Sleep is important for many reasons and can solve many problems. Lack of sleep could be one of the reasons why slimmers find it hard to lose belly fat and fixing your sleeping routine could help you boost weight loss results. A nutritionist has revealed top tips on how to lose belly fat and why it is dangerous.
Optimise your diet
Kim says: “The first thing to do to tackle belly fat long-term is to work on improving your diet. Focus on whole, minimally processed foods.
“Limit your intake of sugar and starchy carbohydrates and base all your meals around a protein source, moderate amounts of healthy fats and a variety of different coloured vegetables.
“Keeping a food diary can be a great way to assess what aspects of your diet are working well, and what you could benefit from improving.”
Do a fast mimicking diet three times a year
The nutritionist explains: “Ignore fad diets and gimmicks and opt for a scientifically backed way to reduce your visceral fat.
Get enough sleep
The nutritionist explains: “Lack of sleep in adults can sabotage weight loss and has been linked to increased visceral fat.
“Aim for eight hours a night. Improve your chances of getting a good night rest by avoiding caffeine in the afternoon, going to bed at the same time each night, and implementing a relaxing, screen-free-pre-bedtime ritual.”
Don’t smoke
Kim says: “Aside from the obvious negative impact on lung health and skin ageing, studies have linked smoking to increased abdominal fat storage. If you’re ready to quit, ask your doctor for help, or try hypnosis.”
Minimise booze
The nutritionist explains: “It’s called ‘beer belly’ for a reason and cutting down on alcohol will help you tackle abdominal weight gain, as well as having health benefits.
“Know your units and track how much you’re drinking by writing it down or recording it in an app. You might be surprised to learn just how much you’re drinking in a typical week. Better still, take a break from alcohol altogether.”
Exercise
Kim explains: “Work on burning that fat! I don’t advise extremely intensive exercise which can actually further trigger cortisol.
“Rather opt for moderate daily activity such as strength training, brisk walks and bike rides. Find something you enjoy and you’re much more likely to stick to it long term.”