Getting Enough Sleep is Key to Achieving Flat Abs

If you ask anyone who is trying to lose weight, you will most likely hear that most people desperately want to get rid of their belly fat. As a health coach, certified wellness practitioner, and yoga teacher, having flat abs for so many of my clients and students are a long sought after goal. It is very true that flat abs begin in the kitchen, with healthy clean eating, along with sweat and hard work in the form of cardio exercises to burn calories and fat. However, one of the most common misconceptions that most people seem to overlook is the importance of getting enough sleep.

In order to lose weight, maintain a healthy weight, and get well-defined abs, you must also make sure you get enough sleep each night. Getting an adequate amount of sleep each night as well as controlling stress is very important if you are trying to burn fat and get lean. If you are not getting enough sleep, more than likely your stress level will increase, which will also raise your cortisol level, and increase the production of body fat. Chronic stress can trigger cortisol and allow the body to store fat in the abdomen, which can make losing belly fat very difficult.

There are two types of body fat and one of them is very difficult to lose, but not impossible. Subcutaneous fat is the excess fat that we can have on our belly, thighs, arms, back, and legs. This type of fat is the easier of the two types of body fats to lose. The second type of body fat is visceral fat. Visceral fat can be very difficult to lose, and can cause significant health problems which include heart disease, stroke, and type 2 diabetes. The main reason visceral fat is so difficult to get rid of is because this type of fat surrounds the internal organs such as the liver, pancreas, and small and large intestines.

Remember, if you are trying to get rid of belly fat, you must control your stress levels, eat healthy clean foods, avoid high amounts of processed foods and sugar, and make certain you get enough sleep. When we do not get enough sleep, we can feel groggy, less productive, and increase our risk of getting chronic diseases. If falling asleep and staying asleep is a difficult for you, try yoga and meditation at least twice a week. If either of these suggestions do not work for you, here are some suggestions and new sleep products that can help you fall asleep faster and stay asleep.

I hope one or more of these suggestions, apps, and new technology can help you get some restful sleep and help you reach your health and wellness goals! Remember, when you are trying something new, consistency is key to making long-term changes.