Do you notice that your belly is flat or it has a lot of fat? As we all know our appearance is a matter of great concern. Putting a bit of weight makes us look round and fatty. And How can we forget our stomach, many habits makes us gain belly fat resulting in a fat tummy.
We develop a lot of habits as they give us a sense of comfort. But do you know? Many day to day habits can cost you your appearance. Knowingly or unknowingly we develop some habits that gives us a fatty belly!
Check out these 15 daily habits that results in belly fat.
1. Not sleeping enough
Staying up late at night has become a habit for most of the people. But do you know, researches have found that people who sleep five hours or less put 2 times more belly fat, while those who sleep more than eight hours pack on slightly less than that. Try to sleep for an average of six to seven hours of sound sleep per night, as this is the optimal amount for weight control.
2. Drinking diet sodas
Many of us have moved on from sugar-based soda to a non-sugar based soda, thinking that it would help your health. But, diet sodas contain their own dangers and side effects. In a study at University of Texas Health Center, researchers found that people who drank diet soda saw a 70 percent increase in waist circumference compared to those who didn’t drank any soda. So, think again, diet sodas make your belly ‘fat’ and not ‘flat’.
3.Eating off large plates
When given a chance, who would not fill the plate with those tasty barbeque platter or some crispy fried chicken. This means More food, more calories and more belly fat. Keep your eating portions small and in check by having smaller dishes. If need be, you can always go back for second.
4. Scrolling through social media in bed
With this overgrowing technical world, who wouldn’t have a social media account. The best time when we indulge in social media feeds is when we lay down comfortably in our bed. This often results in sleeplessness which leads you mindlessly eating, making you obese. And obesity welcomes Belly fat always.
So, try to avoid using your cellphone while in bed, read a book until you fell asleep.
5. Sitting too much
Sitting too will accumulate more calories, resulting in belly fat. Most people spend an extra seven to ten hours sitting at their desk, this will not make your body burn calories. A British study found that standing at work burned 50 more calories an hour than sitting. If you stand for just 3 hours everyday, in one year you’ll expend more than 30,000 extra calories- which means about 8 pounds of fat!
6. Distracted while eating
We eat for many reasons, but the main motive being a prompted physical hunger. Most of the people have a habit to focus on other work while eating. Which results in your more eating, you’ll even don’t know which food actually tasted good! This often leads to over eating which means having more calories that turn straight to belly fat.
7. Not drinking enough water
Adequate water intake is necessary for all your body functions. The more you drink water, the better your chances of preventing belly fat! German researchers found that 6 cups of cold water a day could prompt a metabolic boost that expiates 50 daily calories. That’s about 5 pounds a year!
8. Eating when you’re emotional
Many people doesn’t seem any solution in emotional stress than eating more food! A Journal of the American Dietetic Association found that emotional eaters were 13 times more likely to be overweight or obese. If you feel the urge to eat in response to emotional stress, then try chewing a piece of gum or chugging a glass of water. Create a response that doesn’t involve food so that you may not increase your belly fat.
9. Taking the elevator
If Your office is on 4th floor and you take the elevator, or when visiting a mall you always take the elevator, then you are doing a Big Mistake! Using the stairs burns twice as many calories, you can feel the difference in 6 weeks. Always try to excuse yourself to the stairs, this may be tough at first, but sooner or later you’ll see the results.
10. Sleeping too much
Sleeping too much may be an addiction for some. But it is directly associated with weight gain! Researchers found out that those who sleep more than eight hours a night packed on more belly fat, resulting in harmful consequences like heart disease, diabetes and stroke.
11. Having late Dinner
It has now become a trend to eat late at night. But do you know, when you eat early, you have more chances to burn calories than by eating late at night.
So remember the next time when you crave for a pizza, late at night! Stick to a consistent dinner time and try to go for a walk after dinner to burn extra calories.
12. Always eating out for lunch
If in your lunch break you have a habit to run out to a local spot, then chances are you’re eating up more calories, salt and sugar than if you just ate a lunch from home. Restaurant based foods are often loaded with extra sauces and belly-bloating sodium. So, think again before going to eat that burger or fries from a food joint down the block!
13. Always celebrating with food
Got promotion or shifted to a new apartment? Gotta celebrate with food and drinks! This habit would bring no good, as consuming the junk food, cookies and drinks would result in extra calories, rewarding a fatter belly. There are plenty of ways to celebrate without junk, just go on a trip with your friends!
14. Binge watching TV or a series
Time spent on Netflix than in gym is not a flat belly move, but it’s more of you packing on the pounds. Make most of you TV watching time by multitasking, an easy load of chores can bump your calorie burn, also if your hands are washing dishes then they won’t go in the popcorn bag!
15. Eating at your desk
You may think that it is beneficial to not take a break and eat at your desk, but eating at your desk isn’t doing favors to your waistline. The issue is that you eat distracted and consume up to 50 percent more calories than you intended. Just take a walk to the salad shop, and eat it there!
So act wisely, Try to reduce all the mentioned habits and see that you won’t gain extra belly fat.
To know more about belly fat, watch this video.
