The weather is warming up and soon you'll be ready to hit the beach. If you're stomach isn't quite as flat as you'd like it to be, you may feel self-conscious in your swimsuit. Not to worry. You can get a flat stomach naturally without having to resort to crazy diets or dangerous pills.

What Causes Excess Belly Fat?

 Many women and men are frustrated with their bodies because even though they work out, they can't get a flat stomach. Excess belly fat is often caused by stress. Stress releases cortisol, a fight-or-flight chemical that interferes with metabolic function. In an emergency situation, cortisol helps you fight or flee your way out of danger.

However, when stress is chronic, cortisol becomes counterproductive. Excessive cortisol levels can lead to impaired digestion, anxiety, adrenal fatigue, thyroid malfunction, and metabolic fluctuations. Oftentimes, chronic stress also leads to poor sleep. When you don't get enough sleep, it reduces your leptin levels. Leptin is a hormone, produced by several body organs, that tells your brain when you've had enough to eat.

 

Poor diet is another common contributor to belly fat. If you're eating a lot of prepackaged "diet" foods, you'll never get the flat belly you want. This is because these convenience foods are loaded with additives, preservatives, synthetic sweeteners, and trans fats that interfere with normal metabolic and immune system function. You can't exercise your way out of a bad diet, no matter what.

Speaking of exercise, a sedentary lifestyle is another reason you haven't been able to get those flat abs. If you're a bodybuilder who only does weight-training and crunches, you still may struggle with belly fat. This is because no matter how many curls and crunches you do, you're gaining strength but not toning down. You need cardio for that.

How to Get a Flat Stomach Naturally

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