Write an article based on this "Get enough sleep. Reduce stress. Limit alcohol consumption."
Although it may be surprising, getting enough sleep is actually hugely important when it comes to getting rid of belly fat. When you're tired, your body produces more ghrelin, which is a hunger-inducing hormone that stimulates cravings for sugar and fatty foods. In addition, lack of sleep messes with the production of other hormones, potentially leading to increased cortisol levels and insulin-sensitivity - both of which have been linked to belly fat. Therefore, you should try to get at least 7 or 8 hours of good quality sleep a night. If you're having difficulty, try to cut down on caffeine and avoid watching TV or working on your laptop before bed - read a book or have a relaxing bath instead. Studies have shown that increased levels of cortisol (a hormone caused by stress) are linked with high levels of belly fat. In addition, it is much easier to make poor food choices when you are stressed out, especially if you are extremely busy or tend to comfort eat. Therefore, it is important to reduce your stress levels in order to combat belly fat. Exercise can benefit hugely when it comes to stress reduction (and fat reduction), as can adequate sleep. You should also take some time for yourself to do things you enjoy. Read a book, go see a movie, or just spend more time with friends and family. Activities like meditation and yoga have also been found hugely beneficial in reducing stress. Heavy or regular drinking is not conducive to a flat tummy. This is true for several reasons: Alcoholic drinks ( beer and cocktails in particular) are high in calories. Therefore, simply by grabbing a couple of drinks after work you could be significantly increasing your total calorie intake. Drinking alcohol puts excess pressure on your liver, which has to work overtime just to clear the toxins from your system. This takes energy away from other important bodily processes such as burning fat and building muscle. You don't need to give up alcohol altogether, but try to limit your drinking to a Friday or Saturday night, and never binge drink. It's recommended that women consume 1 drink or less per day, and men consume 2 drinks or less per day. One drink is equal to 5 oz beer, 12 oz wine, or 1.5 oz liquor.