Many women look to drop a few pounds (or more) at almost any given time these days.
It may be for a big event, to keep up with the kids, or just because we saw one too many reality shows with women wearing waist shapers.
Hitting the gym for what feels like 12 days a week can be very frustrating when you look in the mirror, and your “mommy pooch” just won’t vacate the premises. What gives?!
It’s not uncommon to lose weight in one area faster than another, especially when it comes to the mid-section.
There are many reasons for holding on to your beloved adipose tissue for dear life, but there’s one reason that takes the cake..or the bag of baby carrots for all of us trying not to tip the scales.
PopSugar reports on the experts revelation of the belly fat phenomenon:
“Belly fat is often a sign of ‘stress’ or insulin resistance. When you are stressed, your cortisol levels rise, which may lead to storing fat in your middle,” Amy Shapiro, MS, RD, CDN, and founder of Real Nutrition, told POPSUGAR. “Genetics do play a role here as well, so if your parent tends to carry weight in their middle, you might end up doing the same.”
Now if your parents maintain a little extra weight in the middle, it doesn’t mean you are doomed, but that you will have to work a little harder and smarter to correct the problem area.
Living a stress-free life may also seem impossible, but there are methods that you can implement to reduce daily stressors. Every little move down the spectrum of chaos is helpful.
Researchers from UCLA found the secrets to reducing stress at home, according to Redbook Magazine, by observing 32 families from morning to night documenting interactions, and interviewing members.
It was apparent after the research was complete that there are underlying themes to cohesive, stress-free families.
Work together as parents on chores, find moments to spend time as a family, treat your spouse with respect, cook dinner from scratch, find time for yourself, watch television as a family, and have daily rituals, were the critical aspects of keeping stress to a minimum.
Some of the points above are a big jump from the way the home is run currently, but that’s okay.
Choose one helpful tip to start on your reduced stress lifestyle and watch that belly fat slip away like that candy bar we are now regretting we ate.
Turns out that the professionals have weighed in, no pun intended, and there is a few key workout and diet changes that can turn you from flab to fab in no time flat.
The way you try to lose weight can affect where you see results.
Cassie Lambert, NASM certified trainer, and strength coach said, “a low-carbohydrate diet will kick-start weight loss, but this is because of the water loss from the glycogen in the muscles and not fat,” according to Popsugar.
Hitting up the elliptical machine is usually the first stop for women at the gym.
Be wary to do this every time, because Lambert warns that just cardio exercise will help lose weight quickly, but not belly fat.
Work in a combination of strength training and high-intensity interval training (HIIT) to get the best results. Aim for three to five days a week to strength train, and HIIT five days a week.
Using the workout method above will increase your metabolism, giving you more bang for your buck when it comes to shedding fat and pounds.
Losing only 1-3% of body weight is recommended by Evan Harden, personal trainer, and National Bar League founder.
Dropping pounds quicker than what is advised will make you feel “pretty” and accomplished, but doesn’t allow for new muscle to grow. This doesn’t help the body fat composition.
Shapiro says that eating a menu consisting of “high-fiber foods, lean proteins, and healthy fats at every meal”, according to PopSugar, will help to lose weight consistently and proportionately.
We all miss a workout day here or there or give in to that piece of chocolate cake at the birthday party, but no worries.
“If you fall off your plan, get right back on the next time you eat,” Shapiro said. “Consistency is what moves the needle, not one mistake”, reports PopSugar.
Not all of us have the time to hit the gym every day. Being a mother is time-consuming and taxing, so make the most of the day by squatting to the refrigerator, or shoulder pressing your baby while you sing songs.
Whatever you do, don’t stress about it, because then all the efforts to work out and eat well are for naught.
Moms are amazing and beautiful no matter if you have a six pack or six rolls.
However, if you want to bust out of the belly bulge plateau try eating a cucumber while lunging to the laundry room, all while imagining your “happy place.”
Please let us know in the comments section if you have been struggling with the stubborn belly fat, and need a stress-free revival.