There are many areas you can investigate as to where your fat cells are getting what they need to grow unexpectantly.

Now keep in mind, if there are any drastic changes within a short period of time, please be sure to speak with your medical care provider. Gaining fat can be a symptom of something else happening within your body.

Otherwise, let’s assume some of the big ones.

• Stress
• Insulin resistance
• Menopause

The main one that really effects all of us, even though it may seem next to impossible to be is STRESS.

As you know, stress raises cortisol levels, which means you store fat easier, especially around your belly. Further, when you feel stressed it increases your cravings for sugar, which only exacerbates the problem.  And don’t forget about your sleep. If you aren’t sleeping, you are stressing — at least your body thinks so.

Then there’s INSULIN RESISTANCE — when your body doesn’t respond properly to insulin, resulting in a spike in blood sugar. Your body stops fat-burning, but at the time can increase inflammation.

One clue that you are insulin resistant is your waist size. A woman greater than 34 inches or a man greater than 40 inches around the waist.

Some other signs are triglycerides or cholesterol levels, or high fasting blood sugar.

The last is fabulous — MENOPAUSE; an imbalance or lowering of the sex hormones, which in women the average age is 50. For men, your hormones start changing around the age of 40.

However, there is still hope.

You can reduce or get rid of belly fat.

The K.I.S.S. ~ Get rid of belly fat!

The one way you can quickly see results is by lowering your sugar intake.

This is going to come by looking at added sugars. However, I would be very cautious about only seeing “added” sugars. You want to be aware of how your body responds when you eat sugar.

For example, if you experience a crash after eating carbs, then you might want to look at ALL carbohydrates, not just added sugars.

You need to really focus on how your body responds to sugar, all sugars, which means all carbohydrates whether natural sugars from fruit or synthetic sugars in a cupcake.

Yes, natural sugars can be tough on your body too. But remember, it’s how YOUR BODY responds, not the average.

This is just one area you can begin to get answers as to why you have belly fat, which then in turn will allow you to get rid of belly fat.

And please hear me. This is NOT an overnight fix. Getting rid of belly fat is going to take diligence and determination. Consistency is key!

The good news is you can get rid of belly fat if you have it.

“Train for life. Love your journey!“