Fight The Belly Fat

Does it seem with each year you get older you continue to pack on more pounds a lot easier than you did when you were younger? Do you have an obscene amount of belly fat that just won't go away? This article will help open your eyes to why this happens, especially as you get older and closer to menopause.

The primary cause for this gain in the abdominal area is due to insulin resistance. It's very simple if your diet is sparse on protein but high in refined carbohydrates, sweets, and diet soft drinks, you are going to store fat at an accelerated rate around the abdomen. And no, low-fat desserts and snacks do not help with this at all.

A higher than necessary carbohydrate diet also causes afternoon exhaustion, increased food cravings around 4pm, irritability, even depression, bloating and water retention. By simply cutting your carbohydrate consumption to breakfast and lunch; keeping it to whole grains, sprouted grains, items that have low glycemic index will help to combat the bulge. Now, I am not saying not to have carbs at all because they do help provide the body with energy, and important vitamins and minerals they just need to be consumed in moderation and with protein to off-set the reaction carbohydrates have on the body. As you get older your body becomes insulin resistant even quicker and easier than it did in the past. That's why you may have been able to get away with eating that way 10 years ago, but now it is coming to bite you in the butt.

So how do you combat this?

1) Eat Protein. Include a protein source in every meal. Protein is muscle and brain fuel and without it we lose muscle mass, reduce metabolism, and gain weight.

2) Eliminate Sugar. Not just sweets, but also processed and refined carbohydrates that have high glycemic indexes.

3) Eat fruits and Veggies. Aim for 5 servings of veggies and 2 servings of fruit a day.

4) Drink Water. Drink 8-10 ounces a day. Water speeds up metabolism, wakes you up, prevents injuries, reduces wrinkles, and eliminates headaches.

5) Incorporate Good Fats. Include small amounts of good fat a day, handful of nuts, or a tablespoon of olive oil. Good fats keep you satiated longer, and improves skin and hair.