How to Lose Belly Fat: Some Dietary Tips

How to lose belly fat?  It’s a question that frustrates many people, and with so much information out there, and gadgets promising quick results, the answer to this question is often difficult to find.
Belly fat, that unsightly mass around the core of the body, is quite different than fat located elsewhere on the body.  Its clinical name is visceral fat, from the Latin word viscus, meaning internal organ.  Unlike subcutaneous fat which is located just under the skin, this visceral belly fat lies deeper within the body and surrounds the vital organs.  The positioning of this fat makes it both hard to burn off and especially dangerous in terms of the health risks it poses.
 What you eat is extremely important when attempting to lose belly fat.  Too much of the wrong type of food, or not enough of the right type, can lead to increased stores of fat which can settle along your midriff.  Below are some simple guidelines to follow when attempting to lose belly fat:
 Limit Fat Intake
 A certain amount of fat is required by the body for energy and other system functions, but too much fat increases the chance that it will be stored, causing weight gain.  When attempting to lose belly fat, try to limit the amount of fat to about 10 percent of your overall calorie intake.  This amount is sufficient for the uses in the body and it will limit the possibility for excess storage.  Unsaturated fats, like the kind found in many nuts or olive oil, are the best type of fats to eat.  Avoid harmful saturated fats, often found in many junk food products, as they are most certainly going to be stored by the body and can increase the risk of heart disease.
 Watch your Calories

 Both men and women require about 2,000 to 3,000 calories a day, with slightly higher intakes needed for extremely active people.  Every person, however, is different. If this amount of calories, distributed wisely according to food intake guidelines, is causing you to gain weight around your belly, you may want to consider lowering your calorie intake to see if this produces desirable effects.  Remember that whenever you take in more calories than you burn those excess calories are going to be stored by the body.
 Get your protein
 A diet rich in lean protein sources can be effective in stopping unwanted belly fat from accumulating.  Lean protein, such as fish, turkey and chicken can help strengthen the muscles in the core as well.


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