Is Counting Calories Really All We Need to Get a Flatter Stomach?

Mostly every healthy adult contemplates what they put in their body, as well as how much of it. When it comes to eating for successful weight loss we know that not every diet was created equally. However, a recent study shows that popular diet trends that instruct to eat small but frequently throughout the day are not able to achieve effective weight loss results. We know that dieting plays a major role whenever patients desire a flat and toned stomach, so we always encourage healthy nutrition and fitness, especially potential tummy tuck patients. With hopes to inspire you to achieve your slimming stomach goals we will discuss the best options to help you get there.

Settle On a Goal

If you decide to go on a diet, juice cleanses or weight loss plan, you should think about the reasons why you are going to put your body through it. Are you trying to lose weight? Do you feel you are lacking energy? Do you want a flatter stomach? Eliminating meals, adding meals or juice cleanses are probably not the best option to initiate weight loss or increase metabolism. It is best that you settle on counting calories to achieve the desired weight you want to be.

Research presented to the Society for Endocrinology suggests that counting calories is all that should matter when it comes to losing weight, for men and women. Most diet experts claim that eating small meals but constantly throughout the day is what overweight adults should follow, but researchers from the University of Warwick found this method ineffective to lose weight.

Their study consisted of 24 lean and obese women who were given two or five meals on separate days, eating the same number of calories each day. Their energy expenditure was also monitored using whole body monitor calorimeters, and results found that regardless of the number of meals they had, obese and lean women burned the same number of calories per day.

However, those who ate more meals found higher levels of endotoxins, bacteria in the stomach from low level inflammation after consuming a high fat meal. This type of inflammation has been linked to the risk of developing cardiovascular disease and type 2 diabetes. Researchers concluded that the size and frequency of a meal does not affect the amount of calories burned a day, and those who were overweight exacerbate their risk of metabolic diseases by eating more meals per day which introduced more endotoxins in blood circulation.

How Many Calories Should I Consume?

The number of calories people should consume per day varies around the world, but calorie counting should take place especially if you are overweight. If you are at a healthy weight, males should consume 2,700 calories per day and females 2,200 calories per day. However, those who embark on a weight loss plan should use up more calories than consumed. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention measures one pound to be equivalent to 3,500 calories, and by reducing caloric intake you can influence weight loss. Setting a goal of reducing 500 to 1,000 calories on total calories consumed per day encourages the person to lose one to two pounds per week. However, calories must always be counted to ensure you do not go over your daily limit.

If your mission is to lose weight and get a flatter tummy then talk to Dr. Traci Temmen to determine what you need to do to get there. Eating small meals and constantly throughout the day may no longer be the norm, but counting calories is here to stay. If you are within reach of your weight loss goal then consult with Dr. Temmen to find out if you can benefit from a tummy tuck to get a flatter and tighter stomach.