There may be 101 “so called” ways to lose belly fat, but let’s be honest; how much of that will actually work even if you tried it all. It’s much easier to remember these 7 scientifically proven ways to lose belly fat that you can start today to see results day one.
1. Get in the Fat Burning Zone!
High Intensity Work-Outs are scientifically proven to help you burn belly fat, especially the unhealthy fat known as visceral fat which accumulates around the organs of your stomach (1, 2, 3).
High Intensity Work-Outs are a combination of aerobic and anaerobic exercises that stimulate your large muscle groups. This would include exercises such as sprinting, jump squats, or cranking up the resistance on your favorite exercise machine and pushing with all you’ve got.
But before you get discouraged by what sounds like torturous work, studies also show that you can take things down a notch…
Moderate Intensity Work-Outs have been scientifically proven to help burn belly fat too. Clinical trials reveal that Moderate Intensity exercises such as Stair Climbing or Cycling at a manageable resistance actually maintains a higher level of fat oxidation over time than do High Intensity Work-Outs. This surprising evidence appears to be due to decreased fatty acid delivery to exercised muscles during higher intensity workouts (4).
Alternatively, High Intensity Interval Training or (hiit), which is a combination of both Moderate and High intensity exercises are easier to perform yet still maintain a consistent fat oxidation level. The key is that you are switching from high to low intensity, so you get a quick rest which allows you to keep going and to keep burning fat.
Studies also reveal that High Intensity Interval Training improves insulin sensitivity and helps maintain lean muscle mass (5). (Muscle you could lose by just dieting alone.)
hiit can be done by doing short bursts of intense exercise followed by moderate aerobic exercises in between. For example, you could do a 60 second sprint by running in place at full speed followed by 120 seconds of jumping jacks at a moderate pace. It can be fun to mix and match your favorite High Intensity and Moderate Intensity moves. This is also a great way to keep changing up your routine.
The biggest plus for doing hiit is that it takes a short amount of time and you’re done. Not having enough time is one of the top excuses people use for not starting an exercise program.
While short 15 to 20 minute hiit workouts are less time consuming, they may not be suitable for everyone because they can be challenging to perform. It may take time to reach this level of fitness so you want to check with your doctor before jumping straight into hiit.
Luckily, moderate intensity workouts for a longer duration (30 – 60 minutes) 4 times a week or even lower intensity work outs like briskly walking, when done consistently at least 4 times a week for 50 – 70 minutes will still help burn off belly fat (6).
Here is a helpful chart that will show you how many calories you can burn with the different Intensity Exercises:
The main goal when exercising to lose belly fat is to get your heart rate up to between 60 to 70% of your target heart rate. Your target heart rate is based on maximum heart rate at 100% and your age.
Here is the exact formula:
Target Heart Rate (thr) = 220 (maximum heart rate) – age
220 is a constant value while age changes
For example:
thr = 220 – 35 = 185 bpm (beats per minute)
Then multiply your Target Heart Rate by 0.6 and 0.7 (60% and 70% of target heart rate) to get the optimal fat burning range as illustrated in the exercise zones diagram below.
For example:
Fat burning zone (lower value) = 185bpm x 0.6 = 111bpm
Fat burning zone (upper value) = 185bpm x 0.7 = 129.5bpm
Thus, the optimal heart rate zone for fat burning for a 35 year-old person is from 111 to 130 beats per minute. If the heart rate stays within this range during exercise or training (on a treadmill or exercise bike etc.) fat burning efforts are maximized.
Even if you chose walking you can make a dent in the number of calories you burn in a given day, but the best way to lose belly fat is to briskly walk more than 4.5 mph. Brisk walking will ensure you get your heart rate up into this target zone.
Brisk walking will ensure you get your heart rate up into this target zone.
Any additional intensity you can add to your workout will certainly help you lose belly fat faster. Yet as you can see, the more vigorous (high intensity) exercise it’s not entirely necessary for fat burning, but it does speed things up.
Keep in mind however vigorous exercise has the added benefit of helping with endurance and cardiac performance.
