This story is from May 18, 2017

Tummy fat? Excess weight may not be the reason

TNN / Updated: May 19, 2017, 16:04 IST

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Losing weight is never a cake walk, especially when it comes to belly fat. There are times when despite taking extra efforts, we often feel that our body is resisting to lose weight.

Tummy fat? Excess weight may not be the reason

Losing weight is never a cake walk, especially when it comes to belly fat. There are times when despite taking extra efforts, we often feel that our body is resisting to lose weight. Whether we keep a tab on our calorie intake, pound the pavements or rely on high protein breakfast, nothing seems to work on this adamant area.
The reasons may vary but the result is an unwanted paunch.

However, not many of us know that there are certain types of belly that are not the result of excess weight. Let's discover if you have one of these:

Fat on the sides

Also referred to as love handles, this type of belly is mainly the result of sedentary lifestyle, sweet tooth, alcohol consumption and excess intake of processed sugary and starchy items. In this type of belly fat, you will feel cushions on the sides of your belly. If you want to get rid of these love handles, then follow these tips:

Limit alcohol consumption:

Consuming alcohol in excess can lead to pot belly and side fat. Drink in moderation so that it should not affect your body.

Reduce intake of sugary and starchy foods:

Rely on fresh fruits and vegetables rather than bingeing on processed foods. These sugary foods not only impact your health but also give you unwanted body fat.

Workout:

Workout regime should be diligently followed so as to shed extra body fat. If you want to get rid of side belly fat then do lunges, squats, reverse push-ups, bicycle crunches and Russian twist.

Fat around the belly button

This belly fat is also referred to as stress belly. This fat is thick and mostly accumulated around the belly button. The reason this fat is called stress belly is because it is caused by chronic stress. Missing meals, excess intake of caffeinated beverages, consuming unhealthy foods are a few causes responsible for this belly fat. You may get rid of this stress belly by following these tips:

Reduce your stress level:

Practising meditation, sleeping adequately and taking an expert advice (if required) can help in reducing your stress levels.

Watch what you are eating:

Limit your caffeine intake and reduce eating processed foods in your diet. Healthy eating definitely helps in improving your appetite and metabolism.

Consume magnesium enriched foods:

Magnesium is a mineral that relaxes stress level. Include magnesium rich foods like dark green vegetables, nuts etc. in your daily diet.

Exercise but don’t overexert:

Avoid overdoing any exercise. Follow a workout regime that calms you. You can walk, do yoga and go for a gym session but don't overdo it.
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Fat in the lower belly

This fat is accumulated in the lower part of the belly. You might be thin but your lower belly may protrude. A few causes of lower belly fat are recent delivery, curvature of the spine, monotonous diet and tedious workout regime. The following tips can help you to get rid of this fat:

Fibre enriched foods:

Eat healthy and include fibre rich foods in your diet. Go for green leafy vegetables and whole-grain foods.

Do planks instead of squats:

Too much stress on lower back can lead to lower belly fat. There is a possibility that you are doing squats or any other exercise in a wrong way which is stressing your lower back. You can do planks instead of squats.

Don’t dehydrate your body:

Keep yourself well hydrated and eat foods that are easily digested.

Belly fat

Your belly protrudes like the one in pregnancy. This belly is more prominent in women and happens mainly after pregnancy. Weak pelvic muscles and working out too early after delivery might lead to belly fat. Also, it should be noted that after delivery, uterus gets lowered. It takes a minimum of six weeks to get into the normal position. The following tips might help you get rid of this belly fat:

Avoid squats and crunches:

These exercises should be avoided after delivery. Instead, go for Kegel exercises.

Healthy eating:

Add olives and nuts in your diet. This reduces fatigue and helps new mothers to stay fit and healthy. You may also include fish oil in your diet.
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Puffed up belly

Sometimes you may feel that your stomach is flat in the morning but grows during the day. This may happen even if you don’t have excess weight. The main reasons of puffed up or inflated belly are allergies from certain types of food, slow bowel movements and weak gut. You may get rid of this belly by following these tips:

Excluding foods that are allergic for your body:

Find out which foods you are allergic to and try to avoid them by all means.

Go for a diet rich in fresh vegetables:

Avoid processed food for a few weeks and check if your body swells.

Avoid skipping breakfast:

Eat light in the dinner and never skip your breakfast. Avoiding breakfast is an unhealthy practice that may impact your health. This may make your belly inflated.

Weak gut system:

If your gut system is weak then it may lead to inflated tummy. Consume probiotics to improve your bowel system. You may also include certain fruits and vegetables including cabbage, garlic, and onion in your diet.

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