Step 1
Get at least 7-8 hours of sleep every night. Lack of sleep can interfere with your ghrelin levels (the hunger hormone) which can then stimulate your appetite. Improper sleep along with an unhealthy diet can lead to hormonal imbalance.
Step 2
Never say 'NO' to Breakfast. Skipping breakfast can interfere with your metabolism and can slow down the fat-burning process.
Step 3
Be mindful of what you eat during the day. Have healthy wholesome meals which include:
low-fat milk
paneer
mix nuts
channa
chicken
egg
seasonal vegetables
buttermilk
Avoid: Simple carbs, such as:
bread, biscuit,
white rice and wheat flour,
too much sugar
sugary beverages like cold drinks, packed fruit juices etc.
Step 4
Spot reduction is never possible when it comes to weight loss. Along with walking or cycling for 30-40 minutes a day, try these exercises to further speed up your weight loss journey:
Plank- Place a soft mat underneath and get in the position shown in the picture below. Hold this position for 60 seconds.
Bicycle crunches- Lie down on a soft surface and lift both your legs off the ground. Now imagine that you are paddling a bicycle. Cycle 10 times for 2 repetitions.
Leg raises- On a smooth surface, with the help of your core muscles, lift your legs off the ground. Lift it 3-4 inches above the ground and hold this position for a few seconds. Repeat 2-3 sets of 10 repetitions.
Frequently asked questions.
Can lemon reduce belly fat?
Homemade lemon water is any day better than cold drinks and other sugary beverages. It keeps you hydrated, and boosts your metabolism but having said that nothing can beat water and the same goes for lemon water too. Water and lemon are equally good.
Can green tea help reduce belly fat?
Although green tea can have a positive effect on your metabolism, just green tea alone can’t do all the work. You have to combine diet and exercise with it.
Do bananas increase weight?
Bananas are healthy, nutritious, full of fibre and low in calories. So there is nothing wrong with having a banana when you are on your weight loss journey.
The weight loss journey is a difficult one. And like any other journey, you will need the support of your friends and family. Talk to your friend or a family member and see if they would also like to join you.
You can always share your experiences with Barkha on the STREE app.