Trim Away That Belly Fat! 4 Simple Techniques Anyone Can Do

Everybody wants a slimmer, trimmer waistline. Not only does it give you an attractive appearance, a slim waistline may also mean that you’re less likely to develop a number of health issues associated with belly fat as heart disease, diabetes, and even some types of cancers.

Still, fat that settles in around the waist can be some of the hardest to get rid of. What can you do? Try following these tips—and you’ll be on your way to smaller pant sizes.

1. Drink fewer soft drinks. A 12-ounce can of Mountain Dew contains around 170 calories. According to the National Soft Drink Association (NSDA) the average teenager consumes three sodas per day—3,570 calories per week. That’s more than one pound every seven days!

2. Drink more water. If you eliminate sodas from your diet, then you must drink something, right? Why not water? It has zero calories, it’s refreshing, and it aids in weight loss. Consider this: the liver plays a role in the metabolism of fat, but it also has to aid the kidneys when necessary. If the kidneys aren’t getting enough water to function properly, the liver must help them out, which in turn makes the metabolism of fat less efficient. Therefore, if you drink more water, you’re helping your liver metabolize the fat you consume

Also, you may notice that when you increase your water intake, you take more bathroom breaks. Seems like common sense, but it’s not due to the reason you may think. When you consume plenty of water, the body no longer feels a need to store it, so it begins to release water…water stored in the ankles, around the stomach, in the hands, etc., allowing your waist and other body parts to shrink accordingly. Nice trick, eh?

3. Eat smaller portions more often. Keeping the body fueled keeps the metabolism burning. By eating more frequently, the metabolism burns at a higher rate than if you eat fewer times per day.  Instead of eating three really big meals, break them down into five or six meals per day. Try eating a big, healthy breakfast, some fruit or yogurt for a mid-morning snack, lunch, a healthy mid-afternoon snack and lastly, dinner. Try not to eat after 8:00 at night, as that leaves little time for your body to burn off the calories before you go to sleep.

4. Sleep well. When you don’t enough sleep, you may be setting yourself up to grow a gut. Sleep deprivation triggers the release of a hormone called ghrelin which sends hunger signals to the brain. While ghrelin is being produced, leptin production is limited. Leptin is the hormone which tells your brain that you’re full.

Try monitoring yourself on the days you’re tired. You’re probably more likely to reach for calorie-laden carbs like that office donut, extra mocha latte, or chocolate bar. When you’re body feels rested, you feel less hungry, and are better able to stick with healthier fruits and vegetables.