The Skinny on Belly Fat: Simple Ways to Decrease Your Waistline

The holiday season is in full swing, and so is the season of eating! Amid the celebrations and festive gatherings are always tables of food, super-sized plates and plenty of opportunities to gorge ourselves on the meals we await all year long. While deprivation is never the answer to a healthy lifestyle, gluttony isn’t either. These simple strategies will help cut down on belly fat, so you can feel good about indulging yourself during those times of celebration.

Eat More Fiber

Soluble fiber, to be more specific. Research shows that this type of fiber helps to slow down food as it moves through your digestive tract, essentially making you feel fuller and keeping you from overeating. One particular observational study also found that for a 10-gram increase in soluble fiber, belly fat decreased by nearly four percent. Good sources of soluble fiber include flaxseed, Brussels sprouts, avocados and blackberries.

Skip the Second Glass

One glass of wine isn’t going to do any harm, and many studies show that alcohol in moderation can even have some benefits, but an excess of alcohol in your diet can be extremely damaging to many of your body’s systems. It can also play a major role in the amount of fat you store around your waist. Instead of saving alcohol for big occasions, cut down on the amount you drink overall. Research has indicated that those who average less than one drink per day have less belly fat than those who drink less frequently but consume more alcohol on the days they do.

Take a Break

While it may not be easy during this busy season, taking time to rest and minimize stress can do wonders for your waistline. The stress hormone cortisol can cause an increase in appetite and induce greater fat storage. Additionally, women who are already considered overweight tend to produce more cortisol in response to stress, so taking a breather is especially important if it’s a trouble spot for you.

Have a Cup of Tea

Instead of downing that six-dollar latte that’s chock full of fats and sugars, have a cup of green tea to boost your metabolism. Unlike other types of tea, green tea has been shown to play a particularly large part in speeding up your metabolism and providing antioxidants. Just be careful of adding too much honey or sugar, or you could cause more damage than good!

Eat Regularly

Although it seems counterintuitive, having a regular meal routine is vital when you’re trying to cut weight. When you deprive yourself of essential nutrients, your body goes into starvation mode and holds onto fat. Instead of eating less, eat better food at regular intervals. Caring for your body by giving it the fuel it needs will make sure it’s working properly and keep it from hanging onto unnecessary weight.