Sugar is Evil - Lose It and the Belly

To re-cap, insulin is a hormone released from the pancreas. When simple carbohydrates, low glycemic index foods, sugarey and processed foods are eaten, glucose or sugar levels in the blood rise quickly. The high sugar levels promote the release of insulin. Insulin pulls the sugar in the blood into the cells and fat cells (ugh, feeding the fat cells), however, whatever sugar is left over will be stored in the liver and muscles as glycogen. And whatever sugar is left over from that will be stored as FAT! Insulin is most likely the reason for your belly or increased abdominal girth. If you take a look at people with insulin resistance, they have jelly bellies.

After inhaling a sugar laden meal, insulin levels rise and can remain elevated for several hours of that day. Remember, when insulin is present, glucagon is not. Glucagon, another hormone secreted by the pancreas, causes the breakdown of the sugar stored in the liver and muscles. When blood sugar levels are low, glucagon is secreted by the powerful pancreas. Glucagon breaks the stored fat on your belly into glucose for the cell to use.

We want blood sugar levels to be low so that glucagon can be released. When blood sugar levels are low, insulin cannot cause the body to store fat. Check out this fact: Obese people without diabetes usually have high insulin levels even with a normal blood sugar. It makes me think that insulin is the reason why they are obese - they are probablly developing insulin resistance. So by lowering insulin levels, you will lose belly fat.

What to do? What to eat? Essentially stay away from high glycemic index foods like simple carbohydrates, sugar, certain fruits, and root veggies - like potatoes. Stay away from sauces, soups, and salad dressings - these things are loaded with hidden sugars. Don't drink juice or soda. Diet soda is okay, but in moderation.

Eat low glycemic foods like beans, leafy green vegetables, and whole grains. Lean meats - chicken, turkey, and fish. You can have coffee with fake sugar or sugar substitutes. Lastly, make sure you eat every three hours - this way you produce less insulin than you would if you had just one large meal.

You don't have to count calories, sugar, fats, or proteins. Just follow the guidelines stated above. Eat every three hours and have no second helpings of food. Don't eat after 8pm.

Be sure to tell me how it went for you.