In summary, the higher intensity interval work-outs burn more calories in less time while also improving endurance, insulin sensitivity, and cardiac performance in addition to maintaining lean muscle mass. However, if you cannot perform at this level, you can still burn calories at a lower intensity level to lose weight.
2. Create A Caloric Deficit!
What is a caloric deficit?
To understand this, one must first understand what a resting metabolic rate is aka (rmr). This is the amount of energy (calories) that a person’s body needs to sustain itself. This amount of energy is used for digestion, breathing, thinking, internal metabolic processes, and cell repair.
Next the body also needs energy to perform the task you tell it to do, such as walking, talking, and exercising.
When a person eats an excess of food… providing more calories than is needed to function or perform tasks… those calories get stored as fat.
The only way to get rid of the fat is to create a need for the energy stored in those fat cells to be converted back into energy (fuel).
To create a state where energy is leaving the fat cells, thereby shrinking the fat cells, a person would have to consume fewer calories than necessary to maintain their specific rmr.
Here is an Example for Creating a Caloric Deficit with Diet Alone:
Note: (Exercise is not included in this example). Exercising on top of diet burns even more calories.
A 50 year old female is 5 ft 8 inches tall and weighs 230 lbs. Her ideal weight is approximately 150 lbs. That means she needs to lose around 80 lbs.
Exercising on top of diet burns even more calories.
Her rmr requires 2,050 calories yet she eats 2,800 calories per day… well over her rmr. She does not follow an exercise plan.
She will reduce her caloric intake by 100 calories daily every week starting from cutting 200 calories per day for the first week.
Week 1: 2,800- cut 200 calories daily = 2,600
Week 2: 2,800- cut 300 calories daily= 2,500
Week 3: 2,800-400= 2,400
Week 4: 2,800-500= 2,300
Week 5: 2,800-600= 2,200
Week 6: 2,800-700= 2,100
Week 7: 2,800-800= 2,000…Here she has reached a caloric deficit because 2,000 calories is 50 calories less than her rmr which is 2,050. Therefore there is a caloric deficit of 50.
Week 8: 2,800-900=1,900…This is a 150 calorie deficit.
Week 9: 2,800-1000=1,800…This is a 250 calorie deficit…Here she is losing 2 lbs per week
Losing 2 lbs a week is the maximum recommended weight loss that is considered safe.
To calculate your rmr you can use an on-line program to calculate it for you at www.calculateyourrmr.com
You will also need to find your ideal body weight at www.calculator.net
Caution: Females should not be going below 1200 calories a day. Additional exercise should always be factored in as well.
Plus it isn’t safe to cut all your calories at once. If you go too fast you will feel dizzy and very hungry which may lead to you fainting, overeating, or giving up from adverse effects.
It isn’t safe to cut all your calories at once.
As you continue a caloric deficit, your rmr will also decrease, and your hunger will slowly calm down. As you lose weight it is imperative that you recalculate your rmr so you know how many calories to eat each day.
In summary, gradually eating less until you create a caloric deficit will help you convert belly fat into energy until you are down to your ideal body weight. Exercise burns calories in addition to cutting calories from your diet, therefore you should account for calories burned during exercise when performing your calculations.
3. Eat Foods That Help Burn Fat!
The type of calories you consume is also important. Although there is much debate about whether calories are the same no matter what source they come from (the calorie is a calorie theory)… one thing is for sure, all foods are not created equal when it comes to nutritional value or fat burning potential.
Here are some foods that help you lose belly fat.
Oats: Eating whole grain oats is a great way to fill up and they are scientifically proven to help you lose belly fat (7).
Grapefruit: Grapefruit is low in calories and high in fiber, which fills you up and helps you lose weight. They also help reduce insulin and improve cholesterol (8, 9). If you are on any medications, check with your pharmacist before eating Grapefruit.
Green Tea: Green tea helps reduce belly fat when coupled with moderate exercise (10). Some studies even indicate that Green tea alone can help with weight loss (11, 12).
Kale: Kale is high in nutrients and low in calories. Kale is considered a low energy density (water-rich) food which studies have shown to aid in weight loss (13, 14).
Red Peppers: Red Peppers contain capsaicin which has been shown to help with fat loss (15).
