Obesity is a leading contributor to high blood pressure, diabetes, and heart attacks among other health issues, but when it comes to health risks, all body fat isn't made equal—the worst type is abdominal fat. Research at Harvard Health suggests that a certain kind of belly fat may be caused by stress and is especially dangerous because it clings to spots near the vital organs, leading to major dysfunction in the pancreas, liver and heart.
1 Belly fat impacts your hormones, creates long-term inflammation, raises your LDL cholesterol, and is directly linked to insulin resistance and type 2 diabetes.2
If you're trying to lose stubborn belly weight, Nutrisystem has a balanced program to get you on track. Starting with four-week plans that give you the opportunity to eat six times a day every day, it's a smart way to approach a major change. With a variety of chef-crafted meals that are ready to heat and eat, users lose 1-2 lbs. per week on average without cooking or even changing their workout routine.
If you're struggling, these are the science-backed ways to help lose stubborn belly fat.
What Type of Fat Are You Cutting?
The American Diabetes Association suggests that in order to lose belly fat, you should limit harmful trans fats. Trans fat is more linked to dangerous belly fat than other types, so watch your oils as well as your packaged snacks. Nutrisystem uses no trans fats in any products. 3
Stress Is a Mess.
According to Medical News Today, stress is one of the factors associated with belly fat. Meditating, doing yoga and an organized schedule will help cut down on added stress. 4 Try planning your meals the night before or always keeping a change of gym clothes on you so you can be ready to manage your day in a healthy way.
Fake Sweeteners? No Way.
Artificial sweeteners and sugar substitutes have zero calories but are linked to higher rates of obesity and higher rates of belly fat. Nutrisystem doesn't use artificial sweeteners, because they contribute to weight gain, according to the culmination of 37 trials and studies published in the Canadian Medical Association Journal. 5
Do You Know Your Glycemic Carbohydrates?
A diet featuring the type of low-glycemic carbohydrates that Nutrisystem offers helps stabilize sugar, leading to fewer blood sugar spikes and dips that make you hungry. That means a balanced and manageable appetite, so you don't binge on unhealthy foods.
Don't Give Up Burgers!
Switch to lean protein. You can still eat burgers! Nutrisystem has a 240 calorie burger with only 8 grams of fat, compared to a fast food burger that will give you an entire day's recommended servings of fat and calories. Lean meat can provide less calories with the same amount of protein as fattier meats.
The good news is that visceral fat is the first to go when you start losing weight. Nutrisystem's successful program allows you to eat six meals every day, so that you stay full and aren't tempted to snack on unhealthy foods. You can choose the meals they'll send to your door each month, so sticking to a fat-burning diet doesn't have to take up any extra energy. Plans start at less than $11 a day, which is cheaper than the sandwich at the deli with all the added calories and preservatives. Once you're used to your new, healthy eating habits, you can start incorporating grocery items into everyday life and even enjoy nights out with friends and family where you can indulge while staying on track.
Eliminating belly fat doesn't have to mean starving. With a healthy plan from the get-go, Nutrisystem makes banishing belly fat a breeze.
UPDATE: The awesome folks at Nutrisystem are extending a special offer to our readers. Follow this link to receive 50% OFF the one time rate with new 4 week auto-delivery order!
This content is sponsored by Nutrisystem