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Facts About Belly Fat

5 Things to Know About Losing Belly Fat, Straight From a VS Angel Trainer

Jun 16 2018

If you're eating right and exercising but still struggling to lose belly fat, you can take mild comfort in the fact that you're not alone. Belly fat is one of the trickiest places to lose fat, because it's easily affected by factors like stress and genetics. But that doesn't mean all hope is lost. POPSUGAR spoke to Victoria's Secret Angel trainer Justin Gelson, who works with the likes of Karlie Kloss, Irina Shayk, and Miranda Kerr, to get his best tips for losing belly fat.

Image Source: Unsplash / Mark Adriane

Avoid Stress

We know, we know — easier said than done. But stress is one of the main reasons we hold onto belly fat, according to Gelson. "Proper relaxation and meditation can allow our stomachs to be less bloated or have less puff," he said. "It's imperative that you give yourself a chance to stretch, relax, and meditate 10-15 minutes daily."

Image Source: Unsplash / Matthew Kane

Don't Eat After 8 P.M.

This tip is all about easing the stress you put on your digestive system. Gelson recommended eating five smaller meals a day and making sure to finish eating by 8 p.m. "This is gentler on digestion, because your stomach is never too full and this helps with relaxation while sleeping," he explained.

Image Source: Unsplash / Travis Yewell

Do Cardio

"Make sure you are doing interval training so that your metabolism speeds up and has opportunity to burn the calories necessary to alleviate pressure on the stomach area," Gelson said. Basically, he added, crunches don't work. You need proper cardio. This means any type of activity "where the brain, body, and metabolism connect," he said. Try one of these tried-and-true HIIT routines.

Image Source: Unsplash / Kevin Bhagat

Drink Lots of Water

Gelson recommends drinking a gallon of water per day. "Many of us are dehydrated throughout the day because we don't drink enough water," he said. When you drink enough water it helps clean out your system and flatten your belly, he explains. Also, sip your water — don't gulp it, he added.

Image Source: Unsplash / Joanna Kosinska

Eat Right For Your Blood Type

It's true what they say: abs are built in the kitchen. Gelson said that as much as 85 to 90 percent of your success will be based on your food choices. He recommended eating for your blood type, because it will help you "take out the negative foods that contribute to stomach fat."

The gist of the diet is that you follow a protocol tailored to your blood type, because that can help predict your body's reaction to stress and different foods. Read more about it here.

Image Source: Unsplash / Ana Tavares

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