Burning belly fat isn't all crunches and cardio - although, those will help. If you're looking to burn that stubborn excess fat, you need to look at the whole picture. That means looking into your diet, how you prepare your body before a workout, and even your mental health.
Below we've compiled a list of 7 easy, and effective ways to get rid of excess belly fat that range from getting the most out of your workout, to clocking in the right amount of zzz's. It's always important to keep in mind that getting healthy is a combination of a balanced diet and exercise.
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1. Be in constant motion
Cardio is going to help you target fat on your belly, and almost everywhere else. Prevention says if you focus on anything that's going to get your heart rate up - like running, biking, or swimming - you're sure to burn that fat right off.
Cardio is going to help you target fat on your belly, and almost everywhere else. Prevention says if you focus on anything that's going to get your heart rate up - like running, biking, or swimming - you're sure to burn that fat right off.
2. Stretch before ab exercises
Don't just jump into your abdominal exercises next time. Cosmopolitan explains that if you don't limber up, your body will rely more on your hips and back to do the ab workouts instead of targeting the muscles you want.
Don't just jump into your abdominal exercises next time. Cosmopolitan explains that if you don't limber up, your body will rely more on your hips and back to do the ab workouts instead of targeting the muscles you want.
3. Get enough sleep
WebMD highlighted a study that showed that people who slept 6-7 hours a night gained less visceral fat over a 5 year period compared to people who slept less than 5 hours, and more than 8 a night.
WebMD highlighted a study that showed that people who slept 6-7 hours a night gained less visceral fat over a 5 year period compared to people who slept less than 5 hours, and more than 8 a night.
4. Don't miss out on protein
The experts over at Prevention say that a high protein diet may protect against insulin resistance - which is good, because as you age your body starts to produce more insulin which results in more belly fat. But getting protein doesn't mean you have to pile meat on your plate. Add protein powder to your smoothies, and eat more nuts.
The experts over at Prevention say that a high protein diet may protect against insulin resistance - which is good, because as you age your body starts to produce more insulin which results in more belly fat. But getting protein doesn't mean you have to pile meat on your plate. Add protein powder to your smoothies, and eat more nuts.
5. Keep stress levels low
Everyone has to deal with stress in one form or another - but WebMD explains that it's how you deal with it that's going to keep you healthy. Focus on relaxing with friends and family, try meditating, and give exercising a shot to get rid of some of that bad energy. When you feel less stressed you're bound to make better choices all around.
Everyone has to deal with stress in one form or another - but WebMD explains that it's how you deal with it that's going to keep you healthy. Focus on relaxing with friends and family, try meditating, and give exercising a shot to get rid of some of that bad energy. When you feel less stressed you're bound to make better choices all around.
6. Fancy some vinegar?
Prevention highlighted a Japanese study that said people who consumed a tablespoon or two of vinegar daily for 8 weeks showed a decrease in body fat. Experts say the acid in the vinegar might produce proteins that burn up the fat. Incorporate vinegar in your salad
Prevention highlighted a Japanese study that said people who consumed a tablespoon or two of vinegar daily for 8 weeks showed a decrease in body fat. Experts say the acid in the vinegar might produce proteins that burn up the fat. Incorporate vinegar in your salad
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7. Drink enough water
Belly fat might leave you feeling bloated - but if you're looking to shed that fat Cosmopolitan notes how important it is to stay hydrated. The magazine says that drinking the recommended 8 glasses of water a day is going to keep your metabolic rate in check, and help your body run better - so your workouts will be might more effective.
Belly fat might leave you feeling bloated - but if you're looking to shed that fat Cosmopolitan notes how important it is to stay hydrated. The magazine says that drinking the recommended 8 glasses of water a day is going to keep your metabolic rate in check, and help your body run better - so your workouts will be might more effective.