Berries: Berries contain vitamin C, fiber and antioxidants which all help reduce belly fat (16, 17).
Vinegar: Studies indicate that adding Vinegar to your diet (such as a tablespoon of vinegar on your salad) helps you lose weight by reducing the glycemic index load of carbohydrate meals (18, 19). Types of vinegar include strawberry, apple cider, white, and others.
Proteins: Proteins fill you up and help with weight loss, and you’ve probably heard that eating more protein and cutting back on carbohydrates is the way to go to lose weight. This is partly true. However studies show that proteins (from animal sources only) can cause problems with the kidneys (20). Splitting your protein intake between animal and plant sources is a great way to minimize the negative effects of animal proteins.
Avocados: There is such a thing as good fats, and avocados are a great source for good fats. Avocados contain essential fatty acids, fiber, potassium, magnesium, antioxidants, Vitamin K, B vitamins, carotenoids, phenols, and phytosterols. For weight loss, they help you stay full which prevents overeating and accumulation of abdominal fat (22).
In summary, eating healthy foods that contain protein, fiber, antioxidants, vitamins, water-rich content, capsaicin, and whole grains can help you lose belly fat. Foods that are not rich in nutrients are just empty calories … especially foods that are high in saturated fat, refined carbohydrates, and added sugar. Eating the right calories provides your body with fuel it needs to burn fat.
4. Manage Food Cues and Cravings!
Before you get ready to hear that you need to swear off all kinds of sweets, fast food, and carbohydrates, you’ll be surprised to hear that studies indicate that denying yourself of certain foods can actually make you think about and crave them even more (23).
When you decide to diet, of course it’s a good idea to limit sweets, fast food, and carbohydrates, but trying to eliminate them all together may be too much of a drastic move if you’re a beginner. You could end up thinking about that candy bar all day long until you can no longer bare it. Then once you do give up and eat the candy bar you feel terrible and defeated.
This is why it’s much better to allow yourself small pleasures in limited amounts. When cravings strike, just have a little of what you want instead of eating a lot. Also before you eat what you crave, try having something filling and healthy, like a bowl of oatmeal, so you don’t overindulge.
Over time you will learn to notice your food cues and think of substitutes that will quench those cravings for sweets and fast food. For instance, strawberries mixed with oats are a good substitute for Lucky Charms.
In summary, don’t fret over what you can’t eat because it could cause you to have more cravings and food cues. Instead when the craving arises learn to manage it by limiting the amount of unhealthy food you eat.
5. Get Some Sleep!
One of the reasons why belly fat accumulates is because of lack of exercise. Lack of exercise is often due to lack of energy. When you don’t get enough sleep you are bound to feel tired.
In addition to lack of energy, studies have shown that just the act of sleeping an appropriate amount of time (7 to 8.5 hours a night) will help you lose weight (21).
Not only did the participants in this study lose weight, they had fewer cravings for sweets and salty foods, and more energy and willingness to work out.
If you are on an exercise routine, then it’s a good idea to get enough sleep so your body has time to recover and repair sore muscles.
In summary, sleeping an appropriate amount of time increases your energy level, repairs sore muscles, prevents cravings for sweets and salty foods, and helps you lose weight.
The real issue that I want to address is how knowing these 5 scientifically proven facts will do absolutely nothing for you unless you consciously use them.
6. Reduce Your Sugar Intake!
Excessive added sugar intake has become a way of life in many parts of the world, especially in Western society. People are choosing to eat candy, cakes, chips, and cookies as snacks instead of fruits, nuts, and vegetables.
This excessive sugar intake also includes the eating of white bread, donuts, croissants, bagels, pizza dough, and the like. These carbohydrate items, typically made from highly refined starches, act very similar to “added sugar” in the body.
