Belly fat can be the most stubborn type of fat to lose for men and women trying to get in shape. Unfortunately, it's also some of the most dangerous fat, as it is linked to a variety of health issues, such as heart disease and cancer. Adopting a high protein diet, including protein bars and foods like lentils and almonds, can help men and women reduce belly fat and cut their risk of serious illness.
Risks of Belly Fat
Belly fat carries a substantial number of health risks. The type of fat that makes up belly fat is referred to as visceral fat. This fat builds up in the spaces around and between your internal organs. It creates toxins that can have a negative impact on how your body functions. Some of the biggest problem-toxins this type of fat creates are cytokines, which can increase your chances of developing heart disease or diabetes. Cytokines also contribute to inflammation, which can result in cancers of the colon, esophagus, and pancreas. Even if you're just slightly overweight, or within your normal weight range, an excess of belly fat can lead to some serious health implications. For men, a waist size over 40 inches is considered problematic for belly fat, as is a waist size of over 35 inches for women.
How Protein Helps
People seeking to lose belly fat can improve their odds by adopting a diet high in protein, while also eating responsibly by ditching foods high in sugars and carbs. Protein helps reduce belly fat in several ways:
- Reducing hunger – People consuming diets high in protein will get hungry less often than people eating diets high in carbs and other nutrients, because protein takes longer to digest. Because the digestive process is slower with protein, people on a high protein diet often consume less food than others. Dieters should include a source of lean protein with every meal to stave off hunger between meals.
- Boosting metabolism – A high protein diet can help men and women burn more calories, because protein has a high thermic effect. This means that the body must burn a higher number of calories to digest and metabolize foods high in protein than it must burn for other foods. Protein also builds muscle, and the more muscle you have, the more calories you burn. That's why exercise is so important to losing weight and reducing your body's fat.
In addition to adding more protein to your diet, getting adequate sleep each night can help you reduce belly fat. Talk to your doctor or trainer about exercises and other suggestions for shedding your spare tire. Promax Nutrition provides all-natural, gluten free vegetarian energy bars for exercise enthusiasts and health-conscious snackers.
Available in a variety of different flavors, Promax Nutrition bars are also designed with several training and dietary needs in mind. Try them today to find out how enjoyable healthy eating can be!