ExerciseCaloriesAndWeightLoss.com

As you age, your metabolism slows down. Metabolism is the mechanism that burns fat. A slower metabolism means it takes less time to burn fat compared with a fast metabolism. What you eat has a lot to do with your metabolism. Foods high in sugar and saturated fats bog down your metabolism. Instead, you should be eating foods that are easily digestible with a low fat content so your body can burn off the consumed fuel at a steady pace, and reduce the amount of fat stored in your belly. Also, regular exercise is necessary to maintain your metabolism.

People who get stressed too often are more likely to have belly fat. While some short bursts of stress are beneficial to your body as they increase your adrenaline levels and boost your metabolism temporarily, chronic stress is a major predictor of belly fat. When you become stressed, your body produces cortisol, a hormone that stores fat in your abdominal region.

A lack of exercise is a definite reason some people gain weight around the midsection. However, if you are willing to put in the work, you can slim down with exercises to lose belly fat. When you exercise, you are also raising the levels of endorphins in your blood known as the 'feel good' hormones. Increasing your endorphin level is a great way to combat the evil hormone cortisol.

Exercises to Lose Belly Fat

1. Pilates Plank

Get into a push-up position. Lower your upper body onto your forearms while your lower body balances on your toes. Hold your body straight as a board in the plank position; so you are approximately 6 inches off the ground. Hold this position for at least 30 seconds. Repeat this exercise once every day, as you gradually increase your time to 1 1/2 minutes. This exercise is great for strengthening your stomach as well as your core muscles, which raises your metabolism.

2. Modified Crunches

Lay flat on your back. Extend your legs to a 90 degree angle as if you were sitting in a chair. Stretch your arms out along your sides so your hands are parallel next to your rear end. Raise your head so your shoulders are off the floor and squeeze your stomach muscles. Breathe in and out in deep breaths as you pump your arms up and down continuously; you should only move your arms in a space of 4 inches. Slowly extend each leg straight out at a 45 degree angle, hold for 3 seconds, and return to the 90 degree angle position. Repeat with the other leg, and continue pumping your arms and breathing. Do this for 12 reps each day, adding three more reps every week.

Belly-Busting Diet Plan

Eat five to six 250 to 300 calorie meals spaced evenly throughout the day. Include a lean protein, whole grain, and fruit or vegetable with each meal.

Have your first meal within 1 hour of waking up to get your metabolism started. Don't eat within four hours of bedtime to give your body time to burn off the fuel from your last meal.

Drink a glass of water with each meal and whenever you are hungry between meals. Add ice to your water as it takes more energy for your body to bring the water to room temperature, which increases your metabolism. You can add fat-free or low-fat milk to your meals in place of a lean protein, such as having a 1/2 cup glass of milk with 1 cup of whole grain cereal topped with 1/4 cup of fresh fruit. However, you should not drink milk in place of water as even fat-free milk contains a moderate amount of sugar. You should also drink unsweetened green tea at least three times a day, which is scientifically proven to increase belly-fat loss because it contains catechins.

Stop drinking sodas and alcohol. These provide empty calories that pack on the bulge without adding any nutritional value to your diet.

You can't lose belly fat with only exercise if you continue eating fatty foods. Likewise, you won't get rid of the existing belly fat if all you are doing is improving what you are currently eating. The best way to remove belly fat is to follow a routine of diet and exercise. Following a routine means you will have to stick to this combination of changes for the long term if you want to slim your waistline.