Refined carbs also tend to have a high glycemic index GI , which may cause spikes and crashes in blood sugar levels that lead to increased hunger. Conversely, diets high in whole grains are tied to a lower body mass index BMI and body weight, plus a smaller waist circumference Aim to replace refined carbs from pastries, processed foods, pastas, white breads, and breakfast cereals with whole grains like whole wheat, quinoa, buckwheat, barley, and oats.

Cardio, also known as aerobic exercise, is one of the most common forms of exercise. Adding cardio to your routine may be one of the most effective ways to enhance fat burning and weight loss. For example, one review of 15 studies tied increased aerobic exercise to decreased belly fat in middle-age women Other studies have found that aerobic exercise may increase muscle mass and decrease belly fat, waist circumference, and body fat 32 , 33 , Most research recommends — minutes of moderate to vigorous exercise per week, or roughly 20—40 minutes of cardio each day Running, walking, cycling, and swimming are just a few examples of cardio workouts.

Studies show that the more aerobic exercise people get, the more body fat they tend to lose. Cardio may also help reduce waist circumference and increase muscle mass. The caffeine in coffee stimulates your central nervous system, increases metabolism, and boosts the breakdown of fatty acids Caffeine has also been shown to enhance fat burning during aerobic exercise, particularly for those who are untrained or sedentary One large review of 12 studies associated increased coffee intake with a lower risk of obesity, especially for men.

Another study including 2, people linked higher caffeine intake to a higher rate of success with weight loss maintenance 38 , To maximize the health benefits of coffee, avoid adding large amounts of cream and sugar.

Instead, enjoy it black or with a small splash of milk. Coffee contains caffeine, which may boost metabolism and fat breakdown. Studies suggest that high caffeine intake may aid weight loss.

High intensity interval training HIIT is a form of exercise that pairs quick bursts of activity with short recovery periods to keep your heart rate elevated.

Studies show that HIIT is incredibly effective at ramping up fat burning and promoting sustainable weight loss. One review found that doing HIIT 3 times weekly for an average of 10 weeks significantly reduced body fat mass and waist circumference For an easy way to get started, try alternating between walking and jogging or sprinting for 30 seconds at a time.

You can also cycle between exercises like burpees, pushups, or squats with short rest periods in between. HIIT may increase fat burning and help you expend more calories in a shorter period than other forms of exercise.

Probiotics are a type of beneficial bacteria found in your digestive tract. In fact, these bacteria have been shown to play a role in everything from immunity to mental health Increasing your intake of probiotics through either food or supplements may also rev up fat burning and support long-term weight management.

One review of 15 studies showed that people who took probiotics experienced significantly larger reductions in body weight, fat percentage, and BMI compared with those who took a placebo Another small study showed that taking probiotic supplements helped people following a high fat, high calorie diet stave off fat and weight gain Certain strains of probiotics in the genus Lactobacillus may be especially effective at aiding weight and fat loss Taking supplements is a simple, convenient way to get in a concentrated dose of probiotics every day.

Alternatively, you can eat probiotic-rich foods like kefir, tempeh, natto, kombucha, kimchi, and sauerkraut. Taking probiotic supplements or increasing your intake of probiotic foods may help reduce body weight and fat percentage.

Intermittent fasting is a diet pattern that involves cycling between periods of eating and fasting. Although it may not be a good fit for everyone, some research indicates that it may enhance both weight loss and fat loss. One review on intermittent fasting examined alternate-day fasting, a method in which you alternate between days of fasting and eating normally.

Another small study showed that eating only during an 8-hour window each day helped decrease fat mass and maintain muscle mass when combined with resistance training Intermittent fasting has been shown to reduce body weight and body fat.

It may also help preserve muscle mass when combined with resistance training. Studies suggest that gradual weight loss may be more beneficial for improving body composition and reducing body fat.

Losing weight slowly may also reduce the risk of putting it back on again later 48, Both dietary strategies and exercise can help reduce belly fat. You lose fat when you take in fewer calories, or less energy, than you use.

Exercise can help burn fat and either maintain or build muscle No foods will specifically enable you to burn belly fat, but you are less likely to continue gaining weight if you focus on fresh fruits and vegetables, healthy fats, and whole grains rather than highly processed foods with a lot of refined carbs and added sugar.

