Maintaining a flat belly can be a struggle if you are living with Polycystic Ovarian Syndrome (PCOS), Hypothyroidism, or Irritable Bowel Syndrome (IBS). So, how to reduce belly fat if you have one of these conditions? What tips should you follow? Although you should first seek advice from your doctor, this blog has come up with some useful tips on reducing belly fat. Let’s check them out!
What Factors Contribute to Belly Fat?
The body stores fat, particularly around the abdomen, due to extra insulin caused by insulin resistance. According to weight loss specialists, eating less and moving more are sometimes not advantageous for people with PCOS, hypothyroidism, or IBS. Excessive exercise and restricted eating can cause blood sugar fluctuations while attempting to treat insulin resistance.
Inflammation also hinders people from losing belly fat. In addition to PCOS, IBS and thyroid imbalances can cause inflammation. Focusing on a nutrient-rich diet and eating fewer processed foods can help fight inflammation. Also, constant calorie restriction may slow down your metabolism. Although it reduces weight temporarily, the body gradually adjusts to that restriction by burning fewer calories, which may end up resulting in weight gain.
Tips on Reducing PCOS, Hypothyroidism, and IBS Belly Fat
1. Choose Protein over Carbs
If you continuously struggle with cravings, selecting protein over carbs might help. Unlike carbs, protein doesn’t increase blood sugar levels. As a result, it does not cause insulin fluctuation, which causes hunger shortly after eating. Also, protein-rich foods are easy to digest, and they don’t trigger IBS, hypothyroidism, or PCOS inflammation.
Healthy protein sources are:
· Eggs
· Meat
· Seafood
· Nuts
· Yogurt
· Seeds
2. Exercise Mindful Eating
Women with IBS, hypothyroidism, or PCOS possibly have eating disorders. Mindful eating is the one promising solution. It helps promote awareness of internal eating cues like fullness and hunger and promotes weight loss, too. Mindful eating helps identify problematic eating behaviors like emotional eating and binge eating.
3. Eat Small and Frequent Meals
Hypothyroidism makes digestive function slow. Sticking to smaller, more frequent meals with balanced macronutrients like complex carbs, quality proteins, and healthy fats promotes balanced blood sugar. Moreover, it helps abstain from the highs and lows of highly processed, oversized meals.
4. Move Your Body Regularly
Workouts are an essential addition to a healthy lifestyle to help burn calories. If you are highly exhausted, a workout can further suppress hypothyroidism. Also, if you have managed your hypothyroidism well and have the energy, working out is encouraged.
5. Add Slow-Digesting Carbs to Your Diet
Adding slow-digesting carbs to your diet is important, as it’s a healthy practice that helps reverse insulin resistance. Moreover, it can help manage hormonal imbalances as well. Some examples of slow-digesting carbs are:
· Oats
· Beans
· Whole grains
· Brown rice
· Veggies
· Quinoa
Conclusion
Aside from the aforementioned tips on how to reduce belly fat, you should also take some medications to prevent PCOS, IBS, or hypothyroidism weight gain. Contact Fidelity Healthcare to consult the specialists and learn more about the medications that help lose belly fat.
