Are you tired of working out specifically targeting your tummy but in vain? There are a lot of reasons which keep you from losing belly fat even after working hard for it.
Here are some of the major reasons that are responsible for not allowing you lose bally fat:
FALLING SHORT ON MAGNESIUM
Our bodies require magnesium for more than 300 chemical reactions, including keeping heart rhythm steady and regulating blood sugar levels, but in addition to its health benefits, this nutrient may also aid in weight loss and body shaping. Eat more magnesium-rich foods, such as leafy green vegetables, beans, and nuts. Or talk to your doctor about taking a supplement. The recommended amount of magnesium for women under 30 is 310 mg, and 320 mg for women 30 and over.
DOING A WRONG WORKOUT
A daily run or Spin class is great for your heart, but cardio workouts alone won’t do much for your waist. You need to do a combination of weights and cardiovascular training. Strength training increases muscle mass, which sets your body up to burn more fat. Muscle burns more calories than fat, and therefore you naturally burn more calories throughout the day by having more muscle! It is recommended to have 250 minutes of moderate-intensity exercise or 125 minutes of high-intensity exercise a week for a flat tummy.
YOU ARE GETTING OLDER
As you get older, your body changes how it gains and loses weight. Both men and women experience a declining metabolic rate, or the number of calories the body needs to function normally. On top of that, women have to deal with menopause. In menopause, production of the hormones estrogen and progesterone slows down. Meanwhile, testosterone levels also start to drop, but at a slower rate. This shift in hormones causes women to hold onto weight in their bellies.
YOU DONT SLEEP ENOUGH
Not having enough sleep can have some serious consequences for your waistline! A study in the American Journal of Epidemiology found that women who slept five or fewer hours per night were 32 percent more likely to experience major weight gain over 16 years than those who got more sleep. Too little sleep causes an increase in a hormone called ghrelin that stimulates appetite. Get the expert-recommended seven to nine hours of sleep a night. To ensure quality slumber, remove distracting electronics from the bedroom; keep your room cool (your body sleeps best at around 65 degrees); avoid caffeine after lunch; and try to maintain the same sleeping schedule, even if it means getting up at the same time on weekends.
YOU’RE EATING TOO MANY PROCESSED FOODS
Refined grains like white bread, crackers, and chips, as well as refined sugars in sweetened drinks and desserts increase inflammation in our bodies. Belly fat is associated with inflammation, so eating too many processed foods will hinder your ability to lose belly fat. Natural foods like fruits, vegetables, and whole grains are full of antioxidants, which have anti-inflammatory properties and may therefore actually prevent belly fat.
Your belly fat won’t budge? You certainly need to keep these points in mind!