No matter our size, most of us want to get rid of stubborn belly fat. Whether you're a 6 or a size 26, we seem to be just fine with our voluptuous breasts and big butt, but when it comes to that belly, it's a common enemy for many of us.
Don't get me wrong, we can rock any part of our body with two snaps and confidence like none other. But for me, I know I have issues indulging in the main culprits, while not really knowing how ingredients like protein can actually be a benefit. If you're on the journey of giving your belly fat the boot, check out some methods that could be easier than you think. (A bonus is that this will help you have a healthier lifestyle overall.)
13 Tips To Burn Belly Fat
Sugar-Free Life
So you don't have to completely give up sugar, but we all know it's one of the main enemies to that flat stomach some of us want to achieve. The breakdown is that sugar includes fructose which is also connected to many conditions like obesity, fatty liver disease and even heart disease. Keep this in mind even for sugars that are considered healthy like honey.
Time Out On Trans Fat
Trans fat is sneaky but it definitely makes a difference when it comes to trying to get rid of belly fat once and for all. Some of the biggest culprits for trans fat are packaged and processed foods. Not only do they slow down your journey to a flat belly, but they also have a connection to heart disease and inflammation.
Blame It On The Alcohol
From wine to getting lit on a girls night, alcohol can help make fun times even more fun, but it's definitely not your friend if you're trying to get rid of your belly fat. While it's okay in moderation, drinking any form of alcohol daily can lead to obesity, meaning your body will store even more fat around your waist area.
Make Fish Your Favorite Dish
…At least once a week. Fish like salmon and anchovies are some of the best options. They are not only super healthy but also have lots of protein (which is another plus on this list) and omega-3 fats. It also kicks visceral fat's butt. Taking in at least 2-3 servings a week will get your belly fat loss on the right track.
Burpees Please
I think there's a wide consensus that burpees is arguably the most painful exercise on the planet. But there's also a unanimous decision that they give our belly fat a run for its money. The exercise done in multiple reps can do wonders for your belly fat and your entire body. Just get ready to feel the burn.
Stress Less
Food groups aren't the only thing that can impact your belly fat. Apparently, stress plays a major factor too. Stress causes our adrenal glands to create cortisol, which is a stress hormone. As that gets higher, we not only crave more food, but it causes our bodies to store more fat in the abdomen section. Just one more reason to stop stressin', sis.
Cardio For The Win
It's no secret cardio has quite the impact on our bodies, especially our belly fat that seems like it's never going away. With the right type of cardio, you'll definitely start to see not only your weight go down, but your belly get smaller as well.
Crunch Time
There have been mixed reports on whether crunches actually help you or hurt when it comes to losing belly fat. But if done correctly, they can definitely get you closer to your slim belly goals. The key is to breathe in when you raise your torso from the floor and breathe out once you reach your peak, then repeat. Twists and side crunches as well as bicycle exercises can also fight love handles.
Go With Green Tea
Green tea is more than just a cute order at Starbucks. It's also a great way to burn your belly fat. It includes ingredients that easily up your metabolism like caffeine and epigallocatechin gallate (EGCG), which is an antioxidant. Don't sleep on green tea mixed with exercise. That's the dynamic duo right there.
Fill Up On Fiber
Fiber doesn't just make you feel full (lowering your calorie intake), it helps burn that belly fat slowly but surely. So it's a win on all sides. Foods that contain lots of fiber are brussels sprouts, avocados, oatmeal and blackberries.
Cut The Carbs
While foods containing protein and fiber are some of the biggest belly fat fighters, carbohydrates definitely have the reverse impact. Studies say it's best to stick to less than 50 grams of carbs a day, especially for those who might be at risk of being diagnosed with type 2 diabetes. But you don't have to steer clear of carbs altogether. Sometimes it's just the refined carbs that are the biggest issue while whole grains can be a healthier option.
Protein Is A Pro
Protein has lots of ways to benefit our physique. Like fiber, it actually makes us feel fuller, causing us to take in less calories. Plus, protein has the ability to boost your metabolism, so you keep your muscle when your weight starts to go down slowly but surely. Food with lots of protein include dairy, fish, eggs, beans and of course meat.
Apple Cider Vinegar Is The Key
It tastes soooo gross! But your belly will be thanking you for it. Drinking apple cider vinegar not only cuts back your blood sugar but also lowers abdominal fat storage. The typical suggestion is a tablespoon a day. If you go this route, don't forget to add in water so the enamel on your teeth don't erode. Yeah, it's that serious.
