The presence of abdominal fat over an extended period of time is associated with an increased risk for a number of chronic illnesses, including cancer and heart disease. On the other hand, if you are someone who lives with excess abdominal fat and has been searching for ways to lose it, you probably already know that it is not always as straightforward as some weight loss gurus would have you believe it is. In here, we are going to explorer the best way to get flat stomach with following 29 ways.
To begin, the size of your stomach, often known as its “flatness,” may be affected by a wide variety of things, such as the time of day, whether or not you’ve been active in the recent past, and the kinds of meals and beverages you’ve ingested during the day.
In addition, several previous research have come to the conclusion that spot reduction, also known as the focused loss of fat in a particular location of the body, is not achievable.
This is due to the fact that fat cells are stored all over the body, and during activity, fat cells may be broken down and used as a source of energy from any portion of the body, not just the place where you’re exercising.
There are a number of different approaches that, when combined, can accelerate the process of losing weight and gaining muscle. In conjunction with a diet rich in nutrients and an active lifestyle that prioritizes health, this has the potential to assist in reducing abdominal fat while simultaneously enhancing overall health.
Here is a list of 29 strategies that have been supported by scientific research that can assist you in losing abdominal fat.
1. Reduce Your Caloric Intake, But Don’t Too Much.
If you are trying to lose weight, you should probably keep track of the number of calories you consume each day.
One strategy that is commonly used is to cut your daily calorie consumption by between 500 and 750, which can lead to weight loss of roughly 0.5 to 1 kilogram (1 pound) each week.
Having said that, cutting your calorie consumption too drastically might have the opposite of the desired effect and be detrimental to your health.
A drop in your metabolic rate, or the quantity of calories your body burns on a daily basis, might be the result of eating an inadequate amount of calories.
While you reduce your caloric intake by an excessive amount, this can lead to a considerable loss of lean body mass, which in turn can reduce the quantity of calories that your body burns when it is at rest.
In addition, ingesting an inadequate amount of calories on a daily basis is linked to a variety of unpleasant side effects, such as lethargy, headaches, nausea, dizziness, and irritability.
2. Increase The Amount Of Fiber In Your Diet, Particularly Soluble Fiber.
The movement of food through the digestive tract is slowed down by soluble fibers because they are able to take in huge amounts of water.
It has been demonstrated that doing so would delay the emptying of the stomach, which will cause the stomach to grow and leave you feeling fuller between meals.
In addition, studies have shown that soluble fiber might reduce the amount of calories that your body is able to absorb from the food you eat.
Visceral fat is a type of fat that wraps around your organs, particularly in the abdominal region, and is linked to several chronic health conditions. Some research suggests that eating more soluble fiber could be associated with less visceral fat, which is a type of fat that wraps around your organs.
Fruits, oats, barley, legumes, and some vegetables like broccoli and carrots are all excellent sources of soluble fiber. Other good sources include nuts and seeds.
3. Increase The Amount Of Probiotics That You Consume.
Beneficial bacteria known as probiotics may have a significant impact on one’s ability to maintain a healthy weight.
Alterations in the makeup of the gut microbiome may not only be connected to an increased risk of obesity, but some study has also indicated that changes in the gut microbiome may have an effect on weight gain.
The use of probiotics on a consistent basis may tip the scales in favor of good gut flora, lowering the risk of weight gain and making it easier to achieve and keep a healthy body mass index.
It has also been demonstrated that certain strains of probiotics are particularly efficient in assisting persons who are already living with obesity in reducing the amount of abdominal fat they carry. Some of these are:
- Lactobacillus fermentum.
- Lactobacillus amylovorus.
- Lactobacillus gasseri.
Fermented foods are considered to be probiotic foods. Examples of fermented foods include kombucha, yogurt, kefir, tempeh, kimchi, and pickles.
It is essential to keep in mind that probiotics do not immediately cause a person to lose weight. They may not have the same impact on different people, but when taken in conjunction with a healthy diet and regular exercise, they have the potential to be an effective strategy. Before opting to add probiotics to your diet, you should always consult with your primary care physician.
4. Include Extra Cardiovascular Activity In Your Regimen.
Aerobic exercise, often known as cardiovascular exercise, is a fantastic strategy to reduce body fat and enhance one’s overall health.
