13 Effective Ways to Lose Belly Fat

Everyone has belly fat, even if you're thin, but people with excess belly fat increases their risk of type 2 diabetes, certain types of cancer, and heart attack. Belly fat is a nuisance, difficult, takes time and work. Most of us don't want belly fat, muffin top, pot belly, love handles, or whatever you may call it. While there are many gimmicks on how to lose belly fat, with most being dangerous, there are many healthier and simpler ways to combat that stubborn mid section of yours.

Drinking water will keep your body hydrated and is essential to losing stomach fat fast. Drink a full glass of water before each meal, that way you don't overeat. The more water you drink, the more excess you'll flush out.

Exercising is a good way to lose calories and is effective in reducing belly fat.

No more fast food. Fast food is loaded with tons of calories and fat. Try a healthy, hearty salad instead.

Eating 5 small meals a day will prevent you from feeling hungry and overeating.

Stay away from sugary drinks and treats. Sugar isn't good for your body.

Eat a healthy breakfast every day. Skipping breakfast will slow down your metabolism in an effort to save energy and burn less calories.

Eat slowly. Take smaller bites and chew slowly, not fast, this leads to better digestion and prevent you from overeating.

Cut down on alcohol intake. Drinking too many alcoholic drinks can make you gain belly fat, because it slows down the body's natural fat burning process. Opt for a glass of red wine instead. It has tons of health benefits and is low in carbs.

Consume less salt. Salt makes the body retain water, so lower your sodium intake to reduce water retention.

Drink green tea regularly. It has less caffeine than coffee, contains large amounts of important nutrients, loaded with antioxidants, improved brain function, lower the risk of cancer and aid in fat loss.

Eat fat burning foods, like vegetables, seafood, whole grains, brown rice, lean poultry, egg whites, and skim milk. The key to losing belly fat is nutrition and overall fitness.

Get more sleep. At least 6-7 hours of sleep every night helps.

Reduce your stress levels. Stress leads to emotional eating. Try meditation, or yoga.