Featured image by Getty Images
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Originally published May 18, 2019
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Why can’t (more) singles just be single and be okay with that? Good Lord. Why does there need to be some sort of relational play-on-words to make it sound like we’re with someone — even if we’re not?
Now masturdating? Even though it’s not even close to being a “real” word, it’s something that also brought a laugh outta me — although it was then followed by a genuine smile. The laugh because I almost immediately caught the play-on-words. The smile was due to the intention behind it all.
If you’re not familiar with what masturdating is and you’re curious about why you should even care, take a few moments to at least skim through what it’s about and why I think participating, as a single person, is a pretty cool (and effective) concept.
@knotlukas Masturdate: a date w oneself
What’s Masturdating All About?
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Masturdating. Okay, so let the word marinate for just a moment. What does it sound like? Yeah…exactly. And since a huge part of masturbation centers around self-pleasure, it’s cool to explore how “self-dating” could produce similar (as far as pleasure is concerned in a broader sense) results. Because masturdating is all about spending quality time with yourself, pampering yourself, treating yourself— and yes, taking yourself out on dates.
Any of you who may think that masturdating is a consolation prize — and a pitiful one at that — for not being able to go out with another human being or get that dream $200 first date that social media was all in a tizzy about last year (bookmark that) — personally, I think that you’re the demographic who needs to try out masturdating first and the most. Why? Off top, I’ll share my three good reasons.
3 Reasons To Strongly Consider Masturdating
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1. It’s an intimate way to get to know yourself better. I’ve been working with couples for a pretty long time at this point and if there’s a pattern that I see arise, OFTEN, it’s that two people are oftentimes so busy trying to “find their person” that they didn’t even know who they were. As a direct result, they found themselves in a relationship with someone who only complemented the “kiddie pool version” of who they were.
That’s why it can be so beneficial to spend time getting to know yourself on the “deep end” of things: what makes you tick, what your passions are, what you want most out of life, what are your interests beyond obvious things — and masturdating can help you to discover all of this. Whether it’s traveling alone or taking out a weekend to drink some wine and journal, the more you get to know yourself, the clearer you’ll be about who complements you on a romantic and friendship level.
2. It will definitely help to boost your confidence levels. I guess since I’m an ambivert, I don’t really get why people freak out at the mere thought of going to a restaurant or movie alone. Personally, I think it requires a helluva lot more energy and gumption to wait around and plan stuff with other people (#Elmoshrug). However, whether you’re an introvert, extrovert, or ambivert, there’s no way around the fact that the more comfortable you get with doing things alone, the more your confidence levels will increase — no, soar — because of it.
One article that I read on the topic said that doing things alone can make you more creative, improve your mental health, and help you to be totally okay with being alone (so that you’re not “needy” for other people’s attention). A psychotherapist from a New York Times article on the benefits of spending time alone said, “Getting better at identifying moments when we need solitude to recharge and reflect can help us better handle negative emotions and experiences, like stress and burnout.” And when you’re able to stare negativity in its face without flinching, how could that not make you bolder, more self-secure, and hopeful about your life?
3. It will teach you to value your time more effectively. In every facet of your world, you’re gonna operate from a healthier place if you’re operating from a “full cup” rather than an empty one. When it comes to this topic, think about it — if you’re constantly waiting on someone to call you to go out or wishing for a dream date with some guy, all you’re doing is wasting precious time that you could be spending taking a cooking class or hell, hiring a chef to make you dinner at your own home.
Indeed, waiting has two sides to it: when it’s in the form of patience, it is indeed a virtue, yet when it’s wrapped up in the notion that you’re not really living life unless you have an audience…it is totally working against you. Choose wisely.
10 Solo Date Ideas To Help You To “Master” Masturdating
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So, what if you’re someone who has either never considered actually masturdating before or you don’t really know what to do beyond dinner and the movies? Here are a few ideas to consider:
1. Attend a workshop or masterclass that you’re interested in. If there’s something that you’ve always wanted to learn, sign up for a workshop or masterclass. The cool thing about this option is there are probably some in your city, as well as some that you can find online (like here) that are convenient and affordable.
