Seven tips to help you get rid of belly fat

When my six-year-old told me that she wanted to get a flat stomach, I was horrified. Then it hit me that the obsession, let’s call it that, with having a flat stomach starts at a very young age.

While I love my body and I always advocated for body positivity, I also understand that we all have parts of ourselves that we would like to improve, say our not-so-flat tummies. 

Healthline states that excess belly fat can put you at risk of health conditions like type-2 diabetes and heart disease. 

Below are some tips that can get you that illusive flat belly. Some are quite simple while others will need a bit of effort.

1. Reduce alcohol consumption

According to Weight Loss Resources, alcohol contains calories, which, when taken in excess, can lead to weight gain. If you’re trying to lose that belly fat, reduce your alcohol consumption, particularly if you’re a heavy drinker.

2. Take less sugar

Sugar, like alcohol, contains what are known as empty calories. This, according to Healthline, means that they have little to know nutrients making them less than beneficial for your body. When taken in excess, sugar can lead to weight gain with the excess fat being stored in various parts of your body like your belly. To reduce its size, take less sugar and if you can, cut it out completely.

3. Eat more fibre

Fibre is a very important part of your diet. It helps you stay full for longer making you eat less calorie-filled foods. Fibre also aids in digestion and as result, leads to reduced girth around your waist. The long and short of it, eat more fibre-rich foods like wholegrain cereals like oats, pears, melons, oranges, broccoli, carrots, avocados, nuts and seeds. 

4. Eat less carbs

Carbohydrates are energy-giving foods making them an essential component of your diet. Even so, eating too much of it can lead to weight gain over time since carbohydrates are rich in calories. So, instead of removing carbs from your diet completely, reduce your intake and opt for healthier options like whole grains instead of the refined kind.

5. Turn to protein

Protein like fish, lean poultry and meat, eggs, beans and dairy should be a part of your diet if you are trying to get that flat tummy. Proteins, like fibre, help keep you satiated for longer. They also aid metabolism and help reduce your appetite. 

6. Eliminate trans fats

Trans fats are commonly found in packaged and processed foods. According to WebMD, trans fats add to the fat depository around your belly and also transfer fats from other parts of your body to your belly. Simply eliminating foods which contain trans fats like fast foods, shortening, margarine, baked goods, etc, will take you closer to a flat belly.

7. Exercise

Apart from your diet, in order to lose weight you need to do some form of exercise. Certain workouts are beneficial to reducing belly fat such as crunches, cardio and burpees. Be sure to do them correctly so as to reap maximum benefits and reduce injury.