A bulge that just wouldn’t budge – we all know a couple of those areas. It is interesting that fat doesn’t just bother people who are on the heavier side of the scale. Even people with otherwise perfect weight also struggle with losing fat from a particular area. All the diet and workout seems to ignore those problem areas. You can lose inches from everywhere but never from that one area, which can be your belly, arms, thighs, or flanks. This is not an uncommon scenario, and science has uncovered various reasons behind it.
According to science, fat in certain areas is more stubborn because of the higher concentration of alpha-receptors. These receptors can hinder the metabolism of fat. The subcutaneous fat, the layer right beneath our skin, tends to have more alpha-receptors. Areas with a higher level of subcutaneous fat are harder to tone. There are certain hormonal issues that may increase the number of alpha-receptors. It is why your workout and diet, despite working for other areas of your body, may not affect your problem areas.
Here’s a good news though – stubborn fat cells aren’t invincible. While it is difficult to get rid of stubborn fat cells, it is not entirely impossible. You just need to know the secret to target those stubborn fat cells.
We have got you covered!
Secret #1 – Cut Down on Artificial and Processed Sugar
Food is the key to our health. However, it is often assumed that losing fat can only be achieved with eating less. While in reality, it is not as much about how much you eat but what you eat. If you will consume more fats, you will store more fat. Fat, however, is not the only culprit here. Other ingredients in our food also hinder our body’s ability to break the fat down. The result is stored fat, which can become too stubborn.
Sugar plays a vital role in storing fat in your body but natural sugar isn’t as bad as artificial sweeteners. Several studies have shown that artificial sweeteners mess with our metabolism. The excessive amount of sweet can confuse the system. This includes the low-calorie sugar alternatives and the sweeteners used in juices and drinks.
Read labels. Avoid food that contains a high amount of preservatives and artificial flavors. Consider it the first step to prevent your fat from becoming too stubborn.
Secret #2 – More Fiber and Protein
Fiber and proteins are two nutrients that are not fat friendly at all. They can help you burn fat more easily than ever. A fiber-rich diet is often recommended for people who have hit a weight loss plateau. It can push the paddle on your body’s ability to metabolize fat. Part of the fat metabolism process is excretion of excess fat cells. Fiber improves digestion and expedites the rate at which our body excretes the excess. It serves as a good appetite suppressant and keeps you from accumulating more fat.
Similarly, a protein-rich diet helps you build lean muscle. It is a calorie-burning process that can put your metabolic rate in the next shift. Naturally, your body’s fat burning process also improves when the metabolic rate goes up. This means you will break down the fat cells you weren’t able to target before.
Secret #3 – Kill the Stress
It is a common misconception that mental stress will make you lose weight. While many people lose their appetite due to mental stress or lack of rest, the effect may be the opposite for others. Mental stress increases the amount of cortisol in our body. Cortisol is the hormone that can actually increase your appetite. That is where the term “stress eating” comes from – but that is not all.
The higher amount of cortisol can also redistribute the body fat to certain areas such as belly. This means you will find more fat accumulating around what we believe to be the most common problem area for most people. Therefore, it is important to manage stress. Your mental condition can be a direct contributor to your physical situation.
Yoga and meditation are great ways to deal with stress. Regular yoga has proven to create a significant difference in fat percentage and overall body weight.
Secret #4 – Increase the intensity
Exercise plays a role in burning your body fat. If it isn’t working for you, there’s a high chance you aren’t doing it right. Regular aerobics and cardio will keep your health and might prevent weight gain, but with stubborn fat, you need to take it up a notch.
Contrary to popular belief, high-intensity strength training can help you burn fat fast. It doesn’t bulk you up. It helps you build lean muscle, which means you will burn more calories and lose more fat. Don’t be scared to add some weights to your workout. Interestingly, it is a great way to scare the fat away. You can start by limiting weights to two or three times a week. Use weights when you are targeting muscles in your problem areas.
So, if your fat is too stubborn and you feel like you have hit a plateau, lift a dumbbell or two.
Secret #5 – Find Some Help
Let’s be honest here. All the perfectly toned bodies and magical transformation we see on television and social media around us, it’s not always all natural. There are many procedures and treatments that allow you to shed a layer of stubborn fat from the desired area. It is how many celebrities got their flat board tummy and admirable thigh gap.
There are many invasive and non-invasive fat reduction options. A few years ago, invasive procedures such as liposuction were the hype. Today, there are non-invasive options such as CoolSculpting. While there is nothing wrong in seeking professional help to get rid of the stubborn fat, the results can only be sustained by maintaining a healthy lifestyle.
Now You Know!
Now that you know the secret to losing stubborn fat, make the right moves and take the right decisions to get the body desire.
