Is wanting a flat belly vanity?

Your so vain because you want to get rid of that belly? No, you are not. Actually, belly fat has a direct correlation to your overall health and life expectancy! So wanting a flat stomach isn't just a vanity thing, it's a health thing! A high hip to waist ratio (take your waist circumference in inches and divide it by your hip circumference measurement in inches, this is your hip to waist ratio) has been linked to health conditions like type 2 Diabetes, heart disease, depression, dementia, stroke and cancer! The fat around your waist is an indication of what is called visceral fat, which is a type of fat that wraps around your organs, causing damage and all sorts of health complications. If you have more fat stored than you need, especially around visceral organs like the liver, heart, kidneys, pancreas, and intestines, your body becomes inflamed and your metabolism suffers, making it a hard cycle to break out of and causing disease processes to start to build in the body.

Abs are made in the kitchen. The fact is, that there is one hormone in your body that tells your body to store fat, this is insulin. So foods and drink that spike your blood sugar also spike your insulin. Stick with foods that are low on the glycemic scale, proteins, healthy fats and leafy greens. Complex carbohydrates such as root vegetables and legumes should be limited, but because of the high fiber, are usually ok on the glycemic scale. Having two cups of fruit in a sitting may seem healthy....but I am sorry to report most fruits contain just as much fructose as a candy bar, so that means your insulin will be telling your body to store fat. Minimize fruit and stick to small servings of berries if you really want fruit. Sticking to a low glycemic index diet will keep those insulin levels low and in turn, your body will be happily burning fat for energy. Your visceral fat (which is normally the fat that is around your middle) will be the first to burn away and before you know it, you are going to see that belly melt away and improve your health and longevity!