Unloosen vs Tighten

Warmer days means lighter clothes, right? It should to help you keep cool and not overheat. So, since you are wearing lighter clothes, are you lighter also? Are you losing inches, particularly around your belly?

If you are on a weight loss mission then that should be your goal. You should be focused on losing weight through proper portion sizes of food with healthy selections on your menu. Fluid intake and exercise are also part of the process.

What could be slowing your progress?

1) Your food selections are not right for your goal

Too much starchy carbs and saturated fats could be slowing you down. Substitute in lean proteins, fish, nuts, avocados, green leafy vegetables

2)You are still smoking

Do whatever it takes to quit smoking. Studies have shown that abdominal and visceral fat increase with smoking. This is not good for your overall health

3)You are still drinking

Reducing alcohol or quitting will lower your calorie intake. It will also cleanse your system of harmful items that have been proven to damage liver and kidneys

4)You are not sleeping well

This will cause your body to release stress hormones that cause you to store fat. Healthy practices are to go to bed at the same time, avoid alcohol at bedtime, turn off cell phone, and turn off laptop/tablet

5)You are stressed

This is also a reason why your body releases stress hormone cortisol which causes body fat storage particularly in your abdomen. Make sure you have a program that helps you with reducing your stress. You can add exercise, talk to a mental health professional, pray, meditate, and yoga

6)You are not drinking enough water

Drinking more water means less room for sugary sweet drinks with added calories. Your body will be hydrated and functioning more efficiently. You will feel full and not overeat. The minimum suggested amount is 64 oz per day. This amount will be higher if you are exercising, live in hot area, and working outdoors

Reference:

Reviewed by Michael Smith, Reasons You're Not Losing Belly Fat, WebMD