Both added sugar and highly refined carbohydrates have been linked to increased belly fat and a host of other metabolic problems such as type 2 diabetes. (24), (25)
Most sweeteners found in processed foods contain refined sugars such as table sugar and high fructose corn syrup. Both of these sweeteners contain fructose which can be unhealthy when consumed in excessive quantities. (26)
Unlike fruits and vegetables that contain small amounts of fructose mixed with fiber and vitamins, sweeteners contain large amounts of free fructose which puts a strain on your liver. The liver is then forced to convert most of the fructose into fat. (27)(28)
Many beverages are sweetened with these added sugars, and studies have linked sugar sweetened beverages to increased calorie intake and obesity. (29), (30), (31)
Just like added sugars promote fat storage, some carbohydrates do as well. Food products made from highly processed refined flours raise blood sugar levels just as quickly as table sugar. Refined carbohydrates have been linked to the development of type 2 diabetes. (32)
The types of carbohydrates that are best for you come from whole foods that are not highly processed. Whole foods, such as whole grains, fruits, vegetables and legumes, contain natural sugar (glucose) but they also contain fiber, minerals, vitamins, enzymes, and beneficial phytonutrients that offset any negative metabolic effects, namely fat storage.
Whole food diets high in fiber have been linked to lower total percent body fat and abdominal fat. (33)
In summary, added sugar and processed refined carbohydrates that simulate added sugar in the body can lead to weight gain. One proven way to lose belly fat is to reduce sugar intake from unhealthy sources such as candy, soda, and white bread, and instead eat whole foods that are rich in fiber and nutrients.
7. Eat Enough Protein!
Protein plays a huge role in getting rid of belly fat, and it does it in several ways.
First, eating enough protein can help control your appetite. Proteins keep you full longer than do carbohydrates or fats, so you automatically eat fewer calories over the course of the day.
Studies have shown that high-protein snacks improve appetite control, satiety, and reductions in subsequent food intake better than high-fats snacks. (34)
One study showed that eating protein at 30% of calories led to a decreased daily caloric intake of 441 calories. (35)
Protein also proves helpful in reducing food cravings, which leads to weight loss. One study showed that protein at 25% of calories reduced cravings by 60% and cut late-night food intake by half. (36)
Besides filling you up, higher protein diets have been shown to boost your metabolism, meaning your body burns more calories, due to the thermogenic effect of proteins. (37)
Protein also affects certain hormones that control hunger in a way that helps you lose weight. It reduces ghrelin, a hormone that signals hunger, and increases levels of glucagon-like peptide 1, which is a hormone that signals you are full. (38), (39)
Another weight loss benefit of protein is that it helps build muscle and prevents muscle loss. (40), (41)
When you lose weight you want your body to burn up fat, not muscle. The more muscle you keep, the better your body looks and performs.
One study found that increasing proportions of protein to carbohydrates has positive effects on body composition, blood lipids and sugars, and control of hunger. (42)
When increasing your protein intake, studies indicate that it’s important to choose protein sources wisely to avoid saturated fat and cholesterol, particularly from animal proteins. They suggest eating plant-based proteins as part of your protein intake. (43)
So rather than getting all your protein from animal sources get some from plant-sources such as quinoa, beans, and nuts as well.
An average protein intake is between 46 to 75 grams for females, and 56 to 91 grams for males. This is based on having 0.6 grams of protein per pound of body weight. Weight lifters and athletes typically require more at 0.65 grams per pound of body weight.
more: Take The Quiz – Do You Know The Unique Veggies That Burn Abdominal Fat?
In summary, eating more proteins as part of your daily caloric intake can help you lose belly fat. Proteins keep you full, so you eat fewer calories; have better appetite control, and less food cravings. Proteins also boost your metabolism and help preserve muscle during weight loss.
The type of Mind-Set you have is really the number one determinate of whether you will be successful at getting rid of belly fat.
For example, some people have a strict mind-set enabling them adhere to healthy choices at every turn. Other’s have a defeatist mind-set that gives up hope far too quickly. Then there are also those who have a loose mind-set that breaks the rules for any excuse at the moment. Lastly, there are the procrastinating mind-sets that keep putting off their plans for losing belly fat for some later date that never comes.
In my practice I’ve seen them all, and before I can help, I have to change the mind-set of the person I’m working with.
Your mind-set is the most important factor that determines your success at burning belly fat.
