An ITV doctor has shared how to 'lose belly fat fast' by following three simple rules.
Dr Michael Mosley, who founded the 5:2 diet and regularly appears on This Morning, is considered a weight loss expert and helps thousands to shed the pounds.
For those still wondering why their belly fat is difficult to budge, the diet expert has revealed exactly the steps you need to take to see a slimmer waistline.
He explains that fat cells are deep in your abdomen and to find extra energy your body will look to other reserves first, like your glutes, before your stomach, the Express reports.
But Dr Mosley said it is still possible to lose belly fat - and lose it fats.
According the the 5:2 creator, you need to focus on three areas to target those stomach reserves.
Got your own top tips? Share them in the comments below.
1. Eating less sugar
Dr Michael said: “To make a serious impact on your belly fat, cutting out sugar spikes is key.
“A surprising number of ‘diet’ snacks and drinks are high in sugar and are marketed as diet foods because they happen to be low in fat.”
He advised: “Limit your intake of any food or drink containing more than five per cent sugar to no more than twice a week.”
This includes sweet tropical fruits such as mango and pineapple, as well as sugary smoothies and juices.
As for carbohydrates, the diet guru suggests replacing processed carbs such as white bread, chips and pasta with slow-release energy sources, such as brown rice or quinoa.
Dr Michael explained: "Two things will surprise you: the amount of sugar you were consuming unawares and the speed at which your belly fat will begin to tame itself when you cut it out.”
It comes as the Fast 800 website suggest “lower-carb diets can lead to two to three times more weight loss” versus a low-fat diet.
As a result, “two things will surprise you: the amount of sugar you were consuming unawares, and the speed at which your belly fat will begin to tame itself,” Dr Michael added.
2. Intermittent fasting
What is intermittent fasting? It is an eating plan that switches between fasting and eating on a regular schedule.
Dr Michael explained further: “Under conditions of marked energy deficit – 800 calories per day or less.
"Not only do you simply lose weight by eating fewer calories, but your body responds to the stress of fasting by enhancing hormone function to facilitate weight loss and burn fat for energy.
“Short-term fasting can lead to several changes in the body that make fat burning easier.”
3. High intensity interval training or HIIT
“Exercise is key for various reasons,” Dr Michael said. “It is amongst the best things you can do for a long and healthy life.”
It is worth noting, exercise alone won’t shed stubborn fat, but it does help reduce the risk of re-gaining the fat.
The best form of exercise to burn fat is HIIT, a form of interval training.
A series of cardiovascular exercises which are alternated with short periods of intense anaerobic exercise and less intense recovery periods, until too exhausted to continue.
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