Rather, you should incorporate healthy habits into your routine, such as eating whole grains instead of refined carbs, replacing sugary drinks with water, trying probiotics, or drinking coffee.

Be sure to pair these simple nutrition tips with a well-rounded diet and active lifestyle to promote long-lasting, sustainable fat burning. Finding a friend or family member with similar exercise or lifestyle goals may also help you hold yourself accountable.

Our experts continually monitor the health and wellness space, and we update our articles when new information becomes available. VIEW ALL HISTORY. As the study quotes philosopher Mairmonides: "Eat like a king in the morning, a prince at noon, and a peasant at dinner. This means not sitting in front of a computer, TV, or phone all day.

Stand and you'll burn more and be more productive. Find high table to put your laptop on so you can stand while working. Take the stairs instead of the elevator. Park in the back of the parking lot at the grocery store.

Take a walk during lunch. Small movement changes add up big time. Research has found that just increasing your step count daily, without other added exercise, has aided in weight loss. This won't make or break success, but every little bit helps when it comes to physical activity.

A good rule of thumb: standing is better than sitting, and walking is better than standing. If you do, you'll opt for the bad stuff instead of sticking to your list.

In fact, you'll buy "more calories, not more food" according to a JAMA Internal Medicine study. Even short term fasting can cause bad decisions at the story. Plan your shopping around a meal. Have dinner, and then hit the store later. Less crowds that way anyway! Or, if you're willing to add the extra price, order your groceries online.

That way you have to consciously click what you want instead of just reaching for it. It doesn't take a rocket scientist to understand why adding vegetables to your diet will help you not only lose weight , but it will provide your body with tons of nutrients.

It's easy to make side dish swaps for veggies when you're at home, but it's tougher when you're out and about. The good news is restaurants will often allow you to substitute the fries or chips with steamed veggies.

Usually without an up charge too. All you have to do is ask. You'll save calories and lower your risk of heart disease. When we fry things, we're dipping our foods in tremendous amounts of oil that latch onto whatever we're making, adding not just calories, but unhealthy fats to it.

Baking just uses heat, and adding oil is a choice, not a necessity, to the cooking process. Or try an air fryer—you can even make just about anything in it.

You can also use the fat-burner in your backyard: the grill, which offers plenty of flavor without the need for frying. Find the best grill gear here. No, really. A study in the International Journal of Obesity found those who laughed hard for approximately 10 to 15 minutes each day burned an additional 10 to 40 calories a day.

On top of that, laughing has so many other mental health benefits. So, ward off the extra pounds and depression by putting on your favorite comedy flick tonight. If you're feeling like a change in diet isn't for you, maybe a change in portion size is. It's possible to lose weight just by changing how much you eat, but not changing what you eat.

This means opting for an entree instead of an entree and an appetizer. Avoid buffets and try to leave something on your plate at the end of the meal. Consider splitting a meal with your dinner companion, or skip dessert.

There are so many ways to cut down how much you eat, without having to cut out some of your favorite foods. Social influence can be both good and bad for your weight loss journey. When it comes to going to social events, the temptation is high. You're more likely to munch mindlessly, even though you may not be hungry.

So take a step away, and hang out on the other side of the room. Or, if you're really feeling dedicated, try to eat BEFORE you head to the event. You're more likely to choice a healthy meal at home, and you'll avoid making bad snacking decisions at the event if you're already full.

Like we said— social influence can be good too. If you commit to losing a few pounds with a friend, you're more likely to keep going. Accountability is key with lifestyle changes. Try to convince a spouse to do it with you. If you grocery shop together, and eat a fair amount of meals together, you'll have a partner in crime to make only good decisions.

Steps, steps, steps. It's all about adding to your step count to help those activity metrics. A daily doggo walk is better for both him and you than just letting him out the back. Plus, he'll love you even more. If you don't have a pet, offer to walk a neighbor's dog or take this as your excuse to rescue one.

You're welcome. And, when you think about how calories is only about 14 almonds or one apple, it makes the amount more fathomable.

Pro tip: using smaller plates and bowls is scientifically proven to help you eat less, since it makes less food seems like more. Similarly, eating slower can cut out extra calories since it takes approximately 15 to 20 minutes for your stomach to sense it's full.

