5 Foods You Should Cut Out to Lose Abdominal Fat

Many of us are struggling with losing stubborn belly fat. While exercise helps burn fat, our diet plays a very important role in managing our weight. It is important to understand which food items we consume can have a major impact on our figure. In this article we will be discussing the top 5 foods to avoid if we are trying to get rid of abdominal fat.

1. Refined Sugar: It has been established that refined sugar leads to an increase of visceral fat, which is the fat that accumulates in the abdominal cavity. Refined sugar is also known to spike our insulin levels and this encourages the accumulation of fat around our midsection. It is recommended to stay away from sodas, soft drinks, pastries, cookies and candy.
2. Trans Fats: Trans fats are found in margarine, store-bought cakes, crackers, fried foods and fast foods. We should understand that even if a product states 0 grams of trans fat, it can still contain trans fat as those with under 0.5 grams per serving can state “0” on the label. Trans fats contribute to inflammation and obesity, both of which are factors that lead to belly fat expansion.
3. Refined Grains: Many people think that refined grains are healthier than whole grains but refined grains often contain more calories. Refined grains release sugars quickly and can lead to the accumulation of belly fat. 8 refined grain products that one should avoid are white bread, white rice and other processed carbs such as bagels, pizza crust, cereals and crackers.
4. Alcohol: Consuming alcoholic beverages can have a huge toll on our health, as well as our figure. Not only are there many empty calories in alcohol, but it can also hinder the fat burning process. Hence, it is recommended to cut back on alcohol, or even better, avoid it altogether.
5. Unhealthy Fats: We should understand that not all fats are bad. Unhealthy fats, however, like saturated fats from animal sources, butter, lard and coconut oil can stimulate the production of androgens, a hormone form associated with belly fat expansion and weight gain.

In conclusion, in order to reduce belly fat and get trim, it is important to understand which food items pose the biggest risk of abdominal fat expansion. We should stay away from the previously discussed items with caution and instead, focus on healthy foods such as leafy greens and lean proteins. With the right diet and exercise, our goals are within reach!