You may be aware of the alarming statistics surrounding obesity and being overweight. A staggering two-thirds of the American population falls under these categories. It’s been found that there’s a correlation between belly fat and low testosterone levels. Did you know that overweight and obese men tend to have higher estrogen levels due to testosterone being converted into estrogen in the belly fat? Belly fat, especially visceral fat, can be incredibly hazardous to our health. Visceral fat surrounds our organs and is linked to a higher risk of diabetes, high cholesterol, heart disease, and stroke. While we tend to focus on the physical appearance aspect of weight and fat, it’s clear that belly fat can have far-reaching consequences beyond what we can see or feel.
So, what are some feasible things that we can do on a daily basis to combat bad genetics?
#1 Cut your sugars
You can make a significant impact on your health by cutting out most sugars from your diet, even though it may seem challenging. I’m not talking about the natural sugars found in fruits, vegetables, and carbs. I’m referring to the obvious sugars that come from sodas, candy, cookies, and juices. By reading the labels and by replacing these foods with sugar-free alternatives, you can take control of your health. To give you an idea, I was able to lose 20 pounds of fat in just one year by eliminating these sugars from my diet. In fact, I exercised less and played fewer sports during this period of weight loss. Instead of drinking orange juice a few times a week, I increased my water intake and switched to zero-sugar electrolyte drinks. Avoiding processed foods and refined sugars can be challenging, but these are your worst enemies. By resisting the temptation of such addictive substances, you’ll find it easier to overcome other unhealthy habits.
#2 Do planks every day
Want to tone your core muscles and shape your waist into a thinner appearance? By doing at least 1 or 2 sets of planks each day, holding the pose for at least 1 minute, you will quickly see results. Not only do planks tone your muscles, but they also boost your metabolism and burn more calories. Get started with planks today and make it a daily routine.
#3 Limit your carbs
It’s understandable that cutting carbs completely or eliminating them entirely from your diet may seem unrealistic. After all, we need calories to survive and maintain a healthy weight. But what if I told you that you could still enjoy your favorite foods with smarter choices? For instance, if you’re craving a sandwich, why not opt for wheat bread instead? It’s a small change that can make a big impact on your health and wellbeing.
#4 Get enough sleep
Sleep is crucial for our overall health. One word that can explain how important it is: Metabolism. When we don’t get enough sleep, our body increases the production of cortisol, a stress hormone that indirectly spikes our blood sugar levels. This can lead to insulin sensitivity, which means that our cells cannot take in insulin properly. As a result, glucose remains in our bloodstream, which can result in inflammation and fat deposits throughout our body. Therefore, we must prioritize our sleep to regulate our metabolism, maintain healthy blood sugar levels, and prevent various health issues associated with sleep deprivation.
#5 Limit or cut out excessive alcohol consumption
Are you tired of hearing the phrase “empty calories”? It’s time to take a closer look at the role that alcohol plays in our diets. We often consume alcohol alongside other vices like sugar and junk food, leading to increased consumption of fatty foods and an end result known as central obesity. By breaking this association of alcohol consumptions and unhealthy eating, we can reduce our risk of weight-related health problems
Final thoughts
While this post outlines five key daily habits and behaviors that can aid in weight loss, it’s important to remember that there are other effective strategies out there as well. If you find that implementing all five of these changes at once feels a bit overwhelming, don’t hesitate to pick and choose which battles you want to focus on. The most important thing is to find what works best for you and your unique needs.