Health & Life

4 Unexpected Daily Habits that Increase Belly Fat

Eating on the go and without a fixed schedule can lead to excessive food consumption and stress on the digestive system.

Administrator

9 March, 2024

Unconcentrated eating

Eating absentmindedly, such as while watching TV or working on the computer, often leads to mindless eating, resulting in consuming excessive calories without realizing it. This behavior also diminishes the ability to accurately perceive the body’s fullness sensation.

According to nutritionist Destini Moody, a study found that people who eat while watching TV or eating on the go can consume up to 5 times more compared to when they eat without distraction. Eating without concentration hinders the brain’s effectiveness in signaling the stomach that you have eaten enough, leading to overeating. This not only triggers hunger pangs but also increases the appetite, resulting in excessive energy intake and ultimately, abdominal fat accumulation.

Unfocused eating can lead to excessive calorie intake

Inadequate water intake

If not getting enough water, the body’s calorie-burning process also slows down. Destini Moody points out, “Many studies have shown that we often mistake thirst for hunger. This can lead us to snack or eat more than necessary when all we need is water. Ensuring adequate hydration helps regulate unnecessary hunger pangs, helping us avoid unwanted calorie intake,” says Moody.

Overeating healthy foods

Eating large quantities, even when opting for nutritious foods, can still lead to excess energy accumulation and weight gain. Therefore, adjusting the amount of food consumed is an important factor in achieving healthy weight loss. “Nuts, seeds, and avocados are rich in antioxidants, nutrients, and beneficial unsaturated fats for cardiovascular health, and they are an integral part of a healthy diet. However, they are also calorically dense, so it is easy to consume more calories than necessary,” Moody emphasizes the need to moderate the consumption of these healthful foods, while adhering to the basic principle that calorie intake should be less than calorie burn.

Guilt-free eating

One of the main reasons for rapid weight gain is not having healthy meals prepared in advance. Eating unplanned can lead to loss of control over food intake and easy selection of unhealthy options. On the other hand, planning the menu for the next day and eating at the right time helps establish a regular eating pattern, supporting you in maintaining a healthy diet and getting closer to your weight loss goals.

“When you feel hungry and there is no readily available food, you tend to choose quick and convenient foods that are not good for your health. Planning your meals helps eliminate these poor choices and supports weight loss because you have complete control over the quantity and quality of the food you consume,” advises the expert.

Frequently asked questions

Not drinking enough water can slow down the body’s calorie-burning process. Thirst is often mistaken for hunger, leading to unnecessary snacking. Staying hydrated helps regulate hunger pangs and prevents unnecessary calorie intake.

Even nutritious foods, when consumed in large quantities, can result in excess energy intake and weight gain. It’s important to moderate consumption and ensure that calorie intake is less than calorie burn.

Eating unplanned meals can result in a loss of control over food choices, often leading to unhealthy options. Planning meals and eating at the right time helps establish a healthy eating pattern and supports weight loss goals by giving you control over the quantity and quality of your diet.