2. Binge-read at a local coffee shop. Aside from their coziness and oftentimes inviting scents, I once read that a lot of us gravitate to coffee shops because we can be around people without having to actually socialize with them. So, if you want to “hang out” while still being able to enjoy a bit of solitude, take a book that you’ve been trying to finish to a local coffee shop, order your favorite latte, and sit in a big-ass comfy chair. Usually, you can sit there for hours, and the staff will be just fine with it (another bonus).
3. Have a spa day in the next town. You can never go wrong with a spa day. And while going with a friend can be fun, sometimes there’s too much talking transpiring to be able to fully chill out and relax. So, go off of the grid, get a change of scenery, and hit up a spa in the next city (or town). There are lots of studies out here supporting that day trips or “daycations” can actually be really good for your long-term health and well-being.
4. See a community play. Some of the best solo dates that I’ve ever been on consisted of taking in some of the local arts in my city. What’s really cool about this particular option is, oftentimes, they are extremely inexpensive, if not totally free of charge (in exchange for making a donation or putting money into a tip jar).
5. Plan a trip. Whenever people say something along the lines of, “If you don’t expect anything, you won’t be disappointed,” I know that they low-key have some (additional) healing to do from past disappointments. There’s simply too much intel out here to support that anticipation (of good stuff) makes us more motivated and optimistic, keeps our dopamine levels up, and makes life more exciting overall.
Since traveling alone is more cost-effective, gives you the freedom to do whatever you want (when you want), and increases the possibility of meeting new people and having new experiences on your journey — why not devote a day this weekend to planning a solo trip? All the way around, it’s good for you.
6. Try your hand at your own “$200 date.” Uh-huh. Roll your eyes if you want to, but it’s real easy to talk left about how a man should be able to just drop $200 like it’s nothing…until you actually try to do it. So yes, while taking yourself out on this type of date could serve as a bit of a reality check, it can also “scratch the itch” of waiting on some dude to do it for you. It’s also way less emotionally draining because, at least when you’re taking your own self out, it’s guaranteed that you’ll enjoy the company…right?
7. DIY some pampering. When you get a chance, check out “5 Reasons You Should Unapologetically Pamper Yourself,” “Want To Love On Yourself? Try These 10 Things At Home.,” “I’ve Got Some Ways For You To Start Pampering Your Soul,” and “When's The Last Time You Actually Pampered Your Vagina?” The bottom line here is pampering is all about, not mere self-maintenance; it’s all about treating yourself to levels of EXTREME SELF-INDULGENCE. So, if nothing else tickles your fancy on this list, at least consider doing that, chile.
8. Feed your creativity. Something that I used to be really good at is art. That said, one of my goddaughters is insanely talented, so she has reminded me to tap back into it. Also, a big part of what got me into the writing world is poetry; I actually used to be a house poet at a local spot. Sometimes, my best quality time moments with myself have been revisiting these creative sides of me — and this is definitely easier to do (and enjoy) alone.
9. Try some stargazing. When’s the last time you took a blanket into your backyard, laid down on it, and just stared at the stars for hours on end? While some say that stargazing can teach you to be mindful, others say that being in that form of nature reduces stress, while others believe that looking up at the universe at night can increase your attention span. All solid reasons to give it a shot, if you ask me.
10. DO. ABSOLUTELY. NOTHING. Let me tell you something that nobody will ever be able to make me feel bad about: doing absolutely nothing. I’ve got data to back me up. Good Housekeeping shares that doing nothing can help you decide how you want to respond or react to certain things. I like howThe Guardian says that taking this approach helps you to regain control of what you give your attention to.
TIME magazine says that it can ultimately make you more productive.BBC offers up that it can help you tap into your ingenuity.Henry Ford Health says that it can make you kinder and a better problem-solver. So, if you want to invest in yourself, do nothing sometimes.
Closing Thoughts from the Lovely Javicia Leslie
While some of y'all may know Javicia Leslie from being the former Batwoman, I discovered her back in the day from the indie series Chef Julian (and yes, "Julian" was right to say that "Mo" looks like Tatyana Ali...the real ones know). Sometimes I'll hop on her IG to see what she's got going on and this story popped up within a few hours of me penning this...so, I took it as hella confirmation.
TREAT YO SELF. WAIT FOR NO ONE.
WAIT FOR NO ONE. TREAT YO SELF.
RINSE AND REPEAT.
_____
Sooo…what kind of masturdating plans do you have for this coming weekend? While going out with others has its perks, hanging out with yourself has a ton of ‘em too. Enjoy!
No…for real. ENJOY!
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