Uh-oh, did your belt buckle go up a notch? Even if your scale reads the same, you might have gained some belly fat. As people age, fat is more likely to build around the midsection, rather than the hips and thighs. Good news for your derričre—but bad for your overall health. Too much belly fat can increase your risk for heart disease, diabetes, and cancer.
Fortunately, there are simple ways to fight belly fat. And don't worry—it doesn't require an hour of
Abs of Steel every day (although that wouldn't hurt).
1. Move it or you won't lose it.
Any type of activity will help fight the bulge. By getting your heart rate up, you're helping your metabolism burn excess fat around your midsection.
2. Cut out trans fat.
If you haven't heard by now, trans fat is bad for you. In fact, research has shown that it likes to target the belly, not just by adding new fat, but also by moving fat from other parts of the body to the belly.
3. Replace soda with water.
Stop drinking sugary sodas and save yourself from those extra calories. Diet soda isn't that much better. As some studies have found, diet soda can be connected with weight gain. Water is the best option because it is calorie-free and can subside hunger. For water with a delicious taste, try
PURŽ filtered water.
PUR water filters reduce contaminants, giving you clean water.
4. Eat low-fat yogurt.
Research has shown that eating low-fat yogurt once a day can help reduce belly fat. The calcium in yogurt helps maintain healthy bones and muscles—and the more muscle you have, the more fat you'll burn.
5. Get on the ball.
Start strengthening your abdominal muscles with a stability ball. There are simple exercises to help tighten and flatten your middle, without putting pressure on your lower back. Just by sitting on the ball properly, you'll be contracting your abdominal muscles and fighting belly fat.
