5 reasons you may NOT be losing belly fat

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If you are trying and failing to lose belly fat, we can help!

There are a whole host of medical, environmental and genetic reasons why we find it hard to lose weight. Although science tells us it’s calories in vs energy out. For most that have struggled with eating a good diet and exercising profusely, you know it can’t be true.

Elisha Danine, nutritionist for the 28 Day Weight Loss Challenge has provided some information on different types of belly fat so you can work out what you might need to focus on and why.

Erin McRae 15:8
Check out Erin’s tummy transformation!

5 reasons you may NOT be losing belly fat

1. You have a higher number of fat cells

You can shrink fat cells through healthy eating and exercise – but fat cells in actual fact don’t die. Therefore if you have been obese in the past, it is easier for you to regain the weight. It basically means that you must be more vigilant in a leading a healthy lifestyle with the main focus being on what you eat.

2. You have an underactive thyroid or iodine deficiency

salmon

According to researchers, iodine consumption has dropped in Australia. This affects the level of thyroid hormone and can lead to a slower basal metabolic rate (BMR).

Calculate your BMR.

Iodine is essential in making thyroid hormones and during pregnancy we transfer iodine to the foetus for adequate development.

The National Health and Medical Research Council recommends iodine supplementation during pregnancy.

For non-pregnant women, iodised salt can be used (as long as there is no high blood pressure or salt restriction) along with fortified bread, (not including organic). Seaweeds are also high in iodine as are marine foods, including regular fish (e.g. tinned salmon) and shellfish (e.g. oysters). Please note, women with pre-existing thyroid conditions should not take iodine supplements until they have checked with their doctor.

3. You have adipose/visceral fat

Adipose fat is located all around the body and internal organs. This type of fat is a major endocrine and secretory organ that releases protein signals called adipokines. This is linked to development of obesity, type 2 diabetes and high blood pressure.

This fat can also impair insulin signalling – which results in higher insulin levels and in turn higher fat storage and reduced fat oxidation. People that lead a sedentary lifestyle with diets high in refined sugars, processed foods and saturated fat are at most risk of having high levels of adipose fat.

4. It’s a hormonal issue

belly fat

There are a few hormones that can affect weight loss including:

Leptin – A protein that acts as a hormone in helping to prevent obesity by regulating appetite. Very few people are deficient in this hormone.

Ghrelin – A protein secreted by stomach cells and promotes positive energy balance by stimulating appetite and promoting efficient energy storage. In a condition called ‘Prader-willi syndrome’ – ghrelin levels stay high after eating, which promotes an excessive appetite. People with this syndrome would find it difficult to lose weight.

A lack of sleep can also increase ghrelin levels and decrease leptin – therefore increasing appetite and decreasing satiety levels. This may explain correlations made between lack of sleep and a high BMI (Body Mass Index).

5. You’re stressed

When we’re stressed, the stress hormone cortisol is chronically elevated, and this turns our bodies into fat storing machines.

This is because elevated cortisol levels increase the activity of the major fat storing enzyme – lipoprotein lipase (LPL).

Cortisol also makes the body more insulin resistant. This means the body will need to release more insulin to get the job done. This can lead to greater fat storage, and the slowed release of fat will also be worsened.

How the 28 Day Weight Loss Challenge can help

To tackle tummy fat the best thing you can do is improve your eating habits. This includes eating more regularly, more nutrient-dense food and more whole foods.

The 28 Day Weight Loss Challenge is a weight loss program created especially for mums to help them tackle their weight through healthy meal plans.

The 28 Day Weight Loss Challenge encourages mums to eat three main meals a day and three snacks. Eating regularly throughout the day keeps the metabolism burning and assists with fat loss.  The recipes on the Challenge are also designed to be easy-to-make, affordable and family friendly – meaning the rest of the family can enjoy these meals too.

The 28 Day Weight Loss Challenge also combines the weekly meal plans with daily exercise programs and workout videos. The best part about these workouts is that expensive gym equipment is not required. The 28 Day Weight Loss Challenge App allows you to access these exercises anytime, anywhere which means you can literally perform all of these exercises from your very own lounge room.

december challenge

Home to 4,000 plus recipes (including gluten free, dairy free and vegetarian options), over 350 time-efficient exercises for busy mums and NEW Challenge themes each month – means you can start your weight loss journey WITHOUT the fear of getting bored, eating the same food and performing the same old work outs over and over.

Giving you the best chance to succeed.

Before you know it, you’ll be hitting your weight loss goals and blasting that belly fat.

 

To either learn more about our 28 Day Weight Loss Challenge and or sign up click HERE.

 

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