Belly fat is most difficult to get rid of, the pretty obstinate thing which requires dedicated efforts. Men tend to acquire belly fat usually when they reach their 40s, popularly termed the mid life crisis.
Of late, the changing lifestyles and stress filled work schedules have resulted even younger men falling prey to belly fat. This accumulation of fat in the abdominal region can be attributed to many factors. Sedentary lifestyles, unhealthy eating habits, consumption of beer are some common causes for belly fat in men.
Now that you have acquired the belly fat, you need to find ways to get rid of the same. This can be achieved by altering your eating habits and indulging in physical activity. There are some tried and tested methods that can help you lose belly fat.
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- Abdominal workouts: To lose belly fat, you need to exercise the core muscles which include the upper and lower abdomen, and the obliques. Well designed ab workouts that target the core abdominal muscles can effectively reduce belly fat. One has to realize that losing belly fat is not possible overnight. Dedicated exercises over a period of time with healthy diet will result in a surfboard tummy.
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- Stick to a diet: Chalk out a diet plan which includes whole grain foods and cuts out on junk and fatty foods. Include lots of fruits and vegetables which are fiber rich. Restrict your daily calorie intake. Fiber rich foods and whole grain foods make you feel fuller and reduce hunger pangs.
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- Avoid Alcohol: Alcohol is the biggest culprit in causing belly fat in men. Specially drinking beer in larger quantities will lead to a beer belly. Alcohol is devoid of any nutrients and comprises only fats. Hence those opting to get rid of belly fat must bid good bye to alcohol.
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- Reduce Stress: It is definitely not possible to eradicate stress from our lives. What we can do is, try and reduce it because it is one of the major contributors to belly fat. In times of stress, cortisol is released in the blood stream. The high level of the stress hormone makes us cling to comfort foods which are very unhealthy and contribute to weight gain. Any weight gain primarily starts accumulating in the stomach region. Sleep well for at least 8 hours to reduce stress and avoid midnight snacking.
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- Include good fats: Foods which are high in MUFA, mono unsaturated fatty acids and Omega acids are good fat burning foods and help to lower the levels of bad cholesterol in our body. Consuming olive oil, flax seeds, cruciferous vegetables like cabbage and broccoli help in melting the fat away.
- Incorporate a cardio exercise routine: Cardio exercises have proved to be effective in losing belly fat. Some exercises like sprinting, rowing, stair climbing are good to lose belly fat. It has been researched that a 60 to 90 minute of cardio session followed 5 days a week is very effective in losing belly fat in men.
All said and done, you need the motivation to exercise and diligent efforts are to be made to follow a structured exercise regime to lose belly fat. The exercises have to be complemented by a healthy and balanced diet.