Studies have shown that it is also quite good for strengthening your core and reducing the amount of fat that is stored in your abdominal region.
According to the majority of studies, the recommended weekly amount of aerobic exercise is between 150 and 300 minutes of moderate to high intensity, which generally equates to 20 to 40 minutes each day.
Activities such as jogging, brisk walking, cycling, and rowing are all examples of cardio.
5. Consider Drinking Protein Shakes.
Protein smoothies are a convenient way to supplement your diet with additional protein.
Consuming an adequate amount of protein every day has the potential to momentarily speed up your metabolism, suppress your hunger, and assist in the maintenance of lean body mass.
In addition, studies have shown that increasing protein consumption may assist in the reduction of visceral fat, particularly when combined with a diet that is lower in calories.
If you want the greatest results, you should include additional foods in your protein shake that are high in fiber and nutritional density, such as spinach, kale, or berries.
6. Consume A Diet That Is High In Foods That Are Rich In Monounsaturated Fatty Acids.
You may find the sort of fat that is good for your heart called monounsaturated fatty acids in a wide variety of meals.
Studies have shown that diets that are strong in monounsaturated fatty acids may be connected with lower levels of body fat, which is an intriguing finding.
The Mediterranean diet is an example of a diet that is high in monounsaturated fatty acids, and it has been linked to many health benefits, including a reduced risk of weight gain and decreased belly fat in children and adults. Other diets that are high in polyunsaturated fatty acids have also been linked to many of the same health benefits.
Olive oil, avocados, nuts, and seeds are some examples of foods that are rich in monounsaturated fatty acids.
7. Decrease The Amount Of Processed Carbohydrates You Consume.
It has been demonstrated that reducing the amount of carbohydrates that you consume can have genuine health advantages, particularly when it comes to losing weight.
To be more specific, research have shown that diets low in carbohydrates may assist certain people in reducing visceral fat as well as belly fat.
However, you do not need to eliminate all carbohydrates in order to get the advantages, which is especially helpful if a low-carb diet is not the best choice for your unique medical history. It can be very useful to replace refined carbohydrates, which are subjected to extensive processing and contain inadequate amounts of essential elements like fiber, with whole grains.
In point of fact, a number of research have demonstrated that increasing one’s consumption of whole grains is connected with a lower overall body weight and lower levels of abdominal fat.
8. Give Strength Training With Weights A Shot.
When people diet, one of the major negative side effects is that they lose muscle mass.
Because of this, your metabolic rate, often known as the amount of calories that you burn on a daily basis, may decrease.
Regularly engaging in resistance workouts has the potential to help you maintain or increase your metabolism while also preserving lean body mass.
Additionally, there is some evidence to suggest that resistance exercise can be useful in lowering both total body fat and visceral fat.
9. Instead Of Sitting, Perform Your Workouts While Standing.
Completing the same activities while standing up may be more beneficial to your health than performing the same exercises while sitting or using weight machines. If you are able to, try performing your exercises while standing up.
When you stand, you use a greater number of muscles in order to keep your balance and support your body weight. As a result, you will expend a greater amount of energy when exercising.
According to the findings of a study published in 2013 that examined the effects of standing and sitting workouts, certain standing activities boosted muscular activation by 7–25 percent more than sitting exercises did.
When compared to sitting, another study found that standing may lead to an improvement in respiratory function as well as a minor elevation in heart rate.
Although this may seem like a very little change, those who are able to do so should consider standing while doing abdominal exercises since it is a simple technique to improve core strength and boost overall performance.
10. Make Regular Trips Outside For A Stroll.
The most efficient strategy for achieving weight reduction and improving general health is almost certainly one that includes both changing one’s diet and engaging in physical activity.
It’s an interesting finding that studies have showed you don’t have to work out very hard or spend a lot of time at the gym in order to gain the advantages of exercise for your health.
It has been demonstrated that going on regular walks at a brisk pace will successfully reduce overall body fat as well as the fat that is concentrated around the stomach in those who are already obese.
According to the findings of one study, obese people who increased their daily step count to 12,000 and went on brisk walks three times a week had a reduction in the amount of visceral fat and hip circumference in their bodies after a period of eight weeks.
