Why you’re not losing your belly fat? Could it be your hormones?

Are you struggling to lose your belly fat? You’re watching what you eat and exercising regularly BUT you can’t seem to lose the belly fat – no matter how hard you try! If eating healthily and exercising is not enough to lose that extra bulge around your waist, then it could be that your hormones are to blame.

 How can hormones cause belly fat?

Your hormones control and influence your ability to maintain a healthy weight. Hormones influence your metabolism and where fat is stored and they control your appetite too. Carrying extra weight around your belly is often a sure sign of a hormone imbalance. Hormones that could be causing you to retain belly fat include estrogen imbalance, low testosterone, high insulin, high cortisol and low DHEA (adrenal gland hormone)

 Let’s take a look at the common culprits:

1.  Insulin resistance

If you are taking in excess sugar and carbs such as processed foods and sugary drinks, and not eating enough protein, fibre or fat, then your insulin levels are bound to increase. Insulin is an important substance whose primary function is to process sugar in the bloodstream and transport it to the cells so that it can be used as fuel. When there is a continuous dip and spike in blood sugar levels, it means that your cells are no longer responding to insulin and sugar is being converted into fat. And guess where that excess body fat develops? Right, there in your belly!

2.   Adrenal Imbalance

There is a strong link between an adrenal imbalance and stubborn belly fat. The adrenal glands produce hormones that influence our ability to cope with stress. When the adrenals are under constant stress and pressure, cortisol and adrenaline is continuously produced throughout the body – this is how your body prepares you to deal with the “flight or fight” response. During times of stress, the body retains extra calories which, when not used, end up being stored as fat.

 3. Imbalanced sex hormones

Many women entering menopause will experience hormonal shifts due to the influence of estrogen and progesterone. In many cases, they don’t actually gain weight but their body proportions change. When these hormonal changes occur, there is a decline in estrogen and progesterone levels and cortisol and insulin levels increase, causing belly fat to be stored.

Men also go through hormonal changes as they age! Just like women, the ratio of hormones like oestrogen and testosterone will change. In addition, many men and women in their middle years are dealing with multiple stressors on the home and work fronts, often resulting in an imbalance of adrenal hormones. Small wonder that body weight then tends to get a little out of control!

 What you can do to prevent and reduce belly fat

•  Eat a hormone diet

While you may think that you are eating healthily, your diet may still be lacking in certain essential nutrients. Add more protein to your diet to keep your sugar levels balanced, control your appetite and help with fat loss. According to studies a diet high in protein helps to get rid of stubborn belly fat and stimulates the activity of fat-burning hormones when eaten in the right amounts. Choose protein options such as chicken, turkey, eggs, low fat cheese and fish. Also eat foods with a low GI that burn slower and keep you full for longer – preventing the spikes in blood sugar caused by low GI and over processed carbohydrates like sugary foods and drinks, white breads, pasta, etc. Rather have whole grain breads and root veggies like sweet potato and butternut.

•  Keep insulin resistance under control

If you are insulin resistant, you should make a point of eating regular meals throughout the day to balance your sugar levels. Breakfast, a snack, lunch, a snack and then dinner will help to create stable blood sugar levels. Following this diet will also help to reduce belly fat faster. Add Triple Complex Diabetonic, a selection of tissue salts to balance your sugar levels – safe for all ages including pregnant, breastfeeding women as well as older adults.

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•  Reduce stress levels

Everyone experiences stress – some people more than others. The trick is to manage your stress levels and practice self-care. Find something that relaxes and brings you joy. Practice deep breathing exercises by inhaling and exhaling when you feel stressed or anxious. Listen to soothing music, meditate, go for a massage, soak in a long, hot bath or walk on the beach.

 Simply learning to say NO  can also help to reduce your stress levels! A good idea is to keep a bottle of PureCalm on hand – this natural remedy quickly relieves anxiety, stress and nervousness with a few drops!  

• Exercise is key!

Regular exercise is one of the best gifts you can give yourself for all-round physical, emotional and mental health, as well as helping you to lose that ‘Telly Tubby’ look! You don’t have to rush off and join the gym if that is not your scene. Even a short walk around the block will help – it’s the consistency that counts most! Challenge yourself to just a 30 minute walk a day  to reduce stress levels AND that stubborn belly fat!.

•  Balance your hormones

Women whose hormones are out of whack, are perimenopausal or  going through menopause may need to balance their hormones more. Sometimes dietary and lifestyle changes are not enough and additional support is needed. Natural remedies such as Dong Quai, MellowPause and Femalite from the Feelgood Health range can make the world of difference. Dong Quai is herbal remedy which balances hormones and acts as a tonic for the reproductive system while MellowPause is specially formulated to treat menopausal symptoms such as hot flashes, fatigue, low libido and mood changes. Femalite helps to relieve PMS symptoms – reduces mood swings, cramps and prevents bloating.

In addition, vitamin supplements such as Evening Primrose Oil from the Solgar range can also relieve menopausal symptoms. Also try Superfood’s Maca which balances hormones and can be added to a yummy smoothie for a daily treat.

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•  Get enough sleep

Did you know that getting enough sleep can help your body to burn more fat? At least 7 to 9 hours sleep helps to minimize stress and promotes overall health and wellbeing. If you are going to bed late at night, waking up tired or struggling to fall asleep, then you are definitely not getting a good night’s rest and your belly fat is not going to disappear either. Try to make your bedroom a comfy haven for sleep and relaxation only. Get rid of all electrical equipment such as TV’s, tablets or cellphones and relax your body and mind before turning in at night. Use natural sleep drops such as Serenite Plus to induce drowsiness and promote peaceful sleeping patterns.

 Try these belly-fat busting solutions and you’ll discover the amazing results in no time!