What Really Trims Belly Fat?

After my kids were born, so many years ago, I made an effort to get rid of the post-pregnancy bulge. How was I to know that it was still lurking there, ready to come back, just when those sweet little babies were all grown up and ready to leave home? I miss the kids, but I do not need this particular reminder of my pregnancies.

I see a lot of advertisements for products that help women get rid of belly fat. Some of them look tempting. After all, nobody my age wants to walk around looking pregnant. But I am not a new person, and for real advice, I figured I would turn to the WebMD Page that promises to tell me – How To Lose Belly Fat.

Of course, when I read the article, I had to read one page about how dangerous belly fat is, especially as we get older. I guess I knew that, but really, I am vain enough to just want to pull in my gut to look better.

The advice I got is probably sound, but there are no quick fixes.

• Lose Weight
• Exercise

But you already knew that, right?

Less Well Known Cures For Extra Belly Bulges

If you are patient, and you read past the first couple of pages, you may get more interesting news.

Calories Are Not Just Calories

Fiber – Research shows that eating 10 grams of fiber a day, or more, helps stall the build up of visceral fat. A small cookie and a a large apple may contain the same amount of calories. Guess which one you should eat if you want to pull your tummy. Most of us do not eat enough fiber every day.

Fiber also tends to fill us up. If you eat an apple, serving of beans, or a few figs, you are more likely to feel satiated than if you opt for the white bread or candy bar. In fact, when you stop eating processed sweets, and start eating more fruit, your tastes change. Fruit really is nature’s candy.

Sleep – This has not been actually been proven, but studies suggest that people tend to get fatter when they do not sleep enough. We do not know if it is the actual lack of sleep, or other ills that go along with missing your date with the sand man.

Stress – Chronic stress makes people fat for a number of reasons. Certain stress hormones may actually promote a build up of belly fat.  In addition, some people react to stress by looking for comfort food.

The Best Cure For Belly Fat?

Exercise is still suggested as the number one cure for any and all excess fat. It helps keep up fit, and may actually reduce stress levels and keep our metabolism stoked.

So let’s all take a walk and buy a bag of apples.