Losing belly fat can be a challenging especially with all of the different information presented to us, but with the right strategies, it certainly becomes an achievable goal, because I have personally achieved this and I did this in my late 30's.
In this blog post, we will explore five vital and practical tips that will not only help you lose weight around your waist but also improve your overall well-being and increase your energy, which is my favourite because life is energy.
Tip 1: Consume Your Salad First for Maximum Nutrient Intake.
Start your meals with a generous serving of leafy greens and vibrant vegetables. These fibre-rich foods have minimal impact on insulin levels, making them an ideal choice for weight loss. Aim for at least 5 to 7 cups of salad or vegetables per day, I know this sounds like a lot but you can build up slowly. To make it easier, cut your salad into smaller pieces.
Remember, by focusing on vegetable-based carbs, you won't have to worry about counting carbs, allowing you to enjoy a larger portion of these nutrient powerhouses. Add some feta cheese, olive oil, or vinaigrette to enhance the flavour and reap the benefits of increased nutrients like vitamin C, magnesium, and potassium.
Tip 2: Moderate Your Protein Intake and Choose Healthy Sources.
Ensure you're getting an adequate amount of protein in each meal, for simplicity, roughly the size of your palm. You can adjust the quantity based on your activity level. If you are very active and weight training you will need a little more.
Incorporate protein sources with some healthy fats, such as fatty fish like salmon and don't be afraid to leave some fat on your cuts of meat, to optimise satiety and overall health. It is important to have good quality meats, that are hormone free and preferably grass fed meaning the animals are free to range on grass as it increases the nutrient content.
Excessive protein intake, can stimulate insulin production, so no need to over do it. If you choose to take a protein powder, opt for protein powders like hemp protein, instead of whey, as hemp provides both healthy fats and protein meaning it does not impact your insulin level that other protein powders can.
Tip 3: Increase Your Intake of Healthy Fats and Embrace Intermittent Fasting
Include healthy fats in your diet to support belly fat loss. Nuts, such as pecans and macadamia nuts, MCT oil, olives, avocado, and olive oil, are excellent sources of healthy fats. Combining your increased fat intake with intermittent fasting can accelerate your progress.
Intermittent fasting allows your body to experience periods of fasting and feasting, promoting fat burning and metabolic flexibility. Experiment with skipping breakfast and opt for tea with MCT oil or grass-fed butter in the morning to feel satisfied without interfering with the fasting process. When you increase your healthy fats you won't feel as hungry and you will tend to snack less.
Tip 4: Listen to Your Hunger Signals and Rest Your Digestive System
Avoid eating when you're not genuinely hungry to give your digestive system a rest. Unnecessary snacking or overeating can lead to excess calorie intake and hinder belly fat loss. Pay attention to your body's hunger signals and practice mindful eating. Intermittent fasting can also support this tip by providing structured periods of eating and fasting, allowing your body to fully digest and process the nutrients consumed.
Tip 5: Prioritise B Vitamins and Electrolytes from Vegetables
Ensure you're consuming enough B vitamins and electrolytes for optimal health. Nutritional yeast is an excellent source of B vitamins, while vegetables provide essential electrolytes like potassium, magnesium, and sodium.
Also, consider adding in more sea salt to your diet in order to support electrolyte balance.
Let's go!
Embracing a sustainable lifestyle change is the key to losing belly fat and achieving lasting results. By following these five practical tips, you'll not only experience a shrinking belly but also improvements in energy levels, mood, and cognitive function.
Remember, it's essential to find a balance between your health goals and enjoying occasional treats. Indulge in moderation with dark chocolate or healthier homemade desserts. Feel free to send me an email I will send you some of my favourites.
So.. Are you ready to jumpstart your belly fat loss journey? Start implementing these practical tips today and I would love to hear how you go. Always feel free to send me an email if you have any questions or need any further support.