How to Slim Down the Stomach

Excess stomach fat has the potential to cause numerous health problems. According to "USA Today," people with large stomachs are more likely to also have deep hidden deposits of fat around internal organs. This can increase your risk of serious health problems, such as type 2 diabetes, heart disease, high blood pressure and certain types of cancer. Because of the risks to your health, it is important to slim down large stomachs and do what is necessary to maintain the weight loss. You can't spot-reduce fat in the stomach, however, so a comprehensive total-body approach to fat reduction is necessary.

Instructions

• 1

  Make time every day to work out. According to MayoClinic.com, moderate-intensity workouts are one of the best ways to lose stomach fat. Don't rely on exercises such as stomach crunches to reduce your stomach. Those types of exercises tone and strengthen the stomach muscles, but cardiovascular workouts are necessary to lose the belly fat needed to flatten the stomach. Work out at a gym or exercise at home for a minimum of 30 to 45 minutes. Split your workout into two sessions if you are short on free time and completing a full workout all at once is difficult.

• 2

  Work your stomach muscles by performing crunches and other abdominal exercises. These exercises strengthen your stomach but do not burn the fat necessary to actually slim down your stomach. Include strength training with weights in your workout routine which also, according to the University of Pennsylvania School of Medicine, has been shown to be effective in reducing belly fat.

• 3

  Eliminate fast food and junk foods from your diet. Eat foods that are high in protein, low in fat and calcium-rich. Get 35 to 40 g of fiber in your diet a day. Stay away from foods that are processed and contain refined starches and sugar. Consume complex carbohydrates such as fruits and vegetables. Be cautious when buying foods that are marked as "sugar-free" or "low-carb." According to Wellsphere, the artificial sweeteners and sugar alcohols in these items can cause your body to store fat in your stomach and stimulate cravings.

• 4

  Eliminate or decrease the amount of alcohol that you consume to no more than two drinks a day. All types of alcohol are high in calories and can cause weight gain in your midsection.

• 5

  Find activities that you enjoy that can calm you and reduce the amount of stress in your daily life. Meditation, yoga and reading are all examples of activities that can help to reduce stress levels. Stress causes your body to release cortisol, which is a hormone that can cause the storage of fat in your stomach.