Belly and butt fat are two of the most stubborn areas to get rid of fat all over the body. Whether you’re trying to get back into your pre-pregnancy clothes or simply want to look better in your clothes, the fastest way to achieve this is through diet and exercise. Losing belly and butt fat may seem hard at first, but it’s far from impossible with these simple changes to your diet and workouts. Here are the best ways to lose belly and butt fat.
Get active in ways you enjoy
There are countless ways to get more active, whether it’s by joining a recreational league like co-ed basketball or by biking outdoors with friends. The key is that you get moving in ways you enjoy—even if it’s something as simple as taking a walk after dinner each night. The more you move, the more calories you’ll burn. Over time, these small increases will add up, helping you lose belly fat and butt fat for good.
Stay hydrated
Staying hydrated is key when you’re trying to lose weight. In fact, drinking more water can lead to faster weight loss. Water has zero calories. When your body gets dehydrated, it starts holding onto any fat cells that are nearby as a last-ditch effort by your body not to die. Staying hydrated doesn’t just keep you alive but also assists in losing belly fat fast (or butt fat). Try out these tips for getting enough water in your diet.
Eat healthy fats
One of the simplest ways to lose belly fat is by adding healthy fats. Fats stimulate hormones that tell your brain you’re full and keep you feeling fuller longer. Try swapping in extra virgin olive oil for butter, avocado on toast instead of jam, or tahini when making hummus for dipping veggies or whole-grain pita wedges.
Stay away from processed foods
To lose fat, you need to do more than cut out junk food; you also need to make sure you’re not sabotaging your efforts by eating lots of processed foods. Unfortunately, most people don’t make the distinction between foods they should eat less of and those they should eat none of. The best way to lose belly or butt fat fast is by eliminating sugary, high-carb processed foods from your diet entirely.
Understand your body shape
Before you can really lose weight in your belly or butt, you have to determine whether you’re an apple, pear, hourglass, or triangle shape. Apple-shaped people tend to carry their fat around their midsection. Pear-shaped people carry excess weight on their hips and bottom. Hourglass-shaped folks have bigger thighs and smaller waists than other body shapes; these body types also store fat at their midsections.
Use waist trimmers
Waist trimmers have been scientifically proven to burn off that layer of fat, including your midsection. Put simply, a waist trimmer is a form of compression; as you move throughout your day or exercise, it presses in on your stomach region and burns calories at a faster rate than normal, which contributes directly to losing belly fat. Because they’re so simple—and effective—they are an essential tool for any person trying to lose weight or trim down their belly. The best part?
Exercise everyday
Exercise is an important way to jump-start your weight loss by burning calories. But it’s also important not to overdo it. Studies have shown that excessive exercise can lead to decreases in muscle mass and strength, which may decrease your metabolic rate, making it harder for you to lose weight. So if you want to focus on effective ways of losing belly fat (and not go overboard), here are a few ideas.
Eat more protein, and fewer carbs
One of the most important elements in losing weight is diet. It’s not just what you eat that matters, but also when you eat it. Studies show that eating smaller meals more frequently throughout your day helps reduce belly fat. If you find it hard to fit in three square meals a day, try snacking more often on protein-rich snacks such as yogurt or cottage cheese.
Prepare ahead of time
The one thing you can do ahead of time to burn fat more quickly gets more sleep. Lack of sleep increases stress hormones, which in turn slows down your metabolism. Instead of a cup of coffee (which wakes up your body) or an energy drink (which floods it with stimulants), try getting a good night’s rest. When you’re well-rested, your body will have much less difficulty burning off that belly and butt fat.
Avoid stress-eating
Stress is one of the worst offenders when it comes to packing on belly fat. When you’re stressed, your body pumps out extra cortisol (that stress hormone). Not only does that add on belly fat, but it also makes you crave sugary treats for comfort. Eat healthy foods that curb your cravings for a sweet fix—or try stress-relieving activities like getting a massage or going for a walk.