When it comes to weight loss, some people may hope to get rid of fat in a particular area. But, despite their best efforts, it seems that spot training one specific part of a body just isn’t possible. So, how can you shift the pounds? A number of fitness experts have advised monitoring your diet, in order to seek overall fat loss.
Aroosha Nekonam, a personal trainer at Ultimate Performance has told Express.co.uk that the key is to create a calorific deficit through nutrition – as well as weight training a number of times per week.
She recommended tucking into good quality protein, fats, and unprocessed carbohydrates.
Another top tip is reducing stress levels, in order to “lose fat efficiently”.
There are also a number of compound movements a person can do, which may promote fat loss.
In an exclusive interview, Rugby World Cup champion and personal trainer Vicky Fleetwood, who’s is also an OPRO ambassador, emphasised the importance of protein.
However, while it’s an important food group, Vicky explained that there’s only so much that will be beneficial.
“You want it to be high in protein, but at the same time, you don’t want it to be an excess of protein because there’s only so much that your body can actually use,” she said.
“The rest, your body will excrete.
“You can get a formula online for what will be perfect for you.”
A number of observational studies show that people who eat more protein typically have less abdominal fat than those who eat a lower-protein diet, Healthline report.
The aforementioned research can be seen in the reports titled “Quality protein intake is inversely related with abdominal fat”, “Protein intake is inversely associated with abdominal obesity in a multi-ethnic population”, and “Intake of macronutrients as predictors of 5-y changes in waist circumference”.
Sources of protein
The National Health Service (NHS) website highlights some foods which are particularly good sources of protein.
These include lean cutes of meat and skinless poultry.
Eggs and fish are also considered protein-rich foods.
Pulses, such as beans, peas, and lentils, are also recognised for being a source of protein.
What’s more, the NHS points out that this food group tends to be naturally very low in fat, while being high in fibre, protein, vitamins, and minerals.