ARE "POT BELLIES" DANGEROUS?

Yes, they are!  Are you aware that a waist larger than 40 inches in men or 35 inches in women actually doubles the risk of dying of a heart attack or stroke?  Dr. Elizabeth Klodas, a cardiologist in Minneapolis, stated, "Abdominal fat changes the way our bodies work in profound ways."  Abdominal fat is different than the fat that just collects under the skin.  Excess abdominal fat sits deeper and hugs organs, produces hormones and other substances that increase the risk of heart disease, diabetes, some cancers, and dementia.  Dr. Klodas continues by saying, "This type of fat accumulation is a health emergency."  The experts suggest a good start on de-jellying the belly is to avoid empty calories from sodas, sports drinks, and beer.  I'm sure you have heard the term, "beer belly."  Guess what; research shows that beer lovers' nightly drinking really does cause a big unhealthy belly.

Personal notes:

1. Digestive problems can and do cause a large waist.  As most of my readers know, I have had serious digestive problems for many years.  This in itself is need for medical treatment!  I have often had a large middle that is hard as a rock.  That is not fat but should be under the care of a good gastroenterologist.  I have actually had major bowel surgery and woke up with thick bandages and still my waist was smaller than when I went in for surgery.  Digestive problems are another matter from the above but definitely need medical attention.
2. The above article mentions empty calories.  There are extensive articles on this site regarding empty calories and active calories.  One of the most important things you can do for yourself is to read these articles and be sure you are eating active calories everyday if not every meal!

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LOW CARB DIETING

Are you on a low-carb diet or avoiding carbs in your everyday meals? Do you have trouble zipping your jeans because of belly bloat? If so you might be surprised to know that your low-carb dieting may be the culprit and here's the reason why. The National Institute of Digestive Diseases says you need carbs to keep your system operating properly. They state that one of the key symptoms of belly bloat is constipation and constipation is a common side effect of a low-carb diet. In one of their studies 68% of the participants on a low-carb diet complained of constipation. Compare that to 30% for the general non-dieting population and 35% for dieters who ate more carbs. Many blame their belly bloat on eating carbs and therefore may be causing their problem by skipping necessary carbs.

Did you know that carbs can actually shrink fat cells, especially in the belly. They can also boost fat burning and curb cravings. Over the next few days I will talk more about carbs, good carbs and bad carbs and how each can effect your body. You might be surprised!

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PS - How many whole grains do you see here????

ONE MORE REASON TO EAT AN APPLE

Need to get rid of belly fat? Try choosing apples for snacks. Studies have shown that pectin, a fiber in apples, helps blast away belly fat. Not only is belly fat unattractive, it can lead to a whole series of health problems. Keep apples handy and grab one the next time you need a snack, especially if you are fighting belly fat.

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GREEN BEANS FOR INCHES OFF THE BELLY?

Research at Arizonia State University suggests eating a heaping cup of farm-fresh green beans daily could help you lose belly fat weekly. They suggest it is because green beans are packed with vitamin C, a nutrient that activates lipolysis, fat burn, inside the abominable fat cells. They didn't mention other vitamin C foods.

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LOSE INCHES WITH GRAPEFRUIT JUICE

Researchers at Vanderbilt University found it is possible to shed 2-inches from your waist by drinking a cup of grapefruit juice a day. In their study, those who enjoyed the sip before meals ate 600 fewer calories a day. The reason? Grapefruit juice is packed with healthy nutrients that boost satiety.

The downside is that grapefruit juice can cause problems with certain medications. If you have questions, speak with your doctor before drinking the juice daily.

WOMEN AND BELLY FAT

According to Jorge Cruise, author of The Belly Fat Cure, a diet low in sugar and simple carbs can help women lose as much as 4 to 9 pounds of belly fat a week. Do you swap a fast-food burger for a veggie burger? If so, beware. Did you know some, not all, veggie burgers are pumped full of sugar to make the flavor more appealing? If sugar is added to the patty, most buns contain sugar and often the toppings are loaded with sugar, you might be getting a sugar load you weren't expecting. Read the nutritional label on veggie burgers you buy to prepare at home and check on the nutritional facts if you are choosing a restaurant veggie burger.

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EAT WHOLE GRAINS TO REDUCE BELLY FAT

In spite of all the gluten-free rage going on right now, you need whole-grains!  Always eat whole-grain bread whether it is rye, oat, or whole-wheat, etc unless you medically cannot.  Brown rice is also a great whole-grain that will help lose that belly fat.  Another great whole grain is quinoa (that's keen-wah, if you have to ask for it) which is a complete protein.  Being a complete protein means it supplies all of the essential amino acids your body needs.  Eat some of these whole grains every day and watch that belly fat disappear.  Whole grains are also essential for diabetics.  Diabetics should never eat refined breads, pastas, rice; always go for the whole grain products.

NOTE: This is not to knock a gluten-free diet if that is what your doctor tells you to eat. Some people need to eat gluten-free but a majority of people do not and should not.

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REASONS TO EAT OATMEAL

If oatmeal is not a regular on your breakfast menu, it needs to be added.  Most people are aware that oatmeal is recommend highly as a breakfast food but many may not be sure why.  Most of us know that oatmeal is high in soluble fiber and many know that soluble fiber fights bad cholesterol.  But did you also know it burns belly fat?  If you are looking for ways to reduce belly fat, start eating a bowl of oatmeal everyday!  One thing you want to avoid though is the prepackaged sweetened oatmeal, the sugar content is too high.  Make your own oatmeal and add your own sweetness with fresh fruit or berries and some ground flax seed.   

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