Have we mentioned the benefits of getting your steps in yet? Well, here's another reminder. If you're lucky enough to live close to your pharmacy, grocery store, or hardware store, take advantage and walk or bike. You'll get fresh air, burn a few calories and get your heart rate up.

Buy a pedometer, or track it on your smart watch , and aim for at least 10, steps each day. Plan ahead. A majority of these tips will require a plan. Plan ahead to eat before you go out to a party. Plan ahead to have a meal before you hit the grocery store.

Plan ahead to meal prep food that's baked instead of friend. It all comes back to setting yourself up for success in weight loss, and weight maintenance. If you fail to plan, you plan to fail. If you're looking for some weight loss inspiration, look no further.

These transformation photos will have you jumping into the gym before you know it. Taking photos can be a great way to inspire yourself along your journey. Some days can be discouraging, and it's helpful too look back on how far you've come.

You'll be amazed at the progress you've made when you revisit the photos later. Your pizza, wings, beer and football-on-the-couch-all-day friends are fun for somethings, but not everything.

Research has suggested that friends can enhance or hurt success. Join a running club or try out a group fitness class to make some active friends.

It's not selfish to want to make yourself better. Though it may feel uncomfortable to choose yourself over family or friends, it's important to make sure you're the best you can be to be able to care for others.

Prioritize self care to keep yourself in a good headspace, and be selfish with your time. Your friends and family will understand if you skip out on a few things to hit the gym.

Fiber fills you up and helps you stay full, and it keepseverything moving smoothly when it comes to digestion. According to the Mayo Clinic , men should aim for 30 to 38 grams of fiber per day. Avocados, lentils, oatmeal, raspberries, peas, and whole-wheat spaghetti are all great sources of fiber.

If you struggle to get enough in, your doctor may recommend a supplement. The sugar presentations in middle school health class on soda are, unfortunately, very real.

Those shown to reduce belly fat include members of the Lactobacillus family, such as Lactobacillus fermentum , Lactobacillus amylovorus , and Lactobacillus gasseri 61 , 62 , 63 , However, while probiotics may be beneficial for weight loss , more research is needed.

Taking probiotic supplements may help promote a healthy digestive system. Studies also suggest that beneficial gut bacteria may help promote weight loss.

Intermittent fasting has recently become very popular as a weight loss method. One popular method involves hour fasts once or twice per week. Another consists of fasting every day for 16 hours and eating all your food within an 8-hour period. One study found that combining intermittent fasting with protein pacing — which involves consuming nutrient-dense meals spaced evenly throughout the day — led to greater reductions in body weight, total fat, and visceral fat compared to calorie restriction Although certain modified intermittent fasting methods appear to be better options, stop fasting immediately if you experience any negative effects.

Additionally, talk with a doctor before trying intermittent fasting or making other changes to your diet. Intermittent fasting is an eating pattern that alternates between periods of eating and fasting.

Studies suggest that it may be one of the most effective ways to lose weight and belly fat. Green tea is an exceptionally healthy beverage. It contains caffeine and the antioxidant epigallocatechin gallate EGCG , which appear to boost metabolism 68 , EGCG is a catechin, which several studies suggest may help you lose belly fat.

The effect may be strengthened when green tea consumption is combined with exercise 70 , 71 , Interestingly, one review concluded that green tea could increase weight loss, especially when consumed in doses of less than milligrams per day for 12 weeks Another review showed that regular consumption of green tea could be beneficial for reducing body weight and waist circumference Though more research is needed, regularly drinking green tea has been linked to weight loss.

Interestingly, many of these methods are generally associated with balanced eating and an overall healthy lifestyle. Therefore, changing your lifestyle for the long term is the key to losing your belly fat and keeping it off. When you have healthy habits, stay active, and reduce your intake of ultra-processed foods , fat loss tends to follow as a natural side effect Losing weight and keeping it off may be difficult unless you maintain consistent dietary habits and lifestyle measures.

Studies suggest that intermittent fasting may be one of the most effective ways to lose weight and belly fat. While there are healthy ways to lose weight, it will likely take longer than 7 days.

There are no magic solutions to losing belly fat. Adopting some or all of the strategies and lifestyle goals discussed in this article may help you lose belly fat and improve overall health.

