Typically, when you get started on your health and fitness journey the pounds come off as long as you remain consistent. It gets trickier the further you get into your journey. Fat loss can become a much more stubborn ordeal. At this stage, what you have been doing that has gotten you this far needs to be tweaked and altered. To get results you haven’t seen, you must do things you haven’t done.
Each individual is different, the stubborn fat might cling to your lower stomach while for next person it may be their arms. Don’t lose hope, with a little tweaking to your diet and lifestyle – stubborn fat loss is possible!
1. Avoid alcohol
There are a couple reasons why alcohol leads to stubborn fat. Alcohol is often mixed with fake sugary drinks. Refined sugar can cause stubborn fat, especially in the waistline. Also, alcohol stifles your body’s ability to burn fat for energy. Lipid oxidation is a measure of how much fat your body burns - alcohol reduces your body’s lipid oxidation.
2. Incorporate cardio
You can’t get rid of stubborn fat without implementing some form of cardio into your routine. It can be high intensity cardio, swimming, jogging, and more. The type doesn’t matter too much as long as you are getting 30 minutes of cardio per day. I suggest a sustainable form of cardio, so you remain consistent to avoid burning yourself out.
3. Reduce stress
Stress causes overeating, which leads to stubborn fat. Scientists found a link between weight gain and stress due to cortisol hormone that is released. Higher cortisol levels correlate to higher blood sugar levels. When your blood sugar levels are high, your insulin also rises. Insulin is a fat storage hormone. Less stress equates to less cortisol hormone. Find ways to destress each day like journaling, walking, meditating, spending time with loved ones, or simply an activity that puts you at ease.
4. Apple Cider Vinegar
Studies show that incorporating apple cider vinegar into your daily diet can help reduce belly fat. You should dilute two tablespoons of apple cider vinegar with a cup of water. Drink the apple cider vinegar first thing you wake up in the morning. If you can stomach it, add a dash of turmeric powder for its anti-inflammatory properties.