Keys To Losing Weight And Belly Fat

All fat, including belly fat, is hard to lose because diets don't work. Any time we cut calories in hope of losing weight, our bodies go into starvation mode and begin to require fewer calories. This forces us to cut calories further in an effort to stay ahead of the game. I remember once when I was young, I was so determined to lose weight that I kept cutting calories. When I finally got below 600 a day, I decided it was too dangerous, so I went back to 1000 a day. And gained weight, and kept on gaining.

Until menopause, I was way overweight, but after menopause I started losing without dieting. I still have quite a few pounds to go, but the weight is coming off. One reason is that during our reproductive years our bodies cling to belly fat, especially the fat below the muscle, because they want to provide the optimum environment for a potential new life. Once our bodies realize there is no more chance of a baby, they let go of that fat. Another reason I began to lose weight is that after menopause my tastes changed, and raw vegetable salads became my favorite food. Go figure!

But even without the menopausal help, I now know it's possible to lose weight and keep it off without going hungry. Eating vegetables is a key. Small meals make a dieter feel deprived, but a huge salad of all different kinds of crunchy vegetables along with a protein source (meat, eggs, cheese, yogurt) takes a long time to eat.

Cutting back starches is another key. Whole grains are better for us than refined ones, but they are still starches. Despite what the experts say - that eating a low-fat, high-carbohydrate diet is the best way to lose weight - starches make us fat. We know that; if you're like me, you gained weight when you tried a high-carbohydrate diet.

Another key to losing weight is walking six hours a week. If you can't walk that much to begin with, take a short walk every day and work up to longer ones. Walking is so beneficial, chances are you will begin to feel good and to feel good about yourself, and you will enthusiastically embrace an hour-long walk almost every day. That's what happened to me. Now I look forward to taking my walks. (I never consider it exercising. To me, exercise is a double four-letter word.)

Another key point is to drink lots of water, and to stay away from diet drinks. That sugar taste exacerbates your sugar cravings, and makes you hungrier.

Following these suggestions will help you lose weight without you ever going hungry. As you lose fat, you will lose belly fat. In addition, air bicycling (lying flat on your back and pedaling) will help tighten your abdomen.