Our experts continually monitor the health and wellness space, and we update our articles when new information becomes available. VIEW ALL HISTORY. Belly fat is the most harmful fat in your body, linked to many diseases.

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New research suggests that running may not aid much with weight loss, but it can help you keep from gaining weight as you age. Here's why. A Quiz for Teens Are You a Workaholic? How Well Do You Sleep? Health Conditions Discover Plan Connect. Nutrition Evidence Based 18 Effective Tips to Lose Belly Fat Backed by Science.

Medically reviewed by Adam Bernstein, MD, ScD — By Franziska Spritzler — Updated on November 30, Was this helpful?

Eat plenty of soluble fiber. Avoid foods that contain trans fats. Moderate your alcohol intake. Eat a high protein diet. Reduce your stress levels. Explore our top resources. Do aerobic exercise cardio.

To support a healthy sleep cycle , stick to a regular sleep schedule, limit your intake of caffeine in the evening, and minimize your use of electronic devices before bed.

Getting enough sleep may help reduce your appetite and hunger levels, as well as lower your risk of weight gain.

Although it may seem counterintuitive, increasing your intake of healthy fats may prevent weight gain. A month study associated following a Mediterranean diet rich in healthy fats from olive oil and nuts with greater long-term weight loss, compared with a low fat diet Another review linked diets enriched with olive oil to greater reductions in body weight and belly fat compared with diets without olive oil Olive oil, coconut oil, avocados, nuts, and seeds are just a few examples of nutritious fats that can benefit your health.

Instead of eating more fat overall, try swapping fried foods, processed ingredients, and refined oils for the healthy varieties above. A higher intake of healthy fats, such as olive oil and nuts, is associated with a lower risk of weight gain.

Swapping out sugary drinks for healthier selections is one of the easiest ways to promote long-term, sustainable fat loss. For example, sugar-sweetened beverages like soda are often packed with calories and offer little nutritional value. Alcohol is also high in calories and may lower inhibitions, which may increase your risk of overeating Studies have associated drinking both sugar-sweetened beverages and alcohol with a higher risk of excess belly fat 18 , Instead, opt for calorie-free beverages like water or unsweetened green tea.

According to one small study in 14 young men, drinking 1 pint mL of water before a meal increased feelings of fullness, reduced hunger, and decreased the number of calories eaten during the meal Alternatively, green tea contains caffeine and is rich in antioxidants, both of which may help increase fat burning and metabolism 21 , Sugar-sweetened beverages and alcoholic drinks may be linked to a higher risk of increased belly fat.

Replace them with green tea or water, which have been shown to increase weight loss and fat burning. Soluble fiber — which is found in plant foods — absorbs water and moves through your digestive tract slowly, helping you feel full for longer According to some studies, increasing your intake of high fiber foods may protect against weight gain.

These foods include fruits, vegetables, legumes, whole grains, nuts, and seeds. For example, one study in people tied eating more fiber to increased weight loss and improved dietary adherence Another review found that increasing soluble fiber intake significantly decreased body weight and belly fat, independent of calorie intake Upping your fiber intake by consuming foods like fresh fruits, veggies, and legumes may boost fat loss, feelings of fullness, and weight loss.

Decreasing your intake of refined carbs may help you lose extra body fat. Refined carbs also tend to have a high glycemic index GI , which may cause spikes and crashes in blood sugar levels that lead to increased hunger.

Conversely, diets high in whole grains are tied to a lower body mass index BMI and body weight, plus a smaller waist circumference Aim to replace refined carbs from pastries, processed foods, pastas, white breads, and breakfast cereals with whole grains like whole wheat, quinoa, buckwheat, barley, and oats.

Cardio, also known as aerobic exercise, is one of the most common forms of exercise. Adding cardio to your routine may be one of the most effective ways to enhance fat burning and weight loss. For example, one review of 15 studies tied increased aerobic exercise to decreased belly fat in middle-age women Other studies have found that aerobic exercise may increase muscle mass and decrease belly fat, waist circumference, and body fat 32 , 33 , Most research recommends — minutes of moderate to vigorous exercise per week, or roughly 20—40 minutes of cardio each day Running, walking, cycling, and swimming are just a few examples of cardio workouts.