11. Limit Sugary Beverages.
Sugar-sweetened beverages including soda, fruit juice, sweet tea, and energy drinks are frequently rich in calories and added sugar.
It is also quite simple to consume big quantities of these drinks all at once, which can dramatically increase the number of calories you consume on a regular basis and may lead to an increase in body weight.
This is because, in comparison to solid foods, liquids have a lesser impact on feelings of fullness, making it simpler to take an excessive amount of liquids.
Fructose, which is commonly included in these beverages, has been directly related to direct weight gain as well as increased visceral fat accumulation in the abdominal region.
12. Consume Meals That Only Contain One Component At A Time.
It is a fantastic strategy to increase the nutritional content of your diet to make an effort to consume more foods that are entire and have just one component.
Whole foods are packed with nutrients and frequently contain a lot of fiber. Because fiber can make you feel fuller for longer, eating whole foods can help you achieve and keep a healthy weight.
In addition, it has been demonstrated that vegetables, nuts, and legumes are among the numerous nutrient-dense whole foods that help with weight management.
13. Drink Water.
Drinking more water can assist with weight control in a number of different ways, including preventing bloating and supporting healthy weight management.
To begin, it has the potential to facilitate the loss of weight by momentarily elevating your metabolic rate, which refers to the amount of calories that you burn when at rest.
In addition, drinking water before meals might help you feel fuller, which may lead to lower calorie consumption as a result of eating less.
In addition to this, increasing the amount of water you consume might help ease constipation, which is another factor that can lead to bloating.
14. Make Eating Mindful A Regular Practice.
The practice of mindful eating is a strategy that can assist you in recognizing and coping with the feelings and physical sensations that are associated with food and hunger.
It entails eating at a slower pace, doing so in an environment free of distractions, paying attention to the signs that your body gives you when it is hungry, and stopping eating when you no longer feel hungry.
The majority of research are in agreement that practicing mindful eating can assist improve weight control by modifying your eating patterns and minimizing stress-related behaviors such as emotional eating or overeating. This can help you achieve your weight management goals.
Because it emphasizes modifying behaviors and developing a healthier connection with food, it is also more likely to assist you in losing weight and keeping it off over the long run.
15. Consume Less Drinks With Carbonation.
Gas may be the result of drinking excessive amounts of carbonated beverages, such as soda or sparkling water, which contain carbon dioxide.
This is because the carbon dioxide gas that is expelled from the liquid in your stomach is contained inside the bubbles that are found in it. This might result in abdominal distention or bloating.
Additionally contributing to bloating might be the act of chewing gum, sipping via a straw, or chatting while eating.
If you want to avoid feeling bloated, it could be helpful to switch from drinking carbonated beverages to water and drink from a glass instead.
16. Consider To Do Of High Intensity Interval Exercise (HIIT).
High intensity interval training (HIIT) is a form of exercise that often entails completing bouts of highly intense activity, such as sprinting, rowing, or jumping, with brief pauses in between each interval.
Even after you’ve done your workout, your body will continue to burn additional fat thanks to this type of exercise, which also has the added benefit of momentarily boosting your metabolic rate.
In addition, in comparison to other forms of physical activity, this sort of workout often only requires ten to twenty minutes to do, making it a very efficient use of your time.
17. Manage Your Stress Levels.
Chronic stress has not only been related to the development of a number of diseases, but it also frequently contributes to overeating as well as eating for emotional reasons, both of which can lead to weight gain.
Cortisol, a hormone that has been found to enhance hunger and food cravings, is triggered to be produced in the body when it is exposed to stress, which is another negative effect of stress.
Additionally, some studies suggest that a higher accumulation of visceral fat may also be associated to an increased production of the stress hormone cortisol. This suggests that persons who have a bigger amount of visceral fat may be more susceptible to the negative effects of stress.
Even though it may not be possible to completely get rid of stress, incorporating activities that relieve stress into your daily routine, such as yoga or meditation, can be beneficial.
18. Eat More Protein.
When it comes to shedding pounds, protein is a food that should not be ignored.
Diets that are high in protein have been shown to both suppress the appetite and heighten feelings of fullness. In addition, the digestion of protein causes a greater calorie expenditure in the body than the digestion of fat or carbohydrates.
