If you're looking to flatten your belly, one important factor to consider is maintaining a steady blood sugar level.
Up'and down's in blood sugar can lead to weight gain and contribute to excess body fat, particularly in the abdominal area. Fortunately, there are several steps you can take to help regulate your blood sugar levels and achieve a flatter belly.
1.
Eat a well balanced diet: Eating a balanced diet that includes plenty of fibre (from veggies), lean protein, and healthy fats (in the right order) can help regulate your blood sugar levels. Avoid consuming large amounts of sugary or processed foods that can cause spikes in your blood sugar, especially on an empty stomach.
2. Monitor carbohydrate intake:
Monitoring carbohydrate intake is important for not just those with diabetes but for everyone. Carbohydrates can raise blood sugar levels quickly, so it's important to limit intake to appropriate levels based on your individual needs.
3.
Stay hydrated:
Drinking enough water can help prevent dehydration, which can lead to fluctuations in blood glucose levels. Aim to drink at least eight glasses of water per day and avoid sugary drinks like soda and juice.
4.
Exercise regularly:
Exercise can help regulate your blood glucose levels by improving how well your body's cells use insulin. Insulin is the hormone that is released to bring your blood glucose level down and is therefore very important. Exercise also helps your body use the glucose that is stored in your muscles, promoting the use of stored glucose for energy. Aim for at least 150 minutes of moderate-intensity exercise per week, such as brisk walking, jogging, cycling, or swimming.
5.
Manage stress:
Stress can cause spikes in blood sugar levels because is can trigger the release of hormones such as cortisol and adrenaline. These hormones can cause your liver to release glucose into your blood stream. Therefore, managing stress is important for maintaining stable blood glucose levels. Practice stress-management techniques like exercising, prioritising your day, organisation, meal prepping, deep breathing and having some fun.
6.
Get enough sleep:
Getting enough sleep is important for regulating blood sugar levels and reducing insulin resistance (when your body is sick of too much insulin). Aim for at least seven hours of sleep per night and establish a consistent sleep routine to help promote better sleep quality.
By following these steps, you can significantly help regulate your blood sugar levels and achieve a flatter belly. Remember, maintaining steady blood sugar levels is important not only for achieving a flatter belly but also for overall health and well-being. Consider working with a qualified Nutritionist to develop an individualised plan that meets your specific needs and goals.