Studies show that the more aerobic exercise people get, the more body fat they tend to lose. Cardio may also help reduce waist circumference and increase muscle mass.

The caffeine in coffee stimulates your central nervous system, increases metabolism, and boosts the breakdown of fatty acids Caffeine has also been shown to enhance fat burning during aerobic exercise, particularly for those who are untrained or sedentary One large review of 12 studies associated increased coffee intake with a lower risk of obesity, especially for men.

Another study including 2, people linked higher caffeine intake to a higher rate of success with weight loss maintenance 38 , To maximize the health benefits of coffee, avoid adding large amounts of cream and sugar. Instead, enjoy it black or with a small splash of milk.

Coffee contains caffeine, which may boost metabolism and fat breakdown. Studies suggest that high caffeine intake may aid weight loss. High intensity interval training HIIT is a form of exercise that pairs quick bursts of activity with short recovery periods to keep your heart rate elevated.

Studies show that HIIT is incredibly effective at ramping up fat burning and promoting sustainable weight loss. One review found that doing HIIT 3 times weekly for an average of 10 weeks significantly reduced body fat mass and waist circumference For an easy way to get started, try alternating between walking and jogging or sprinting for 30 seconds at a time.

You can also cycle between exercises like burpees, pushups, or squats with short rest periods in between. HIIT may increase fat burning and help you expend more calories in a shorter period than other forms of exercise. Probiotics are a type of beneficial bacteria found in your digestive tract.

In fact, these bacteria have been shown to play a role in everything from immunity to mental health Sleep needs can vary by individual, so adjust higher if seven doesn't quite feel like enough.

You have many different options when it comes to losing fat at home. You could try walking, running, high-intensity interval training or bodyweight training, all of which have studies to back up their fat loss capabilities.

You might also try adjusting your diet. Eat foods that are low in saturated fat and sugar and ones that can keep you full longer.

Opt for high-protein or low-calorie foods like grilled chicken, beans, eggs or green tea. You can also try intermittent fasting. Finally, make sure you are getting enough sleep. A good amount of sleep is also associated with fat loss. Fitness Equipment. Fitness Accessories. Fitness Tech.

Fitness Nutrition. Why You Can Trust CNET. Wellness Fitness. You Don't Need the Gym to Lose Body Fat. Michelle Honeyager Contributor. See full bio. Michelle Honeyager. Medically Reviewed.

Reviewed by: Valerie Cholet. Valerie Cholet is a Professor of Kinesiology. She earned her doctorate at Penn State University and has taught in higher education for over 20 years. Her areas of specialization include Exercise Physiology, Exercise Prescription, Health and Physical Education, Philosophy of Women in Sport, and Embodied Philosophy.

Expertise Exercise physiology, exercise prescription, health and physical education, philosophy of women in sport, and embodied philosophy. Education Penn State University, DEd in Adult Education and Teaching Arcadia University, MS in Elementary Education Penn State University, BS in Kinesiology and Exercise Science.

See more. The information contained in this article is for educational and informational purposes only and is not intended as health or medical advice. Always consult a physician or other qualified health provider regarding any questions you may have about a medical condition or health objectives.

Fitness Guides Fitness Equipment. Best Elliptical Best Treadmill Best Rowing Machine Best Exercise Bike Best Peloton Alternative Best Adjustable Dumbbells Best Home Exercise Equipment Best Smart Home Gym Workouts. As soon as we are being kept from calories, which are literally the life energy for our bodies, it will do things to survive.

Our body knows what foods are higher in energy density, and we will crave those more. This goes against many of the dieting tactics, but those tactics truly don't work well for people in the long term.

I generally recommend eating every four hours. This simple tip works in two ways. Thirst can mask itself as hunger, causing you to eat more. And water makes you feel fuller, causing you to eat less during a meal. When you switch the portions of grains and vegetables on your plate, you'll see a difference.

The only caveat: Potatoes, corn, and peas are starchy vegetables , so they go in the grains category. A great starting point for mostly sedentary people is to get a step counter and see how much you walk on a normal day. Then set a step goal slightly higher than the norm and strive for that, working your way up slowly to a goal of 10, steps per day.

Prioritizing those and letting go of all the minutiae that contribute to overwhelm will make reaching your goals feel easier and more sustainable. On the nutrition front, pay attention to calories, protein, and fiber.

