Worried that your middle is starting to grow? AOL Body has come up with three simple belly-blasting tips, none of which are crunches, that anyone can fit into their normal routine. Here are highlights:
- Don't Get Trapped by Trans Fats: To your waistline, what you don't eat is just as important as what you do. A recent study done at Wake Forest University has concluded that trans fat, which has been shown to increase the risk of heart disease, may also increase dangerous belly fat.
- Get More Zs: Studies have shown that those who get less than four hours of sleep per night are 70 percent more likely to be obese than those who get seven to nine hours. Sleep deprivation lowers leptin, a protein that suppresses appetite and tells the brain when the stomach is full. Not catching enough Zs also inhibits the production of insulin, which regulates blood sugar. So, if you're constantly burning the midnight oil, you're interfering with your body's ability to burn off extra calories.
There's one more helpful tip so read more.
- Managing Stress: The Fight or Flight response has been around for millions of years, but it could also be adding unwanted inches to your waistline. When faced with stress, our bodies release a hormonal cocktail of adrenaline, cortisol, and insulin. Not only have high cortisol levels been associated with increased appetite and fat production, but the fat has been shown to typically deposit itself in the belly area.
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Oh really? These 3 things are all I need to do? Then why is my tummy all mushy?! I think these findings are lame...
1I don't think they're lame at all. These things combined with exercise and healthy eating in general keep a person healthier.
2I think this stuff is pretty obvious for overall health. I do all these things, but have just this year started working out and eating better. My waist is the only place I gain weight, it was almost 45 in in Jan. I'm down to 37, but it was healthy eating and exercise that got me there.
3I guess if you keep hearing the same things over and over again, the might be true
4seconding the sleep one. i haven't changed anything recently except my sleep schedule (finals!) and my tummy has this weird paunch that i can't seem to get rid of that wasn't there two weeks ago
5I agree, this article seems pretty obvious to me.
My stomach is my problem area, otherwise going to the gym is working for me. I'm not really all that worried, I just think it will take time to get toned to where I'm happy.
6Gotta keep with the cardio and watching what I eat.
Crunches don't get rid of belly fat, they just tighten your abs. If you don't do cardio, you can have the tightest abs on the planet, but will still have squishies covering them. And if you just do cardio, you'll have a flat stomach, but not tight and defined abs.
7Cortisol does make you deposit more fat in your midsection, but that's not the main culprit for belly fat. Even if you cut out trans fats, get more sleep and destress, you'll still have belly fat if you don't do enough cardio and resistance training and eat too many calories, you will STILL have belly fat.
8These never really work. I mean, even if you do wantto manage your stress, you will always be stressed anyway. And I agree with what is said above. Cardio is so much important.
9These are not really new findings. Everyone should avoid trans fat at all costs even if they aren't trying to tame tummy flab. More sleep and less stress are really no brainers anyway.
10I hate the yellow nail polish in that photo...
11Obesity can also cause sleep apnea and other sleeping problems -- so it can be a vicious circle.
12I completely agree with the fact that getting a good sleep is wonderful for your health.
13wow, her nail polish is awesome. :]
14I agree... You can do all the crunches in the world but if you dont follow these 3 rules you will never have good looking abs!
15I would love to get my six pack back. I just can't seem to get there. I am starting to think Peyton Manning is right - unless you are under 23 or a pro football player. Its not going to happen. I guess I will go out and buy those 2XL shirts like he suggested.
16Recent studies show individuals who sleep less then 4 hours a night on average live less as well. Food for thought.
17i don't get people who can sleep only 4 hours a night... i will pass out the third day, maybe even the second. i won't be able to control it.
18water and decaffeinated green tea helps me a lot! who knows where i would be without it!
19when you sleep your not eating! sleep will get help get rid of a gut!
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