HEALTH TIP: Think outside diet, exercise to reduce belly fat

By Lannell Beckles
Body by Beckles

According to conventional wisdom, eating right and exercising more will help you reduce abdominal fat. The hitch is that this seemingly simple prescription does not always work for everyone. This article will help you think outside of the diet-exercise dyad to find a customized solution that is right for you.

The abdominal region covers your most vital organs — the digestive system, liver, kidneys and reproductive organs. These organs are cushioned by fat layers. In times of stress, the body increases cortisol (a key stress hormone) production, which in turn causes additional fat deposits. A relaxed, nourished and healthy body will carry minimal abdominal fat.
There is a lot of debate about what a healthy, nutritious diet entails. One diet does not fit all. The key is to find a diet customized to every individual’s metabolism. It may not be the diet you are currently on. Understanding food intolerances and sensitivities is an important next step. If your digestive system isn’t functioning properly, you could be suffering from leaky gut syndrome, which will also increase cortisol
Cortisol will cause cravings, making you seek ways to “destress” If you’ve eaten a whole carton of ice cream, or a super-sized bag of potato chips without realizing it, then you understand this feeling. This stress response can also lead to abdominal fat, because we rarely binge on broccoli.
To find the right foods for your body, figure out the optimal ratio of macronutrients (carbohydrates, proteins and fats) for your body. Not everyone fits into the recommended 40-40-30 ratio (40 percent carbs, 40 percent protein, and 30 percent fat). You will find diverse macronutrient ranges from cultures around the world, which is a product of the foods naturally available in that region. When we consume chemically processed, mass-produced and out-of-season foods, our digestive system goes haywire and cortisol production is increased
I try to steer my clients towards eating like their ancestors. A rule of thumb is that if your ancestors were born closer to the equator, a carbohydrate-rich diet would be beneficial to you. A diet including a healthy amount of protein and fat would benefit those whose ancestry goes back to regions further from the equator.
Another rule of thumb is if you find yourself energized and ready to go after eating a carbohydrate-rich meal, then you can metabolize carbohydrates efficiently. However, an energy slump following a carb-rich meal is a signal that you must incorporate more protein and fat in your diet. This simple adjustment can help your body use its own fat as fuel.
In order to find your food sensitivities, find a qualified integrative health practitioner to order a food sensitivity test. My personal recommendation is an MRT (mediated response test). This test is designed to find out what foods you may be sensitive to. Along with your practitioner and the proper macronutrients, you will be able to conduct an elimination diet, bring your body back into balance and maintain the right diet for yourself.

Lanell Beckles, owner of Body by Beckles, is a certified strength and conditioning specialiast, and lifestyle coach. Along with helping people and athletes function optimally through performance training, he also educates and guides people in revamping their metabolism through lifestyle choices to be the best version of themselves.