TIME TO SHED SOME FAT

1. WHY DO YOU WANT TO LOSE FAT?

Understanding why you need to lose fat is the most important thing before getting a diet plan and an exercise schedule. Most people are cajoled by their friends and family and they do not just understand why they have to get so stressed up in the gym and most importantly why someone would tell them to stop eating their favourite meal that is why there has been more cases of relapse. Most people that have lost substantial amount of pounds have one thing in common, they had a clear understanding of why they needed to flush the fat though those reasons ranged from looking great to mitigating a dilapidating sickness.

If you ever thought about losing weight, what was your reason? With a strong reason, you will understand that keeping fit is more of building a lifestyle rather than having a quick fix.

2. SOME HEALTH HAZARDS OF EXCESS FATS

The proportion of fat to body weight increases as you grow into middle years and is more in women than in men. Abdominal or visceral fat,which characterises the ‘apple shape’ in most people, is the type that  lies deep within the abdominal cavity where it pads the spaces between the abdominal organs. Subcutaneous fat, the fat accumulated in the lower body which characterises the ‘pear shape’ in most people, is the kind that is right under the skin.

Visceral fats poses health threats and the good news is that it yields fairly easily to exercise and diet. Subcutaneous fat do not pose health risks in normal-weight people. Visceral fat pumps out immune system chemicals that can increase the risk of cardiovascular disease. These and other biochemicals are thought to have deleterious effects on cells’ sensitivity to insulin, blood pressure and blood clotting. Substances released by visceral fat, including free fatty acids, enter the portal vein and travel to the liver, where they can influence the production of blood lipids. Visceral fat is directly linked with higher total cholesterol and insulin resistance which heightens the risk for diabetes.

3. WHAT CAN WE DO ABOUT TUBBY TUMMIES?

The starting point for bringing weight under control, in general, and combating abdominal fat, in particular is regular moderate-intensity physical activity - at least 30 minutes per day to control weight. Exercising with weights or strength training may also help fight abdominal fat. Spot exercising, such as doing sit-ups, can tighten abdominal muscles, but it won’t get at visceral fat.

For dieting, attention should be on portion size and complex carbohydrates (fruits, vegetables, and whole grains) and lean protein over simple carbohydrates such as white bread, refined-grain pasta, and sugary drinks. Replacing saturated fats and trans fats with polyunsaturated fats can also help.

For now lifestyle, especially exercise, is the very best way to fight visceral fat.

Contact me for a personalised diet plan, weight loss coaching and a chance to join the fat flush challenge…

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