For exercise, prioritize strength training , daily steps, and recovery. To help you gauge progress that might not be reflected on the scale, take regular photos and measurements, in addition to keeping a running list of nonscale victories. This will help keep the scale in perspective and show you all the positive changes you're making to your health and overall lifestyle.

Protein is digested slowly and suppresses hunger hormones, helping keep you full. Additionally, a high-protein breakfast helps curb cravings later in the day. Pair protein foods with fiber and healthy fats, like two eggs with whole-wheat toast and avocado or high-protein frozen waffles with nuts, berries , and a little maple syrup.

Protein slows down the digestive process and positively impacts your hunger hormones. Protein can also do better at staving off hunger than carbohydrates. Protein-rich foods include quinoa , edamame , beans, seeds, nuts, eggs, yogurt, cheese, tofu, lentil pasta, poultry, fish, and meat.

Palumbo, RDN , a nutrition consultant from Naperville, Illinois. They tend to contain large amounts of added sugars, fats and salt. Research suggests that people can take in up to more calories a day when they're offered unlimited amounts of ultra-processed foods compared to unprocessed foods.

Eating high-glycemic carbohydrate foods like white potatoes and refined bread, especially when eaten alone, will cause a surge in blood sugar, followed by a quick drop. This leaves you feeling hungry and wanting more food. More long-term studies are needed, but short-term studies provide evidence there is a connection.

High-glycemic foods are not totally off-limits though. When you work with a registered dietitian-nutritionist, we provide individualized ways to help you balance nutrients to prevent spikes in blood sugar, which can help with curbing appetite.

According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention CDC , only about 12 percent of the U. population is meeting their fruit intake and only 10 percent is meeting their vegetable intake.

Using fruits for dessert will help you meet your daily requirements but also add flavor to your day. Many fruits can be sauteed, grilled, or baked.

For example, grilled peach topped with vanilla yogurt and shaved almonds is amazing! A study published in November in the journal Nutrients found that subjects who were given small breakfast and large dinners lost significantly less weight than those assigned to a large breakfast and a smaller dinner.

So here we see how smaller meals in the latter part of the day may be an advantage to those who want to lose weight and improve overall health. The interesting thing about this study was the time the dinner was eaten.

They found that eating the main meal larger meal too late after 3 p. was associated with difficulty with losing weight. Each person has individual needs, which may require additional snacks and food, such as those who are pregnant, are breastfeeding, have diabetes, or take medication that require certain foods.

This is why it is so important that you seek a consultation with a registered dietitian nutritionist. I'm such a fan of the concept that I wrote a book about it! Taking 5 to 10 minutes over the weekend to write out a menu for the week ahead will save you time, money, and unwanted calories down the road.

Not sure what to make for dinner tonight? No worries, it's already on your menu plan. Menu planning is a great way to stay organized, and know what groceries you need to buy and what you already have on hand, and it will help ensure a balanced plate.

Keep in mind, a night off from cooking and ordering takeout or making a frozen meal is a totally acceptable part of the menu plan. The benefit is knowing ahead that you'll be doing that so you're not scrounging when hunger sets in.

And be sure to write down the plan — you're more likely to stick to it if it's in front of you as a reminder. Jessica Levinson, MS, RDN, CDN , a culinary nutrition and communications dietitian based in Westchester County, New York.

Knowing in advance what you need to purchase at the supermarket will save you time, reduce food waste, and prevent you from purchasing items that look appealing but you don't actually need. To stick with your list, avoid shopping when hungry.

Research shows an increase in impulsive behavior at that time. Some staple ingredients I recommend having in your pantry, fridge, and freezer are low-sodium canned beans, canned fish, tomato sauce, whole-grain pasta, quinoa , brown rice, low-sodium stock, low-fat plain yogurt, a variety of fresh and frozen fruit and vegetables, olive oil, and dried herbs and spices.

These are just some of the ingredients that can form the base of a healthy and delicious meal. For example, a seasoned cast-iron skillet is one of my favorite pans to cook eggs, saute vegetables, and make pancakes, since I don't have to use as much oil or butter to keep food from sticking.

Some of my other favorite kitchen tools are an immersion blender, Instant Pot, baking sheets, measuring cups and spoons, and a hand juicer.