Body fat storage is necessary for nutrient absorption and is responsible for insulating your organs. Although you can’t stop your body from storing fat, you can cut the storage to a healthy amount. If you are obese or overweight, you can benefit from reducing body fat, which will help prevent chronic conditions like high blood pressure and back pain. Most people who need to lose weight can gain health benefits by reducing their body fat by 5 percent, according to the U.K.'s National Institutes for Health and Clinical Excellence.
Evaluate your diet. Check and make sure your diet consist of whole grains, fruit, beans and vegetables. This will insure you are getting complex carbs, protein, vitamins and fiber in your system. Get rid of processed foods; their high calories are from solid fats and added sugar, which lacks nutrients and may lead to weight gain. Swap out your unhealthy carbs such as white flour and white rice for wheat flour and brown rice.
Eat breakfast. Your morning meal gets you started for the day. According to Mary L. Gavin, M.D., if you skip breakfast, you are likely to eat more calories during the day. Aim for five to six smaller meals, which will keep your metabolism active and give you energy.
Exercise regularly. Combine weight training with cardiovascular exercise. Muscle fiber makes your metabolism work harder, and cardio helps burn fat. Aim to exercise at least three times a week, and participate in exercise classes if you are new to working out.
Drink green tea regularly. According to a study published in “The American Journal of Clinical Nutrition” in 2005, ingesting a compound found in green tea called catechins can help reduce body fat. The results showed that 690 milligrams of catechins daily helped reduce body fat in the study participants. A 6-ounce cup of tea contains 235 milligrams of catechins, reports the USDA.
- MayoClinic.com: Body Fat: What Happens To Lost Fat?
- The American Journal of Clinical Nutrition: Ingestion Of A Tea Rich In Catechins Leads To A Reduction In Body Fat And Malondialdehyde-modified LDL In Men.
- HelpGuide.org: Healthy Eating
- National Health Service: What Are The Benefits Of Losing Weight?
- ChooseMyPlate.gov: What Are Empty Calories?
- KidsHealth.org: How Can I Speed Up My Metabolism
- USDA: Brewing Up the Latest Tea Research
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