A Flat Tummy After 40 is Possible
A 57-year-old trainer, Jill Brown, shares her secrets to losing weight and getting abs after 40.
Bodies Change as We Age
Bodies change as we get older, and those changes need to be considered when setting diet and fitness goals. Brown acknowledged that it’s harder to slim down in midlife and that it’s necessary to keep body changes in mind.
Start with a Calorie Deficit
Brown promises that "you will see the belly fat start to melt" by starting with a calorie deficit and a diet packed with high-quality protein.
The Importance of Nutrition
"There’s an old saying in my field that goes, ‘Muscles are made in the gym and abs (or flat abs) are made in the kitchen,’" Brown said. "In order to get a flat stomach after 40, nutrition should be the number one priority. All the planks and fancy crunches in the world won’t burn a noticeable amount of fat off the belly."
Diet Tips
- Eat fewer calories and fat will be used to energy
- Prioritize high-quality protein with strategies to help you achieve a calorie deficit
- Store extra calories as fat to use when food is scarce
Exercise is Important Too
That being said, Brown stressed that you still need to work out if you want abs — or any muscle definition. Strength-building exercises are the name of the game.
Cardio is Not Enough
"Traditional cardio exercises like walking, jogging, elliptical machines, etc., done at a steady, comfortable pace, don’t build muscle, but they do burn calories," she said.
Think About Your Priorities
All of this may seem easier said than done, especially as people feel less energized in their 40s, 50s, and 60s than they did in their 20s or even 30s.
Conclusion
Adjusting your mindset can make a difference. Consider your priorities and whether you want flat abs for health or aesthetics. If your motivation is to blast visceral fat and live longer, you may be more likely to eat a bit better and move a bit more — which will take care of both kinds of fat.
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: What is the key to losing belly fat after 40?
A: Start with a calorie deficit and a diet packed with high-quality protein.
Q: Is exercise important for losing belly fat?
A: Yes, strength-building exercises are the name of the game.
Q: What is the best way to burn calories?
A: Traditional cardio exercises like walking, jogging, elliptical machines, etc., done at a steady, comfortable pace, don’t build muscle, but they do burn calories.
Q: How do I keep the fat off?
A: Make permanent lifestyle and habit changes. Not just a 60- or 90-day program where you go back to your old habits when you’re done.
