Contrary to popular belief, countless situps and crunches are not going to banish belly fat. Abs are made in the kitchen! Here are three science-based tips to help you shed excess weight on your waistline.
Pace Your Protein Intake
Protein isn’t just for elite athletes; it’s for anyone who wants to shed fat and gain muscle. And if abs are your goal, you first have to get rid of the excess fat covering them.
According to studies published by The New England Journal of Medicine, an increase in protein content and choosing foods with a lower glycemic index can support weight loss and weight maintenance. Protein requires more work for your body, or calories, to metabolize compared to carbohydrates. Protein-rich diets also help protect muscle mass during calorie restriction.
Getting the right amount and type of protein for your body type is crucial. Men’s Health explains that the standard guidelines recommend 0.8 grams of protein daily per kilogram of body weight. However, many athletes and those seeking weight loss have found a range of 1.2 to 1.6 grams per kilogram of body weight to be more effective.
But, the pursuit of protein doesn’t mean you need to eat all meat in sight. Once you have dialed in on the correct amount for your body type and activity level, look for protein sources that have high levels of branched-chain amino acids (BCAAs) to support muscle maintenance and growth. Whey protein, found in many Isagenix shakes and bars with 18-36 grams, has an excellent BCAA profile and is a science-supported option for fueling muscles. It’s also important to consider the timing of your protein intake throughout the day. For many people, this can be accomplished by consuming 20 to 40 grams of protein per meal or eating episode.
Shake Off Late-Night Cravings
Isagenix has the perfect evening cocktail. The Bedtime Belly Buster (BBB) can be made a few different ways, but one of the most popular combinations includes: IsaPro®, Sleep Support & Renewal™ spray, and Isagenix Fruits/Isagenix Greens™.
This powerful combo satisfies late-night cravings and provides nutrition to the body.
IsaPro supports metabolism by supplying the body with extra protein.
Sleep Support & Renewal helps you get the proper rest your body needs to recharge.† Irregular sleeping patterns are directly linked to weight gain, and you can’t push yourself in exercise if you are exhausted.
Isagenix Fruits (or Isagenix Greens™, depending on your preference) rounds the combination out by giving the body phytonutrients.
It’s amazing how quickly a late-night snack attack of cookies and candies can ruin an entire day’s worth of smart food choices and exercise. The Bedtime Belly Buster satisfies that craving to help you cruise toward your weight loss goals. Win-win, anyone?
Conquer Cleanse Days
One of the hardest parts of losing weight is sticking to diet and exercise plans. The split-second decision to give into junk food or blow off your gym class is easy to do. Cleanse Days with Isagenix involve abstaining from normal meals and foods and instead provide targeted nutritional support while fasting one or two days consecutively. At least two research studies have investigated Isagenix Cleanse Days as part of a weight loss system and found the Isagenix System is more effective for weight loss than a heart-healthy diet. One of the studies, conducted by Skidmore College, found that the men and women who followed the Isagenix System for 30 days managed to lose both belly and visceral fat.
While there is no magic bullet to ditching belly fat, there are strategies that can help you achieve your goal as effectively and efficiently as possible. So, spread your protein throughout the day, end the day with a Bedtime Belly Buster, and rock those Cleanse Days. Your abs will thank you!
Sources: Healthline, Harvard University, The New England Journal of Medicine, Men’s Health, Skidmore College Study.
†This statement has not been evaluated by the Food and Drug Administration. This product is not intended to diagnose, treat, cure, or prevent any disease.
