugar quantities. Replace these with water, for the most part, supplemented with green tea and coffee.

Skip Fruit Juices– Though fruit juice contains many vitamins and minerals, they contain a lot of sugar, natural and artificial. Both can increase fat in your body. Limit yourself to 8 ounces of fruit juice per day, when on a diet.

Get Active

Vigorous and regular exercise is not only good for weight loss, it is essential in burning belly fat. Aim for a minimum of 30 minutes, four days a week.

Walking is a great way to add exercise to your daily routine. Do so at a brisk pace so your heart rate increases and you begin to sweat. When you feel comfortable, start jogging for at least 20 minutes a day, four times a week. You will see similar results, in less time.

Working out on a treadmill, stationary bike and rowing machine are great options as well.

Increasing your heart rate for almost half an hour, for a minimum of three times in a week slows down the process of visceral weight gain.

You don’t even need to get a gym membership. Playing sports, like basketball or soccer with your kids, gardening, raking, and cleaning all benefit your body physically.

You can also do aerobic exercises and lift weights to reduce your visceral fat, but it is advisable to start these exercises under a trained professional.

The most important thing is to stay active.

Manage your stress properly

Everyone experiences varying levels of stress. The way you handle your stress has a tremendous impact on your overall health. If you want to burn belly fat, you need to be able to alleviate stress. There are many ways to go about this. Some prefer meditation and mindfulness practices. Others find solace in spending quality time with friends and family. Exercise is another great option. If you find yourself unable to let go of your stress, consider seeking a professional counselor that specializes in stress management.

With your stress under control, you can make better decisions in regards to your health. Stress often leads to emotional eating, lethargy and a lack of motivation. All of which, can lead to weight gain.

Get Some Sleep

how to lose belly fatFew people recognize the relationship between sleep and a healthy weight. People who are not able to sleep well gain more weight, including visceral fat.

In a study, conducted over a 5 year period, people who slept for less than 5 hours per night, or more than 8 hours every night gained more visceral fat than those who slept for 6-7 hours every night.

Sleep has a significant role to play when it comes to belly fat. There is a connection between sleep duration and the hormones ghrelin and leptin, which regulate hunger and stimulate the appetite.

If you are ready to discover how to lose belly fat and you need further assistance, just get in touch with Solutions Weight Loss – a medical weight loss Orlando facility. Take charge of your health, appearance, and well-being through a healthy diet, physical activity, stress management and quality sleep.