13 Effective Tips To Burn Belly Fat
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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Charmaine Patterson is a journalist, lifestyle blogger, and a lover of all things pop culture. While she has much experience in covering top entertainment news stories, she aims to share her everyday life experiences, old and new, with other women who can relate, laugh, and love along with her. Follow Char on Twitter @charjpatterson, Instagram @charpatterson, and keep up with her journey at CharJPatterson.com .
Meet The Designer Behind This Megan Thee Stallion "Hiss" Video Look
When Megan Thee Stallion dropped “Hiss,” a shift happened. From the audacious lyrics to the striking visuals, there was no doubt that the song and video would go viral. The opening of the video shows the H-town hottie rocking a barely there Shibari red dress, showing off her voluptuous frame. It was a sexy moment created by Timeekah Murphy of Alani Taylor. The designer exclusively tells us how the opportunity came about and what it was like seeing her design on Megan for the first time.
Timeekah Murphy
Photo courtesy
xoNecole: How did the opportunity to create such an iconic look for Megan Thee Stallion's "Hiss" video come about?
Timeekah Murphy: The opportunity came from a DM from celebrity stylist Zerina Akers. She asked for a unique Shibari piece for Megan, and I needed to get it done in two days. So, of course, I did everything in my power to make it happen. I've always wanted to design for Megan, so this was an awesome opportunity for me.
xoN: What was that initial feeling of seeing the dress on her for the first time?
TM: I was shocked because, at first, I thought it hadn't been used. I saw Megan's last video and thought, damn, maybe it didn't fit. So, to see it on such an amazing video was breathtaking. I was beyond excited to finally say I designed for her.
xoN: Did you meet her? If so, how was that moment?
TM: I didn't meet Megan during the shoot, but during my time in LA, I got the opportunity to meet her at LA Pride with Tiffany Haddish, Common, and EJ King (stylist). Megan is such an amazing person, so it made it even better to know that my designs were going to be worn by her. I was shocked because, at first, I thought it hadn't been used. I saw Megan's last video and thought, damn, maybe it didn't fit. So, to see it on such an amazing video was breathtaking. I was beyond excited to finally say I designed for her.
"I was shocked because, at first, I thought it hadn't been used. I saw Megan's last video and thought, damn, maybe it didn't fit. So, to see it on such an amazing video was breathtaking. I was beyond excited to finally say I designed for her."
Photo courtesy
xoN: Walk us through the creation of the dress. How did you come up with the look, and how long did it take to make it?
TM: I was the co-designer for a brand called Deviant in 2018-2020, and we used to make custom Shibari pieces. That's how Zerina knew me. So I'm very familiar with making these types of pieces. We made plenty for Beyoncé, Cardi B, Tiffany Haddish, Tyra Banks, and so many others. So Zerina knew exactly what she wanted.
To get it done, it took me a day and a half. It's very intricate and time-consuming, so I spent about six hours making it then I sent an image of it to Zerina, and she didn't approve the first one, so I had to start from scratch again after getting my guidance and understanding of what was needed. The next day, I went to The Lab and created another version, and she approved it. I had to get it shipped overnight so that she would get it in time and fast forward to seeing it on the big screen.
xoN: What's next for you?
TM: Everything. The sky is not my limit, so the Alani Taylor brand is expanding into so many different avenues. We are getting involved in the community more, offering sewing classes to the youth. I've opened up a store for my brand in Atlanta and now preparing for fall/winter Fashion Week.
Megan Thee Stallion "Hiss" video/ YouTube
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I took journalism as an elective and was even on the Yearbook staff. However, when it came down to choosing my college major and a possible career, media/ journalism was nowhere on my radar. I loved writing, but was it a career? Could I make money from it?
Throughout my matriculation, I changed my major a few times. I mean, I knew I wanted to do something creative, but what? I finally settled on journalism only because I knew I enjoyed writing, and at that point, I needed to choose something and stick with it. But even with the fun class projects and internships, I still didn’t believe journalism would be my career path. However, I was good at it, and I was networking with others in the industry. So, after graduating, I worked other jobs but continued writing. Finally, I got my big break as an editor, and I haven’t looked back since.
Looking at my journey, you can say that being an editor was divine, and maybe I was running from it. A lot of us are taught to find a steady career that pays well, and baby, I always saw myself living large. But I was always a creative, and I knew that I wanted a career path that would allow me to express myself.
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Feature image by Milan Markovic/ Getty Images