Avoid Getting a Fat Belly
Tips to Avoid Excess Stomach Fat

This article talks about things you should do to avoid getting a fat belly and excess stomach fat.

There are definitely things that you should do if you want a flat stomach, like eat foods high in fiber, minerals and vitamins and exercise regularly. But if your goal is to get rid of belly fat there are also things you need to avoid.

Avoid a Fat Belly Tip #1

The first thing to avoid if you don't want to have a fat belly is eating out at restaurants, excessively. Now, I understand that everyone likes a nice dinner out, but if you want to lose weight you must use moderation and try to avoid eating the majority of your meals in fast food restaurants and fine dining restaurants.

Typical restaurant meals, including bread, appetizers, main course, and dessert, and drinks, can easily pack more than 2000 calories. For many people, 2000 calories is the recommended daily allowance, and some restaurant meals can be in excess of 2000 calories. If you can get in the habit of cooking and preparing more of your meals at home, you will find that it will be much easier to lose weight.

Avoid Getting a Fat Belly Tip #2

The second thing you should avoid if you are trying to lose weight is cola beverages, but not for the obvious reason. Many people avoid colas to avoid the excess calories from sugar and high fructose corn syrup. However, there is a sneaky ingredient in colas that can make it difficult to lose weight, and that ingredient is phosphoric acid.

A factor in losing weight and belly fat is having a balanced pH. When you drink colas that are highly acidic, it negatively affects your pH. When your pH becomes acidic from drinking phosphoric acid, you will have a more difficult time losing weight and getting a flat stomach. Fat is a buffer for chemicals like phosphoric acid, so consuming acid in colas can actually increase body fat.

There has even been a lot of talk lately about diet soda negatively effecting weight. So if you want a flat stomach you should be careful about your cola intake, even diet soda intake.

Avoid a Fat Belly Tip #3

In addition to avoiding cola beverages that are highly acidic, the third thing you should avoid is sugar-laden drinks and juices. Sugar-laden juices usually have tons of chemicals like artificial colors and artificial flavors, and 80-100 calories per serving. Drink a 16 ounce glass of a sugar-laden juice and you’re looking at 40-50 grams of sugar water and 120-200 calories.

Do your best to mostly drink water, herbal teas, and freshly squeezed or blended juices. Here's an article on drinking water to lose weight.

Avoid Getting a Fat Belly Tip #4

The fourth thing to avoid if you want to lose stomach fat is excessive stress. I know that life can be hectic, and I know that it can be hard to avoid certain stressors.

Stress can negatively affect the metabolism by elevating stress hormones that cause your body to store fat. Elevated levels of the stress hormone cortisol, can make it really difficult to lose abdominal fat.

To combat stress, try some deep breathing exercises. Deep breathing has been shown to decrease stress and increase oxygen flow. Oxygen is needed to burn fat, so more oxygen helps your body to metabolize fat. In addition, try meditation or yoga as exercise. A body that has less stress will burn fat more efficiently.

Avoid a Fat Belly Tip #5

I know this may be common sense for many people, but the fifth thing to avoid if you want to avoid getting a fat belly is trans fat and fried foods. Trans fat has been linked to numerous health problems, but it will also do a number on your waistline.

If you truly want to lose stomach fat, then you must limit your consumption of trans fat and fried foods.

Avoid Getting a Fat Belly Tip #6

This sixth thing is one of the most challenging for some people, but if you want to avoid getting a fat belly you should limit your alcohol consumption or avoid alcohol all together.

Many of my clients have no problem eating salads and working out like maniacs, but they just can't or don't want to give up drinking alcohol.

Alcohol negatively affects your metabolism in many ways. In addition to being a toxin that makes your liver work overtime, alcohol negatively affects your fat burning hormones. Throw in additional chemicals and sugar and you'll have a recipe for laying down excess stomach fat.

Here's a more detailed article on alcohol and the amount of calories in beer.

Avoid a Fat Belly Tip #7

This last tip is a bit of a reality check. You'll have to avoid being lazy if you want to avoid getting a fat belly.

I know that you are different from most people because you are on this site reading about how to get in better shape and reach your fitness goals. But, just remember that reading and thinking about your health won't help you to get in better shape. You'll have to follow through and take action.

Good habits can be hard to form, but once in place they will become just as easy as your current habits. Try to be diligent and do your best to stay healthy or get even healthier.

As mentioned in the beginning of this article, it is important to eat a healthy diet and exercise regularly. However, in addition to eating well and exercising, try to avoid consuming excessive amounts of colas, alcohol, fried foods, sugar-laden drinks, and restaurant meals, and also do your best to combat daily stress.

Also, remember to take action today and do at least one positive thing to start shaping healthier habits. By avoiding things that negatively affect your metabolism, it will be easier to lose weight and get a flat stomach.

Yours in Health
Dr. Charles Physical Therapist/ Personal Trainer
All About Abs.com

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