Protein has been shown to assist in the maintenance of lean body mass, which in turn assists in the maintenance of your metabolism, which in turn assists in the facilitation of weight control.
Your age, gender, and overall level of physical activity all play a role in determining how much protein you require in your diet.
Make sure that each of your meals include a high-quality protein source, such as meat, fish, poultry, eggs, tofu, or lentils, so that you can easily fulfill your body’s requirements for this macronutrient.
19. Keep A Record Of The Food You Eat.
If you are trying to lose weight, keeping track of the amount of food that you consume can be helpful.
Counting calories and maintaining a food diary are two of the most common and successful approaches to achieving this goal, however there are other methods available.
You are not required to do this on a daily basis, but it might be beneficial to record everything you consume for several days in a row once every few weeks. Your awareness of the calories you consume will increase as a result, and you’ll have the ability to modify your eating habits as necessary.
Here is a list of five free applications or websites that may assist you in keeping track of the nutrients and calories that you consume in an easy manner.
20. Add Eggs To Your Diet.
One large egg has around 72 calories and 6 grams of protein, making eggs an excellent source of protein while being relatively low in calories.
According to the findings of several studies, eating eggs may facilitate weight loss.
For instance, one study found that participants who ate a breakfast that included eggs had a lower caloric intake at lunch compared to those who ate a meal that included cereal. This was the case even though both breakfasts included the same number of calories.
Consuming at least one egg per day was connected with a 34% reduced risk of central obesity and a 38% lower risk of excess body fat, according to the findings of another study that included over 2200 people.
In a similar vein, the consumption of eggs on a daily basis was associated with a reduced risk of abdominal obesity in a study that involved nearly 24,000 participants.
21. Get Enough Sleep.
It is essential for effective weight control to ensure that one receives an adequate amount and quality of sleep each night.
In point of fact, one study indicated that healthier sleep was connected with higher weight reduction and fat loss during the course of a weight loss intervention that lasted for a period of twelve months.
One further research with a small sample size (36 participants) found that those who followed a low-calorie diet but cut their sleep time by an hour, five evenings a week, had significantly less fat loss than those in the control group.
According to one research, not getting enough sleep may be linked to an increased risk of obesity. This may be the result of greater exhaustion as well as changes in levels of specific hormones that impact hunger and appetite.
In order to promote overall health and to maintain a weight that is considered healthy for most people, it is typically suggested that they strive for at least seven hours of sleep each night.
22. Try To Do Intermittent Fasting.
A pattern of eating known as intermittent fasting involves going without food for set periods of time at regular intervals, alternating with periods of eating.
The 16:8 fast and the 24-hour fast are two prominent forms of intermittent fasting. In the 16:8 fast, you limit the amount of time that you eat in a day to eight hours, often by missing breakfast and having supper earlier in the day. The 24-hour fast is done two to four times each week.
In general, this will cause you to consume less calories overall without requiring you to deliberately focus on the matter.
Although it has only been demonstrated to be as effective as regular, daily calorie restriction for reducing belly fat and promoting weight reduction, intermittent fasting may be simpler for some people to stick to than other diets.
Because the long-term implications of this eating pattern have not yet been determined, consulting a medical professional before beginning an intermittent fasting regimen is strongly recommended.
23. Consume At Least One Serving Of Fatty Fish Per Week Or Take Fish Oil.
It is typically advised to consume fatty fish no more frequently than once or twice each week.
Protein and omega-3 fatty acids make fatty fish a nutrient-dense food that’s rich in abundance in fatty fish.
It has been demonstrated that consuming more protein can assist with weight reduction, and studies have revealed that omega-3 fatty acids may also be connected to a lower amount of fat in the abdominal region.
You can receive long-chain fatty acids from fish oil or fish oil supplements if you don’t enjoy eating fatty fish. Whole foods are normally the best method to acquire your vitamins and minerals. However, if you don’t like eating fatty fish, you can get long-chain fatty acids from fish oil. If you are thinking about using supplements, you should consult with a medical professional first.
24. Reduce The Amount Of Added Sugar You Consume.
The consumption of added sugar has been linked to a wide variety of chronic conditions, such as cardiovascular disease, diabetes type 2, and fatty liver disease.
