Belly Fat - Weight Loss Starts With Your Stomach - 5 Key Techniques to Shrink the Fat

Revealing a lean, shapely body is the goal of millions of people who have excess fat around the belly. The fact is that we all have that beautiful body underneath the layers of fat. Getting the results you want takes hard work and commitment. The following are just five of the techniques you can use to begin to gradually yet consistently shrink the belly fat.

1.Drink More Water

We have heard for years from nutritionists, doctors and weight loss gurus who suggest that we drink eight glasses of water a day. Tailor this tip to your individual weight. For optimum benefit, divide your weight in half and drink the equivalent ounces of water per day.

Many times when you feel hungry, the problem is that you are really dehydrated. A glass of water can often curb your hunger. Drink a glass of water then assess your hunger.

2. Keep Moderate Amounts of Fat in You Diet

Many people trying to lose weight make the mistake of cutting too much fat from their diet. People who incorporate moderate amounts of fat in their diet are actually more successful in their weight loss efforts. Fats have health benefits such as protecting your joints and lowering cholesterol.

Eat healthy fats such as olive oil, nuts and seeds, avocados and fish which contains omega-3. Use these foods for cooking or as a tasty addition to a salad.

3. Eat More Protein

When you reduce your caloric intake, you need to eat more protein to develop muscle mass and increase the rate of metabolism. Lean meats are a major source of protein. Protein can also be found in eggs, tuna, salmon and dry beans.

Tailor your diet to include these foods for optimum protein intake. Proteins are favorable since they are slow burning so tend to keep you full longer.

4. Eat More Fiber and High Quality Carbs

Eat plenty of fruits and vegetables because they contain plenty of water and fewer calories per serving. Make these carbs and fiber 45 to 65 per cent of your daily caloric intake. Avoid high calorie carbs like cake, fast food, cookies and candy. These foods are full of calories that ultimately show up as belly fat and have little nutritional value. Good carbs include whole wheat products and foods that are as close as possible to their natural form.

Good sources of fiber include apples, bananas, broccoli, carrots, dry beans, almonds and many other fruits and vegetables. Plan your meals to include these foods in your daily menu.

5. Workout and Exercise

While eating right is critical to weight loss, an exercise regimen is key to toning your muscles and losing the belly fat. If you want to lose the weight, you must burn the calories. This is done by turning energy that is stored as fat into energy used to feed your muscles. Exercise will help you lose weight faster and make you more healthy.

Begin by taking a brisk walk for 30 minutes per day. After becoming accustomed to this exercise, you can begin to add more.

These techniques are simple ways to start burning more calories and marking the beginning of an effective change in lifestyle that will help you get the results you want.