How to Stop Belly Fat

Extra weight can gather around your abdomen due to unhealthy eating, lack of physical activity, hormonal changes or genetics. Belly fat not only affects the way you look, it can also have dramatic effects on your health. According to the Mayo Clinic, "too much belly fat increases your risk of heart disease, breast cancer, diabetes, metabolic syndrome, gallbladder problems, high blood pressure [and] colorectal cancer." In order to stop belly fat, change your diet, start exercising and tone your tummy.

Instructions

• 1

  Eat a nutritious, low calorie, high fiber diet. Avoid junk food, deep fried foods, sugar and simple carbohydrates such as white breads, pasta and rice. Instead, your meals should be largely composed of lean protein, vegetables and whole grains.

• 2

  Burn excess calories through moderate to vigorous exercise. Exercise for at least 30 minutes a day, five times a week, to shed fat and prevent further buildup of belly fat. Try hiking, climbing stairs, jumping rope, walking, swimming or playing your favorite sports.

• 3

  Drink at least eight glasses of water each day. Water helps to keep your organs functioning properly while giving you a satisfied, full feeling.

• 4

  Strengthen and flatten your belly through abdominal exercises. Try sit-ups, crunches, leg raises, planks and side bends to tone your stomach. Incorporate these strength training exercises into your workout routine. Aim to do up to 30 repetitions of each, three times each week.

• 5

  Motivate yourself by setting and keeping goals. Keep yourself on track by setting small goals such as avoiding sugar for a full week, running one mile further or eating six servings of vegetables each day. These mini-goals will help you feel as though you are progressing and advancing toward your ultimate goal.