So you have a problem in losing weight and in particular, getting rid of your belly fat? Your problem may be due to insulin resistance and a high level of the hormone called cortisol. Research has shown that high levels of cortisol stimulate the storage of fat around the tummy area.

There are several reasons why your cortisol level may be high and one of them is insulin. The more insulin you have in your bloodstream, the more cortisol you have. Thus as your insulin rises, your cortisol level rises proportionately.

Insulin resistance is when our bodies produce enough insulin to regulate the foods we eat, but is resisting the ability to absorb the insulin into the muscle cells in order to use carbohydrates as fuel for energy.

Thus begins the vicious cycle. Since our bodies resist the insulin feeding to our muscle cells, the hormone remains circulating in our bloodstream and creating havoc to our arteries and so our muscle turn to cannibalizing itself for energy. The problem is that the more muscles we lose, the lower our metabolic rate and when our metabolic rate is low, our bodies automatically burn less fat calories for energy. This is how many people put on unwanted weight.

This is the result of cortisol preventing our bodies from absorbing the insulin and so is breaking down the muscles into amino acids which can be converted into glucose by the liver. You are now left with less calorie burning muscle and more cortisol which in turn gives you a fat tummy. So in order to get rid of your belly fat and general body fat, you must reduce your cortisol level.

So what can you do to reduce your cortisol level without turning to harmful drugs? Well, simply avoid foods that have an impact on your blood sugar level. So a low carbohydrate diet is one of the answers to reduce your cortisol level. This is because carbohydrates when broken down is sugar and sugar raises the insulin level rapidly and thus your cortisol follow suit.

I am not asking you to avoid carbs completely, but choose your carbs wisely. Eat low glycemic carbs like high fiber bread instead of white bread or brown rice instead of polished processed white rice. Avoid high glycemic foods like cakes, pastries, chocolates and sweet stuffs that contain a lot of refined sugars such as soft drinks. Also abstain from foods that contain stimulants such as caffeine because as your caffeine consumption goes up, so does your cortisol.

Next, since cortisol is also known as the stress hormone, let it be known that any sort of stress will raise your cortisol level. Therefore, whenever possible, avoid stressful situations. Learn to say no when your work schedule becomes hectic. Finding ways to avoid stress by relaxation, meditation, going for walks and other means to bring down your stress level. In other words, be happy.

Be aware that intensive exercise is stressful to your body. Your body do not know whether your stress comes from work pressure, problems or from exercise. As long as it is under stress, then cortisol is being churned out in frightening numbers. So if you workout intensively in the gym, then get out early before your cortisol level builds up. So do not workout out intensively for more than 45 minutes each time. This is the reason why some people workout like crazy everyday for hours, but still can’t lose weight.

Next, get enough sleep. This is because when you don’t get enough sleep, your body will have to depend on cortisol to provide the energy it needs. Furthermore, not getting enough sleep is another form of stress which again increases cortisol production.

So if you want to get rid of your belly fat to get a flat stomach, then follow this guide together with healthy eating habits as well as a good exercise program and see your tummy getting flatter and flatter.

Author Bio: Chris Chew is a fitness, health and relationship consultant. Read his free articles at How To Eat And Lose Weight Off and How To Get Swimmers Physique

Category: Wellness, Fitness and Diet
Keywords: cortisol, tummy fat, belly fat, flat stomach, stress, insulin resistance