Flabs or Abs?

Do you look like a muffin when you see your reflection? Does your belly enter the room before you do? Read on. #abs #flabs

If one morning your partner complains of a sleepless night because you ended up snoring. Familiar? No one enjoys a sleep deprived night. Then why trouble your partner with your constant snores. I agree it is a good way to punish him/her but its more damaging to you than them.

Belly fat is one of the highest reason for heart diseases in men and women equally. Do not confuse belly fat with a bloat. A bloated belly is temporary while belly fat doesn't vanish in 24 hours no matter how hard you try. You can grab belly fat but cannot do so with a bloated belly. The later is caused due to gaseous food or a huge intake of fluids throughout the day. Let me make you aware of what causes belly fat and how harmful it can be. On the positive side a few ways to reduce your muffin top.

What causes belly fat?

Belly fat is an excess fat hanging around your waist that looks like its screaming for space when you squeeze in a pair of tight pants. As hard as it sounds, sugary snacks and drinks top the chart for reasons to gain belly weight. Chocolates, frozen yogurt, soda, muffin and ice tea are examples of yummy foods that make you pudgy. These contain fructose which when consumed in excess is stored around the waist.

Familiar with the term "beer belly"? Ofcourse! The term was coined to indicate belly fat gained due to the consumption of alcohol. It is not limited to beer but any alcoholic beverage. When consumed, our liver tends to digest the alcohol and ignores the fat. Hence fat stays, alcohol disappears. Ingesting alcohol also increases your appetite.

Inactivity and trans fat are your belly's biggest enemy. Being a couch potato increases your chances of gaining flabs and also a reason to regain a belly after losing weight. Trans fat on the other hand are added to foods to increase their shelf life. Diets with higher trans fat can lead to a pot belly.

This is strictly for the ladies. Menopause can also be a reason for belly fat. Unavoidable and unfortunate circumstance. Body is deprived of estrogen hence fat beings to accumulate in the core.

Stress and lack of sleep drives you to binge on junk which then drives your body to store fat in you abdomen.

From a family pack to 6 pack

It isn't easy getting rid of the family pack. It's a free resident until you decide to charge per day. Start slow and see the difference.

Cut your calories. Consume the amount required and shoot the remaining out of your diet. Your daily intake varies with age, gender and lifestyle. If you feel like binging, grab an apple or a few nuts as opposed to foods high in trans fat. Avoid excess drinking. Exercise, exercise and exercise! Crunches, sit-ups of various forms, cardio, skipping, yoga are some easy at home workouts that can be a helping hand for your journey. Sleeping on time and waking up on time. Sleeping not more than 8 hours and not fewer than 5 hours can save you.

A few reasons like genetics and menopause can't be avoided and repercussions of those can't be treated as easily. There are other ways as discussed which can intimidate the ugly belly. Leading a healthier lifestyle is not difficult. It's never too early or too late to work towards being the healthiest you!