It’s something we all strive for, the part of our body we all wish was more defined and toned–men and women included. Achieving a flatter stomach, and losing fat around our midsection, is much harder than people initially think, yet it’s the one area of our body we want to lose fat first.
Some of us workout constantly, and THINK we are eating the right things, but fat around the midsection just doesn’t seem to budge. Trust me, I know it’s frustrating. Let’s go over a few things you could be doing that may be preventing you from losing belly fat.
You’re Eating Too Much Processed Food
If it comes in a wrapper or a box, you probably shouldn’t base most of your diet around it. Even protein bars and snacks that are marketed as “healthy” or “clean” are not as nutritious as you might think.
It is super easy to miscalculate how many calories you’re consuming when it comes from processed foods, with research showing people underestimate their daily calorie intake by about 500 calories.
Plus, processed foods tend to be very calorie-dense, and not nearly as nutritious as whole foods or ones with minimal ingredients. With this in mind, it is really easy to overeat and consume more calories than we need.
You’re Not Lifting Weights
I will first say that it is impossible to spot reduce fat, meaning to target certain areas of the body to burn fat, like the thighs and belly. But, resistance training can certainly help you achieve a flatter stomach.
Free-weight exercises will give you the best bang for your buck; when using machines, there is less of a need to stabilize and engage the core, because you have something to sit up or lean against.
I also love recommending unilateral movements, such as lunges, single-arm rows and chest press, or other exercises that incorporate a balance component. These exercises force you to engage your internal and external obliques, requiring you to work your core, even when the exercise isn’t necessarily a core exercise.
You’re Not Drinking Enough Water
No matter what diet or nutrition plan you’re on, water should always be a priority. Without enough water, your body does not function properly, meaning it will likely have a harder time letting go of unwanted belly fat.
Not drinking enough water can also increase cravings, and make it feel like you’re hungry when you’re really just dehydrated. You should be drinking AT LEAST 8 servings of water a day, but you should add more to your daily intake if you are active or work out.
You’re Not Recovered
Whether you are stressed or not getting enough sleep, you will have a much harder time losing fat around your midsection if you are not recovered. There are many factors that contribute to your level of recovery, including sleep performance, heart rate variability, and respiratory rate.
On days or during weeks when we are chronically stressed, our recovery is low, which means our body is doing everything it can to sustain normal physiological function. The last thing our bodies want to do in this state is to lose body fat or build muscle.
We are not naturally designed to be ripped or have a flat stomach; our bodies only care that we are functioning optimally.
When it comes to fitness and health goals, losing belly fat is one of the hardest things to do. The best thing you can do is stay consistent with your healthy habits, eat whole foods 80% of the time, and prioritize sleep.
If you are looking for a program to really target your core, I would highly suggest the No BS 6-Pack Formula, which provides everything you need to get sculpted, well-defined abs.
