7 steps to cut the fat and lose that baby belly for good!

It’s a tough fact but many women simply become ‘fat magnets’ thanks to the hormonal changes that occur during critical phases of our life cycle.

And pregnancy and childbirth are one of those ‘critical life phases’. Pregnancy naturally causes Cortisol (the ‘fat around the middle’ hormone) to rise as the pregnancy progresses. And after having a baby, the stressful demands of early motherhood combined with a lack of rest and sleep can keep Cortisol levels elevated. Not a great scenario for fat loss. That’s why, if the focus is mainly placed on increasing exercise as a solution for losing that baby belly, we're totally missing the point!

Let's face it - there's no magic pill. Long-lasting fat loss is best achieved by a change in your outlook and a burning desire to change your lifestyle habits including: managing and reducing your stress levels, a change in eating strategy and habits, and lastly an increase in effective exercise.

To get you started, here's 7 key steps to put you on track to losing that baby belly for good!

1. CUT your intake of starchy, refined, processed carbohydrates (rice, pasta, bread and potatoes). This is the ultimate key to the fat loss kingdom! Reduce these items dramatically and you’ll see an amazing difference to your waistline within a week.
2. DRINK MORE WATER and herbal teas. Water and being well-hydrated is vital to fat loss. Your goal (depends on your body weight) but is usually around 1.5-2 litres per day.
3. AVOID SUGAR where possible! You have to work hard at this one, but it’s worth it, again, controlling your blood sugar is vital to preventing the mechanism which causes you to store fat.
4. AVOID or really minimise DRINKING ALCOHOL where possible! See point 3. Also when alcohol is in your system, your fat burning potential takes a total nose-dive!
5. DUMP the junk and processed food. You know why! Full of trans fats, sugar, salt and who only knows what else. Eating processed food won't take you towards your fat loss goals - end of story!
6. Eat much more protein and let protein and vegetables dominate EVERY MEAL. The starchy carb portion of your meal needs to be the least visible on your plate. Controlling your starchy carb and sugar intake will have a huge effect on your progress. 
7. BE CONSISTENT. Do all of above most of the time and you will be successful! Just stick with your program 6 days per week and chill out on the 7th – simple!

With special thanks to: Jenny Burrell, at Burrell Education: www.burrelleducation.com