It is advisable to keep intake of added sugar to less than 10 percent of the total number of calories consumed each day. This equates to approximately 200 calories per day, or 12 teaspoons (48 grams), if you are following a diet that consists of 2,000 calories.
However, the majority of people consume more than this amount, and adults in the United States consume an average of 17 teaspoons, which is equivalent to 68 grams, of added sugar each day.
Studies have demonstrated a direct correlation between a high intake of added sugar and an increase in waist size, particularly in individuals who consume sugar-sweetened beverages on a regular basis.
When grocery shopping, it is essential to pay close attention to the nutrition facts label and look for hidden sources of added sugar in a variety of foods.
25. Swap Out Part Of The Fat You’re Using For MCT Oil.
Medium-chain triglyceride oil, sometimes known as MCT oil, is a kind of oil that includes medium-chain triglycerides (MCTs).
According to a number of studies, exchanging part of the fat in your diet for MCT oil may help you burn more calories and feel more satisfied.
MCTs were also found to be more successful in reducing body weight, total body fat, and belly fat compared to long-chain triglycerides, according to the findings of a study that analyzed the results of 13 separate trials.
It is important to keep in mind that MCT oil, just like other forms of fat, still has a large number of calories. As a result, it is essential to not merely include MCT oil in your diet; rather, you should replace various other sources of fat with MCT oil.
26. Work On Strengthening Your Core Muscles.
Your core muscles may be strengthened with the use of workouts such as crunches and other abdominal exercises.
You may build bulk to your abdominal muscles by performing core workouts on a daily basis. This can help improve your posture and boost the stability of your spine, which can help avoid injuries.
In addition, core workouts help you build strength in the muscles that eventually hold in your stomach, which may give the appearance that you have lost weight.
Aim to perform core exercises such as planks and Pilates roll-ups that engage all of your core muscles whenever it is possible for you to do so.
27. Drink Unsweetened Coffee Or Green Tea.
Both black coffee without added sugar and green tea are excellent choices for anyone looking to achieve or keep a healthy weight because of their high nutrient content.
Drinking coffee or tea may be connected with a lower risk of developing belly fat and a lower overall body weight, according to the findings of a number of research.
This may be partially attributable to the fact that they contain caffeine, which can momentarily rev up your metabolism and lead to an increase in the amount of calories that you burn during the day.
28. Limit Your Alcohol Intake.
Since one gram of alcohol contains seven calories, the high caloric content of many alcoholic beverages can be partially attributed, at least in part, to the alcohol itself.
When compared ounce for ounce, beer has the same number of calories as a sugary soft drink, however one glass of red wine has roughly twice as many calories as beer does.
Drinking in moderation is not expected to alter body weight, but drinking to excess is connected to increased weight gain, particularly in the abdominal region.
In the most recent version of the Dietary Guidelines for Americans, “moderate drinking” is described as less than two drinks consumed on a daily basis for men and less than one drink consumed on a daily basis for women.
29. Squeeze In Some Additional Physical Exercise During The Day.
You can easily slip in additional activity into your day by increasing the amount of activity that you do that does not involve exercise.
This requires moving around in some way, whether it be walking, standing, fidgeting, or just generally moving about.
One study found that engaging in these activities can help you burn up to 2,000 more calories per day. The exact number of calories burned will depend on factors such as your size and how active you are.
You can easily incorporate more physical activity into your day by walking around while talking on the phone, standing up frequently, working at a standing desk, or choosing the stairs over the elevator whenever it is possible.
The Bottom Line.
No matter what random weight loss advertising and products attempt to tell you, it is crucial to keep your journey in perspective, whether your doctor has advised you to lose weight or you have independently taken the decision to drop some weight.
It is not possible to “target” the loss of fat in just your stomach, but there are many strategies that can help effectively support overall fat loss and weight loss.
Alterations to your eating habits and exercise routine aren’t the only things that can help; you should also try to get plenty of sleep, reduce your stress, and incorporate mindful eating into your routine.
You may strive toward a “flatter stomach” while also improving your general health if you incorporate some of the techniques given above into your daily routine. This will help you achieve both goals at the same time.