Getting rid of belly fat is the most frustrating part of losing weight. It’s the easiest to gain but the hardest to lose. If you’re doing your best to maintain a healthy diet and fitness regime but failing to zap that belly fat, you may need to dive into what habits could be preventing you from progressing. We shed some light on some possible causes in this article.
High Stress Levels
Anxiety and stress increase your cortisol levels, which causes the body to store more belly fat. Stress also triggers emotional eating, binges, and cravings, which are likely going to be unhealthy foods. Try reducing your stress by meditating, hiking, picking up a hobby, or even walking a dog. The dog doesn’t even have to be yours!
Not Enough Sleep
Sleep deprivation disrupts your hormonal balance and affects your metabolism and appetite regulation. It also contributes to more sugar and high-calorie cravings. These imbalances with your hormones promote fat storage in your belly area.
An Unbalanced Diet
Consuming too many unhealthy fats, processed foods, refined carbs, and added sugars isn’t going to assist with losing belly fat, but it will make you gain it. These foods lack nutrients and are full of calories. Eat more nutrient-rich, unprocessed, whole foods like oatmeal, salmon, eggs, black beans, tuna, avocados, and sweet potatoes.
Genetics
You could be doing everything right, but your natural hormone levels and genetic history could be behind your excess belly fat. Hormonal imbalances like high estrogen levels or insulin resistance may also make it harder to reduce belly fat.