Changing their mind-set is not the same as convincing them to change. As I have said many times before in other articles, you have to want to lose belly fat first… then learn to change your mind-set towards it. Ideally I would love to convince everyone to be in good shape/health, but I have to back off when I am met with resistance.
I can’t argue with a fixed mind-set.
However if you are reading this article, chances are you are ready to change your mind-set so you can finally achieve your goal.
Here are the steps to do that:
- Catch yourself making excuses. Find out what those excuses are and then write down a solution that fixes the problem.
- Tweak your routine by 5 or 10 minutes here and there to get organized to set your day in motion for eating right and exercising. Examples would be picking out your food and work-out clothes the night before having them ready for the next day.
- When you can’t manage to eat right or work-out for a day, jump right back on your fitness plan without delay. Don’t let 1 day turn into 3 or 4 days, then weeks, and so on.
- Pay attention to things you do during the day that drain a lot of time… time you could be spending preparing food or working-out.
- Day by day inch closer to perfecting your routine until it becomes easy for you to get your work-out in.
- If waking up in the morning is hard for you, wake up 10 minutes earlier every day until you get to the wake-up time you need to be able to work-out and prepare food.
- If having healthy food with you is hard, start preparing just one small snack, like carrots or celery so you at least get some veggies in your diet. Once that becomes routine, move onto making an entire salad or dish.
- After a hard work-out take care of your body. Don’t let soreness or fatigue make you give up. For example, massage your sore spots, take a hot bath, or take a pain reliever if it’s okay with your doctor. Get plenty of rest and drink plenty of water.
In summary, once you get on track, have a strict-mind set where you no longer accept your own excuses. Don’t delay or give up. Just keep going back to your routine even if you can’t manage to stay on track for one or two days.
Unexpected things come up for all of us, but what separates those who are fit from others, is their willingness and determination to stay on track.
In summary…
These Are The Scientifically Proven Ways To Lose Belly Fat
- Get in the fat burning zone!
- Create a caloric deficit!
- Eat foods that help burn fat!
- Manage food cues and cravings!
- Get some sleep!
- Reduce your sugar intake!
- Eat enough protein!
more than anything..i need sleeeeeep!! :((
i drive my car goin 2 work but then i realized i had no exercise at all cause i only walk a few steps & then take the elevator to my office..
so i decided to park a bit farther so i can atleast hav that morning work
i need some more sleep..
i just dont have d energy to do all these bec im sleep deprived :(
make sure u wtach what u eat
they say it’s 90% what u eat & only 10% exercise
uughh so many things 2 do..i need this so badly! i need 2 find time for this
food cues..how does any1 ever succeed in these? ooh the struggle!! :(
thnks for this will really do the tips u mentioned
i really need 2 follow these and get some sleep, yeah enough sleep!
im taking note of these fat-burning foods so i can munch on them instead of junk food
i will definitely try that calorie count trick
SLEEP!! this is where i fail, my work & all daily activities require to muh of my time and i have too little left for sleep :'(
i just havent really mastered the art of managing my cravings and food cues
oooh i need this for my summer escapades!
i could definitely relate here..and yeah i agree that getting as mch sleep is important
sure success on these tips
losing as much belly fat is my 2016 target, iv lost some but stil a long way 2 go
didnt know sleep has sumthin 2do w/ this at all hhmmm i better get enuf then
i need 2 lose all these belly fat esp now that summer’s fast approaching
i luv articles like this..motivates me all the more
i feel like i already did evrythin..still havnt lost enuf of this belly fat :'(
im amazedby foods that help burn d fats..no need 2deprive myself from food at all now
i hav 2 get in shape, i need this so bad
hope it works! #fingerscrossed
they say exercise is just 20% d equation & 80% what u eat
will sure follow ur advice, need to lose this belly fat 4d summer!!
wow, great approach on losing fat i luv it!!
i tried HIIT but i end up bleeding my doctor said i cant do strenuous physical activities :(
i need this so bad!! im jst not good at controlling my food cravings
cant w8 2 apply all these tips, i always end up passing up for “tomorrow”
really easy to understand & follow..ill definitely do these
Wow this is the best guide I’ve found so far… real science, real studies and explained in a way I can actually understand. Thank you!